Original Christianity - Beyond Institutional Dogma

Would Jesus Christ Recognize Modern Christianity?What if the Christianity practiced today differs significantly from the message Jesus originally taught?For nearly two thousand years, the story of Christianity has been shaped by institutions, councils, creeds, and official doctrines. But what if important parts of the original story were forgotten, suppressed, mistranslated, or left out altogether?In this thought-provoking and deeply researched book, Mark Keenan explores the hidden history of early Christianity and examines whether the faith that emerged from the Roman Empire truly reflects the teachings of Jesus and his earliest followers.
Drawing upon biblical texts, early Christian writings, the Nag Hammadi discoveries, historical records, and comparative spiritual traditions, the book investigates some of the most fascinating and controversial questions in Christian history:. Why are nearly eighteen years of Jesus' life absent from the biblical record?. What do the Nag Hammadi manuscripts reveal about the diversity of early Christianity?.
Were important spiritual teachings excluded from the official canon?. Did early Christians emphasise direct spiritual experience and inner transformation more than institutional belief?. Why were certain Christian groups condemned as heretics while others became orthodox?. How did the Roman Empire influence the development of Christianity?The book also explores one of the most controversial questions of all: Who was Jesus?Was Jesus simply the founder of a new religion, or a spiritual reformer challenging both imperial power and the religious establishment of his day? What was the relationship between Galilee and Judea in the first century? Have important historical distinctions been overlooked or obscured? And does a closer examination of Jesus' background and identity shed new light on the origins of Christianity itself?Keenan examines competing interpretations of Jesus' ethnic, cultural, and religious identity, presenting evidence that challenges many assumptions commonly accepted in modern Judeo-Christian thought.
The book further investigates the role of Paul, the meaning of Matthew 16:18, the rise of Church authority, the suppression of alternative Christian movements, lost teachings, and striking parallels between early Christian spirituality and the wisdom traditions of the East. Whether you are a Christian seeking a deeper understanding of your faith, a student of religious history, or simply a truth-seeker willing to question accepted narratives, this book offers a challenging journey into the forgotten roots of Christianity.
Original Christianity is not merely a study of the past. It is an invitation to rediscover the spiritual message that inspired one of the most influential movements in human history. The search for truth begins with the courage to ask difficult questions. The author Mark-Gerard has been a lifelong student of the Christian, Gnostic, and ancient Vedic scriptures. He is an independent researcher and author of 14 books (listed on the Reality Books UK website).