Magic and Paganism in Early Christianity
The World of the Acts of the Apostles
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Fortress Press (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2003
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Publisher's Description
Klauck describes the religious world into which Christianity was born, by looking at it from the many experiences of the first Christians as recorded in Acts. For example: Peter encounters Simon the magician, the people of Lystra want to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas, and a soothsaying slave-girl is the occasion for conflict in Philippi. We come to Athens where Paul finds the city full of idols but also discovers an altar "to an unknown god" and delivers the famous Areopagus speech, and to Ephesus, where some burn their books of magic formulae, while others provoke a riot in the name of Artemis. "Magic and Paganism in Early Christianity" makes for a fascinating account of these phenomena and their significance for Christianity historically and today. Features: A fresh treatment of the Book of Acts in light of Greco-Roman religions Extensive bibliography Multiple indexes
Endorsements (2)
“A brilliant showcase of contemporary exegetical scholarship. . . . Thought-provoking and exciting reading.”
“Klauck examines major texts in Acts to reveal how its irenic author shows at once what Christianity shared with and in what ways it differed from its cultural environment. Much in its world was humane, rational, and religious in a way that required the Christian message to accommodate itself to its audience's expectations without being drawn into patterns and categories of thought foreign to its own. A stimulating read indeed.”
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