What Makes a Church Sacred?: Legal and Ritual Perspectives from Late Antiquity

Late antiquity saw tensions between Christian leaders, wealthy laypersons, and lawmakers over questions of church ownership and purpose, with juridical regulations and opinions playing a significant role. Mary K. Farag's investigation challenges traditional understandings of religious figures by highlighting the legal issues they faced, using Latin, Greek, Coptic, and Arabic sources.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 346 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2021
Publisher: University of California Press

A comprehensive and accessible ebook is now available for free upon publication. Explore further details at www.luminosoa.org. In the intriguing realm of late antiquity, a profound exploration unfolds, shedding light on the purpose and ownership of churches. Mary K. Farag, a scholar of remarkable insight, skillfully unveils the diverse perspectives held by three key groups: Christian leaders, wealthy laypersons, and lawmakers. These groups engaged in spirited debates, often yielding conflicting answers, yet their interactions sometimes sparked significant tensions. What sets this study apart is its recognition of the pivotal role played by juridical regulations and opinions in these disputes. Farag's meticulous investigation challenges traditional perceptions by delving into familiar Christian controversies through a fresh legal lens. By examining the legal challenges faced by well-known religious figures, she reveals a nuanced understanding of their lives and contributions. This seminal text not only utilizes Latin and Greek sources but also incorporates Coptic and Arabic evidence, broadening the scope of scholarly conversations on sacred space, gift-giving, wealth, and poverty in the late antique Mediterranean world. Through its comprehensive analysis, it offers a fresh perspective, enriching our understanding of this complex and fascinating era.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520382008