Early Christianity in North Africa

Along with the churches located in large Greek cities of the East, the church of Carthage was particularly significant in the early centuries of Christian history. Initially, the Carthaginian church became known for its martyrs. Later, the North African church became further established and unified through the regular councils of its bishops. Finally, the church gained a reputation for its outstanding leaders--Tertullian of Carthage (c. 140-220), Cyprian of Carthage (195-258), and Augustine of Hippo (354-430)--African leaders who continued to be celebrated and remembered today. ""Martyrs, exegetes, catechumens, and councils enlarge this study of North African Christianity, a region often reduced to its dominant patristic personalities. Smither provides English readers a quality translation of an important book that captures the unique spirit of an invaluable chapter of church history."" --W. Brian Shelton, Toccoa Falls College ""Not only does Decret relay social history in a compelling style, he demonstrates political sophistication, theological subtlety, and ecclesiastical sensitivity toward Catholic, heretic, and pagan alike. In sum, this book is both a faithful rendering of history and a great read."" --Malcolm B. Yarnell III, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary ""I am grateful for Ed's work, which is a timely contribution on the continuing and increasing scholarship on the foundational place of early African classical Christianity. Though it was a Christianity befallen with shortcomings and challenges, without it the European churches and the global church would not be what they are today."" --Jones Kaleli, Liberty University ""Decret and Smither have recognized our dependence on North African] theologians and given us a thorough and well-presented introduction to that theology. They not only take the reader into that oft-ignored area, but they show why it is so important to appreciate that period."" --Thomas O'Loughlin, University of Wales Lampeter. ""Decret's study masterfully captures the feel and essence of early North African Christianity without sacrificing historical detail or evidence . . . Overall, the work presents not just excellent information, but also a wonderful model of historical argumentation and scholarship."" --David C. Alexander, Liberty Theological Seminary & Graduate School ""For over ten years Christians of the French-speaking world have had available to them Francois Decret's scholarly presentation of the roots, diverse history, expansion, and significant influence of the Christian Church in North Africa . . . And now at last Professor Ed Smither--church historian, theologian, and missiologist--has done the English speaking church an exceedingly great service by making this widely honored work available in English."" --John Douglas Morrison, Liberty University Francois Decret holds a PhD in History and is a recognized authority on early Christianity in North Africa. He has taught at the Universities of Oran (Algeria), Lyon (France), Antilles-Guyane (Caribbean), and the University of Latran (Rome). Edward Smither holds a PhD in Historical Theology from the University of Wales-Lampeter (UK). He has taught at the University of Tunis (Tunisia) and presently teaches at Liberty Theological Seminary.