Is Early Christian History Reliable?

Is Early Christian History Reliable?

Dear Mr. Waddey:
How reliable are the historical references to the sufferings of the early Christians? I am reading Foxe's Book of Martyrs and wonder if it is dependable history.
- Glenda.

Dear Glenda:
In response to your inquiry about the historical accuracy of the early Christian records, like any other uninspired historical documents, those items must be used with discrimination. It is obvious that some of the accounts of the sufferings of martyrs are tinted with legend. As the church lost its roots and foundation in the third and fourth centuries, being martyred for Christ came to be thought of as a way of salvation. Many deluded believers rushed forward, eagerly seeking to be tortured and killed for their faith. This was obviously a distortion of what God expected of them. From that there grew up a kind of writing called martyrology, in which misguided authors sought to out do one another by the exaggerated tales they told about the miracles wrought by and for dying Christians. With all of the above, we should recognize that beyond the exaggerations and legends there is a true history of immense suffering by early Christians. The pagans perfected exquisite methods of torture to extract the greatest pain form their victims. Sadly, the corrupt medieval church took torture to the limits in its attempt to silence dissent and departure from their doctrine and authority.

As a general rule, early Christian writings of the second and third century, are far more reliable than the later writings. Protestant historians of the Reformation era are much more reliable than Catholic historians of the same period. Catholicism has always claimed fantastic miracles as a bolster and support for their system; and continues to do so even today.

Taken as a whole you can depend on most of what you read in Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Another wonderful book that chronicles the suffering of believers is "The Martyr's Mirror," a huge volume kept in print by the Mennonites.

The doctrinal beliefs and practices of the early Christians must be determined by the inspired record of the New Testament, the writings of the second and third century are helpful in illustrating that faith...and the departures that were already occurring from it.

Back -- or go -- Home