Was Early Christianity a "Cult of the Dead"?

Stephen was stoned to death. Peter was crucified (upside down). For early Christians, the highest form of devotion was to suffer and die like Jesus. Those martyrs became the first saints, and their bones and other "relics" were venerated throughout Christendom as part of a "cult of the dead," explains our guest, Kyle Smith.  

• Read Kyle's fascinating book, Cult of the Dead: A Brief History of Christianity
• Email us with your episode topic ideas
• Rate and review us on your favorite podcasting app. Thanks!

Support the show

Theme music written and performed by Dave Roos, creator of Biblical Time Machine. Season 4 produced by John Nelson.