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Church History (Volumes 1-3)

Chapter 5: HISTORY OF THE PREPARATION FOR CHRISTIANITY. The pre-Christian World preparing the way of the Christian Church.
By J. H. Kurtz
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A systematic survey sets out the aims and methods of church history and then traces the Christian movement from its preparatory roots and apostolic beginnings into the post-apostolic, ancient, medieval, Reformation, and modern periods. It frames the subject by distinguishing thematic branches and period divisions, examines the church’s interaction with surrounding cultures and institutions, and treats doctrinal, institutional, and social developments in tandem. The work also reviews primary sources and auxiliary disciplines, summarizes evolving approaches to ecclesiastical historiography, and provides guidance toward further reading and reference material for students and scholars.

HISTORY OF THE PREPARATION FOR CHRISTIANITY.
The pre-Christian World preparing the way of the Christian Church.

§ 6. The Standpoint of Universal History.

The middle point of the epochs and developments of the human race is the incarnation of God in Christ. With it begins, upon it rests, the fulness of the time (Gal. iv. 4), and toward it the whole pre-Christian history is directed as anticipatory or progressive. This preparation has its beginning in the very cradle of humanity, and is soon parted in the two directions of Heathenism and Judaism. In the former case we have the development of merely human powers and capacities; in the latter case this development is carried on by continuous divine revelation. Both courses of development, distinguished not only by the means, but also by the task undertaken and the end aimed at, run alongside of one another, until in the fulness of the time they are united in Christianity and contribute thereto the fruits and results of what was essential and characteristic in their several separate developments.