Gods, Spirits, and Worship in the Greco-Roman World and Early Christianity

The book explores the beliefs and fears of demons, gods, and superstitions in the Greco-Roman world and how early Christianity interacted with them. It examines the heroic gods, Roman omens, Paul, binding spells, women, hymns of exaltation, and atheism in late antiquity. It also provides valuable resources for understanding how early Christians interacted with different ideas and traditions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Greco-Roman religions and superstitions, as well as early Christianity's engagement with them, are explored in a comprehensive collection of 12 unique studies. These studies delve into the beliefs and fears surrounding demons (or daimons), their origins, and their threatening behavior, both in their pagan and Judaeo-Christian contexts. The contributors also examine the heroic gods of Greco-Roman culture, exploring how they faced death and how James and John, the "sons of Thunder," were sometimes viewed as the equivalents of the "sons of Zeus," Castor and Pollux.

Furthermore, the contributors explore Roman omens, particularly in relation to Rome's legendary founder Romulus and the omens that accompanied the birth and death of Jesus of Nazareth. Special attention is given to Paul, binding spells, women, and hymns of exaltation, as well as atheism in late antiquity, with a focus on the charlatan Alexander. Finally, the book revisits the confusion, misinformation, and legends surrounding the discovery of the Qumran caves, including the fear of jinn.

This book serves as an invaluable resource for understanding how early Christians interacted with diverse ideas and traditions surrounding gods and spirits in the Greco-Roman world, both benevolent and malevolent. It sheds light on the complex web of beliefs and practices that shaped the early Christian community and provides valuable insights into the cultural and religious landscape of the time.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780567703262