History of the Origins of Christianity. Book IV. The Antichrist.

This book belongs to a seven-volume series, the first of which, Life of Jesus, is the most famous (or infamous). The Antichrist, the fourth volume, tells the story of Christianity from a few years after the Crucifixion up to the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70. Much of the book concerns the persecution of early Christians by Nero, to whom the label “antichrist” applies. Renan’s historical account reflects his background in 19th century German higher criticism of the Bible.

Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff