The dawn of Christianity : people and gods in a time of magic and miracles / Robert Knapp.

By:

Knapp, Robert C [Author]

Material type: Text

TextPublication details: Cambridge, Massachusetts : Harvard University Press, (c)2017.Description: 1 online resource (xvi, 303 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates) : illustrations (some color), mapsContent type:

text

Media type:

computer

Carrier type:

online resource

ISBN:

9780674981591

Subject(s):

Genre/Form:

Electronic Books.

LOC classification:

BR129 .D396 2017

Online resources:

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Available additional physical forms:

Contents:

Polytheists, Jews and the supernatural -- Ordinary Jewish people -- The justice of Yahweh -- Polytheists in their world -- Paths to change -- Charismatics and messiahs -- Christianity in the Jewish and polytheistic world -- Hostility to Christianity -- Christianity's appeal: magicians, miracles and martyrs -- When prophecy fails -- Valedictory.

Subject: Ordinary people of antiquity interacted with the supernatural through a mosaic of beliefs and rituals. Exploring everyday life from 200 BCE to the end of the first century CE, Robert Knapp shows that Jews and polytheists lived with the gods in very similar ways. Traditional interactions provided stability even in times of crisis, while changing a relationship risked catastrophe for the individual, his family, and his community. However, people in both traditions did at times leave behind their long-honored rites to try something new. The Dawn of Christianity reveals why some people in Judea and then in the Roman and Greek worlds embraced a new approach to the forces and powers in their daily lives. Knapp traces the emergence of Christianity from its stirrings in the eastern Mediterranean, where Jewish monotheism coexisted with polytheism and prayer mixed with magic. In a time receptive to prophetic messages and supernatural interventions, Jesus of Nazareth convinced people to change their beliefs by showing, through miracles, his direct connection to god-like power. The miracle of the Resurrection solidified Jesus's supernatural credentials. After his death, followers continued to use miracles and magic to spread Jesus's message of reward for the righteous in this life and immortality in the next. Many Jews and polytheists strongly opposed the budding movement but despite major setbacks Christianity proved resilient and adaptable. It survived long enough to be saved by a second miracle, the conversion of Emperor Constantine. Hand in hand with empire, Christianity began its long march through history.--

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Holdings
Item type	Current library	Collection	Call number	URL	Status	Date due	Barcode
Online Book (LOGIN USING YOUR MY CIU LOGIN AND PASSWORD)	G. Allen Fleece Library ONLINE	Non-fiction	BR129 (Browse shelf(Opens below))	Link to resource	Available		on1090540724

"First published in the United Kingdom in 2017 by Profile Books Ltd."--Title page verso.

Includes bibliographies and index.

Ordinary people of antiquity interacted with the supernatural through a mosaic of beliefs and rituals. Exploring everyday life from 200 BCE to the end of the first century CE, Robert Knapp shows that Jews and polytheists lived with the gods in very similar ways. Traditional interactions provided stability even in times of crisis, while changing a relationship risked catastrophe for the individual, his family, and his community. However, people in both traditions did at times leave behind their long-honored rites to try something new. The Dawn of Christianity reveals why some people in Judea and then in the Roman and Greek worlds embraced a new approach to the forces and powers in their daily lives. Knapp traces the emergence of Christianity from its stirrings in the eastern Mediterranean, where Jewish monotheism coexisted with polytheism and prayer mixed with magic. In a time receptive to prophetic messages and supernatural interventions, Jesus of Nazareth convinced people to change their beliefs by showing, through miracles, his direct connection to god-like power. The miracle of the Resurrection solidified Jesus's supernatural credentials. After his death, followers continued to use miracles and magic to spread Jesus's message of reward for the righteous in this life and immortality in the next. Many Jews and polytheists strongly opposed the budding movement but despite major setbacks Christianity proved resilient and adaptable. It survived long enough to be saved by a second miracle, the conversion of Emperor Constantine. Hand in hand with empire, Christianity began its long march through history.--

The journey -- Polytheists, Jews and the supernatural -- Ordinary Jewish people -- The justice of Yahweh -- Polytheists in their world -- Paths to change -- Charismatics and messiahs -- Christianity in the Jewish and polytheistic world -- Hostility to Christianity -- Christianity's appeal: magicians, miracles and martyrs -- When prophecy fails -- Valedictory.

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