In the Beginning, there was the word...

Early Christianity
Christianity was institutionalized during the process of becoming a state religion under Constantine. This meant changes to both the structure and the form. Before this happened, Christians shared meals and talked about the Good News of Christ around tables in the houses and catacombs where these meals were shared. This arrangement meant that the majority of ministers were women and that the congregations were much smaller and more diverse of opinion. The early Christians had a much greater access to a wider variety of Gospels than modern Christians. In the interest of state security and the goal of using Christianity as a cement for a decaying empire, a program of consolidation and consistency was introduced. The New Christianity would reflect the organization and culture of the state. This meant the elimination of women from positions of power and a hierarchy with men at the top. Soon it was determined that certain Gospels which emphasized the equality of women and importance of Christ's most beloved disciple Mary Magdelene had to be eliminated as well. There was no room for pluralism in this new state religion, diverse opinions were not welcome and orthodoxy must be enforced. Previously the religion was a religion of the people, but they felt the religion must be re-formed and their vision for the new formation was one that was in accordance with the cultural predelections of those who had gained positions of power and were in the position to redefine the religion

The First Bible
Although the first bible was commissioned by Constantine, his main focus for his new city of Constantinople was to have many beautiful churches and Christian institutions. This first bible was produced in a limited edition. It was a beautiful production and included all of the Gospels, only later at the Council of Nicea was censorship imposed