"A mine of scholarly information. . . . This is an important contribution towards understanding the nature of the conversion of the pagan world to Christianity. . . . A substantial historical work, emphasizing truths regarding Late Antiquity not always recognized, and is a further witness to the scholarship and convictions of the author."—W. H. C. Freud, Theology
"MacMullen’s book brings much to the surface: a careful reading will repay any reader interested in the subject."—William E. Klingshirn, Catholic Historical Review
"Stellar. . . . This is an interesting, well-written book."—Covenant Companion
"With this remarkable book, Ramsay MacMullen again challenges the reader to rethink the development of late-antique Christianity. . . . Through MacMullen’s wide-ranging erudition in both the literary sources and in epigraphical and archaeological finds, this book provides students of Christianity with the basic data to catch a glimpse of how ordinary Christians worshipped and interacted with the divine. . . . He has provided a wealth of data, and his book should form a necessary part of the study of late-antique Christianity."—Robert Doran, Journal of Religion
"One of the most outstanding historians of the ancient world."—Anthony A. Barrett, The Historian
Recipient of a Lifetime Award for Scholarly Distinction from the American Historical Association
"MacMullen’s book is an important work of scholarship and historical imagination. He asserts his revisionist views clearly and with intensity, punctuating with trenchant observations and fresh insights."—Richard Brilliant
"This is a most interesting work—a work rich in understanding and analysis. MacMullen’s view of religious change as a dynamic process departs from the narrow paths of more traditional historians."—Speros Vryonis, Jr.
