Worshipping a Crucified Man: Christians, Graeco-Romans and Scripture in the Second Century

Christian writers in the mid-second century debated with educated audiences from non-Jewish Graeco-Roman cultural backgrounds, referring extensively to the Jewish scriptures. Jeremy Hudson's book "Worshipping a Crucified Man" explores why this was the case, examining three works by Christian converts educated in Graeco-Roman traditions. He argues that the scriptures were presented as a critically defining feature of Christianity, instrumental in shaping the way the new religion presented itself to engage with and challenge the cultural traditions of the Graeco-Roman world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 275 pages
Publication date: 26 August 2021
Publisher: James Clarke & Co Ltd

Christian writers of the mid-second century engaged in lively debates with educated audiences from non-Jewish Graeco-Roman cultural backgrounds. A notable aspect of these texts is their extensive reference to the Jewish scriptures, despite the unfamiliarity of these scriptures to non-Jewish Graeco-Romans. In his book "Worshipping a Crucified Man," Jeremy Hudson delves into the question of why this was the case. To support his argument, Hudson examines three works by Christian converts who were originally educated in Graeco-Roman traditions: Justin Martyr's First Apology, Tatian's Oratio, and Theophilus of Antioch's Ad Autolycum. He analyzes their literary strategies, use of quotations and allusions, and presentation of the Jewish scriptures within the context of the Graeco-Roman literary culture familiar to both authors and audiences. Hudson argues that the scriptures are presented as a critically defining feature of Christianity, instrumental in shaping the way the new religion presented itself as it sought to engage with and challenge the cultural traditions of the Graeco-Roman world. This book will appeal to scholars interested in the early centuries of Christianity and the pivotal role played by the Jewish scriptures in the self-presentation of the new religion.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780227177341