New Testament Christianity in the Roman World

In the Roman Empire, being a Christian meant navigating a complex web of social contexts, influenced by the cosmos, empire, family, and personal adherence. Concepts such as sacrifice, belief, patronage, poverty, Jewishness, integration, and identity played crucial roles in shaping the Christian experience, as it was not a single, abstract identity but a sphere where myriad identities co-existed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In his groundbreaking work, "The Social World of the New Testament," Harry O. Maier delves into the intricate social contexts that shaped the authors and audiences of the New Testament. Starting from the cosmic and divine realms, Maier presents a comprehensive analysis of the various influences that shaped the early Christian movement.

The first realm of influence is the empire itself, with its powerful cult of the emperor. This cult wielded significant sway over believers of a single deity, shaping their beliefs and practices. Within the empire, early Christianity primarily emerged in cities, where the physical shape of these cities often influenced the development of Christian belief.

The family stood as the primary social unit in which daily expressions of faith were most visible. Maier also examines the role of personal and individual adherence to the religion in shaping the Christian experience in the Roman world.

Throughout these diverse realms, concepts such as sacrifice, belief, patronage, poverty, Jewishness, integration into city life, and the social constitution of identity are explored as crucial aspects of early Christianity as a lived religion. Maier encourages readers to view early Christianity not as a mere abstract and disconnected set of beliefs and practices but as a complex tapestry of social interactions and pluralisms. Religion ceases to exist as a singular identity, and instead, acts as a sphere where myriad identities co-exist.

This insightful work provides a valuable perspective on the social world of the New Testament, shedding light on the complex interplay between religion, society, and cultural dynamics. It challenges traditional narratives and encourages a more nuanced understanding of the early Christian movement. By exploring the social contexts that shaped the New Testament, Maier offers a rich and comprehensive exploration of the origins and development of Christianity in the Roman Empire.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 209 x 328 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190264406