"Paganism and Christianity in Late Antiquity" is a book written by Ramsay MacMullen, a historian and classicist. The book explores the ways in which the two religions interacted and competed with each other in the late Roman Empire, during the 4th and 5th centuries AD.
MacMullen examines the social, cultural, and political factors that contributed to the decline of paganism and the rise of Christianity during this period. He looks at the ways in which the two religions coexisted and interacted with each other, and how they influenced the political and cultural development of the empire.
The book also examines the question of why Christianity was able to succeed where other religions failed and why it was able to gain such a dominant position in the Roman world. MacMullen argues that Christianity was able to appeal to a wide range of people and was able to adapt to different cultural and social contexts. Additionally, he suggests that the religion's appeal to the lower classes, as well as its ability to provide a sense of community and moral guidance, were key factors in its success.
"Paganism and Christianity in Late Antiquity" is considered a classic work in the field of religious history and is widely read by scholars and students interested in the history of Christianity and the late Roman Empire.
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