Greco-Roman religions and superstitions, and early Christianity's
engagement with them, are explored in 12 unique studies. The beliefs
and fears with regard to demons (or daimons), their origins, and
threatening behavior are examined, both in their pagan and
Judaeo-Christian contexts. These new studies look at the Greco-Roman
heroic gods, how they faced death, and how James and John, the “sons
of Thunder,” may well have been viewed in some circles as the
equivalent of the “sons of Zeus”, Castor and Pollux.
The contributors also explore Roman omens, especially as they relate
to Rome's legendary founder Romulus and what light they shed on the
omens that accompany the birth and death of Jesus of Nazareth.
Particular focus is placed upon Paul, binding spells, women and hymns
of exaltation, along with atheism in late antiquity, with special
consideration of the charlatan Alexander. Finally, there is a
re-visitation of the confusion, misinformation and legends surrounding
the discovery of the Qumran caves, including fear of jinn. This book
provides invaluable resources for precisely how early Christians
interacted with different ideas and traditions around gods and spirits
- both benevolent and malevolent - in the Greco-Roman world.
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Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9780567703293
Publisert
2022
Utgave
1. utgave
Utgiver
Bloomsbury UK
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter