Hurtado (New Testament language, literature and theology, U. of Edinburgh) explains what papyrologists, archeologists and paleographers have found in the early texts and artifacts and shows how the dimensions and configuration of these physical objects expressed first belief. He finds that according to such studies early Christianity was complex rather than simple, with regional variations and schools of theology emerging almost from the first days. Hurtado includes a comprehensive of early Christian texts and a nice set of monochrome photographs with his very accessible text. Annotation 2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
