Ancient Christians and the Power of Curses

Ancient Christians and the Power of Curses

Author: Laura Salah Nasrallah

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2024-05-31

Total Pages: 341

ISBN-13: 100940573X

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This book shows how Ancient Christians both used curses and criticized them in ancient Mediterranean religion and society.


Book Synopsis Ancient Christians and the Power of Curses by : Laura Salah Nasrallah

Download or read book Ancient Christians and the Power of Curses written by Laura Salah Nasrallah and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2024-05-31 with total page 341 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book shows how Ancient Christians both used curses and criticized them in ancient Mediterranean religion and society.


Cursing the Christians?

Cursing the Christians?

Author: Ruth Langer

Publisher: OUP USA

Published: 2012-01-12

Total Pages: 396

ISBN-13: 0199783179

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Ruth Langer offers an in-depth study of the birkat haminim, a Jewish prayer for the removal of those categories of human being who prevent the messianic redemption and the society envisioned for it. In its earliest form, the prayer cursed Christians, apostates to Christianity, sectarians, and enemies of Israel. Drawing on the shifting liturgical texts, polemics, and apologetics concerning the prayer, Langer traces the transformation of the birkat haminim from what functioned without question in the medieval world as a Jewish curse of Christians, through its early modern censorship by Christians, to its modern transformation within the Jewish world into a general petition that God remove evil from the world. Christian censorship played a crucial role in this transformation of the prayer; however, Langer argues that the truest transformation in meaning resulted from Jewish integration into Western culture. Eventually, the prayer shed its references to any specific category of human being and lost its function as a curse. Reconciliation between Jews and Christians today requires both communities to confront a long history of prejudice. Ruth Langer shows through the birkat haminim how the history of one liturgical text chronicled Jewish thinking about Christians over hundreds of years.


Book Synopsis Cursing the Christians? by : Ruth Langer

Download or read book Cursing the Christians? written by Ruth Langer and published by OUP USA. This book was released on 2012-01-12 with total page 396 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ruth Langer offers an in-depth study of the birkat haminim, a Jewish prayer for the removal of those categories of human being who prevent the messianic redemption and the society envisioned for it. In its earliest form, the prayer cursed Christians, apostates to Christianity, sectarians, and enemies of Israel. Drawing on the shifting liturgical texts, polemics, and apologetics concerning the prayer, Langer traces the transformation of the birkat haminim from what functioned without question in the medieval world as a Jewish curse of Christians, through its early modern censorship by Christians, to its modern transformation within the Jewish world into a general petition that God remove evil from the world. Christian censorship played a crucial role in this transformation of the prayer; however, Langer argues that the truest transformation in meaning resulted from Jewish integration into Western culture. Eventually, the prayer shed its references to any specific category of human being and lost its function as a curse. Reconciliation between Jews and Christians today requires both communities to confront a long history of prejudice. Ruth Langer shows through the birkat haminim how the history of one liturgical text chronicled Jewish thinking about Christians over hundreds of years.


Ancient Christian Magic

Ancient Christian Magic

Author: Marvin W. Meyer

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 1999-04-04

Total Pages: 430

ISBN-13: 9780691004587

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This thought-provoking collection of magical texts from ancient Egypt shows the exotic rituals, esoteric healing practices, and incantatory and supernatural dimensions that flowered in early Christianity. These remarkable Christian magical texts include curses, spells of protection from "headless powers" and evil spirits, spells invoking thunderous powers, descriptions of fire baptism, and even recipes from a magical "cookbook." Virtually all the texts are by Coptic Christians, and they date from about the 1st-12th centuries of the common era, with the majority from late antiquity. By placing these rarely seen texts in historical context and discussing their significance, the authors explore the place of healing, prayer, miracles, and magic in the early Christian experience, and expand our understanding of Christianity and Gnosticism as a vital folk religion.


Book Synopsis Ancient Christian Magic by : Marvin W. Meyer

Download or read book Ancient Christian Magic written by Marvin W. Meyer and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 1999-04-04 with total page 430 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This thought-provoking collection of magical texts from ancient Egypt shows the exotic rituals, esoteric healing practices, and incantatory and supernatural dimensions that flowered in early Christianity. These remarkable Christian magical texts include curses, spells of protection from "headless powers" and evil spirits, spells invoking thunderous powers, descriptions of fire baptism, and even recipes from a magical "cookbook." Virtually all the texts are by Coptic Christians, and they date from about the 1st-12th centuries of the common era, with the majority from late antiquity. By placing these rarely seen texts in historical context and discussing their significance, the authors explore the place of healing, prayer, miracles, and magic in the early Christian experience, and expand our understanding of Christianity and Gnosticism as a vital folk religion.


Crucified and Cursed Christ

Crucified and Cursed Christ

Author: Elkanah K. Cheboi

Publisher: Langham Publishing

Published: 2023-11-30

Total Pages: 217

ISBN-13: 1839739452

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The practice of cursing remains a significant aspect of life in many African countries. This book addresses this practice with the seriousness it deserves, arguing that Christ is the ultimate curse remover. Dr. Elkanah K. Cheboi examines the meaning and implications of the Pauline statement in Galatians that “Christ became a curse for us.” Drawing from biblical passages referencing judicial curses, and the widespread practice of cursing and blessing within the Ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world, he investigates how the crucified and cursed Christ provides the ultimate solution to the power and dominion of curses. Demonstrating the insufficiencies of curse remedies, both in the ancient world and the modern African context, this study offers christological insight into the implications of Christ’s death not simply for human sin but also human curses. Dr. Cheboi specifically examines parallels between the New Testament context and Kenya’s Marakwet culture, where curses are still deeply feared as life-threatening and generational. Offering powerful insight into aspects of contemporary African culture not always fully understood, this book integrates biblical scholarship with practical application and is an excellent resource for pastors, missionaries, and theologians alike.


Book Synopsis Crucified and Cursed Christ by : Elkanah K. Cheboi

Download or read book Crucified and Cursed Christ written by Elkanah K. Cheboi and published by Langham Publishing. This book was released on 2023-11-30 with total page 217 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The practice of cursing remains a significant aspect of life in many African countries. This book addresses this practice with the seriousness it deserves, arguing that Christ is the ultimate curse remover. Dr. Elkanah K. Cheboi examines the meaning and implications of the Pauline statement in Galatians that “Christ became a curse for us.” Drawing from biblical passages referencing judicial curses, and the widespread practice of cursing and blessing within the Ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world, he investigates how the crucified and cursed Christ provides the ultimate solution to the power and dominion of curses. Demonstrating the insufficiencies of curse remedies, both in the ancient world and the modern African context, this study offers christological insight into the implications of Christ’s death not simply for human sin but also human curses. Dr. Cheboi specifically examines parallels between the New Testament context and Kenya’s Marakwet culture, where curses are still deeply feared as life-threatening and generational. Offering powerful insight into aspects of contemporary African culture not always fully understood, this book integrates biblical scholarship with practical application and is an excellent resource for pastors, missionaries, and theologians alike.


Ancient Christian Magic

Ancient Christian Magic

Author: Marvin W. Meyer

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 1999-04-04

Total Pages: 426

ISBN-13: 0691004587

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This thought-provoking collection of magical texts from ancient Egypt shows the exotic rituals, esoteric healing practices, and incantatory and supernatural dimensions that flowered in early Christianity. These remarkable Christian magical texts include curses, spells of protection from "headless powers" and evil spirits, spells invoking thunderous powers, descriptions of fire baptism, and even recipes from a magical "cookbook." Virtually all the texts are by Coptic Christians, and they date from about the 1st-12th centuries of the common era, with the majority from late antiquity. By placing these rarely seen texts in historical context and discussing their significance, the authors explore the place of healing, prayer, miracles, and magic in the early Christian experience, and expand our understanding of Christianity and Gnosticism as a vital folk religion.


Book Synopsis Ancient Christian Magic by : Marvin W. Meyer

Download or read book Ancient Christian Magic written by Marvin W. Meyer and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 1999-04-04 with total page 426 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This thought-provoking collection of magical texts from ancient Egypt shows the exotic rituals, esoteric healing practices, and incantatory and supernatural dimensions that flowered in early Christianity. These remarkable Christian magical texts include curses, spells of protection from "headless powers" and evil spirits, spells invoking thunderous powers, descriptions of fire baptism, and even recipes from a magical "cookbook." Virtually all the texts are by Coptic Christians, and they date from about the 1st-12th centuries of the common era, with the majority from late antiquity. By placing these rarely seen texts in historical context and discussing their significance, the authors explore the place of healing, prayer, miracles, and magic in the early Christian experience, and expand our understanding of Christianity and Gnosticism as a vital folk religion.


Curses, Hexes & Spells

Curses, Hexes & Spells

Author: Daniel Cohen

Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Published: 1974

Total Pages: 136

ISBN-13:

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Recounts curses on families, creatures, places, wanderers, and ghosts. Also describes amulets and talismans which provide protection.


Book Synopsis Curses, Hexes & Spells by : Daniel Cohen

Download or read book Curses, Hexes & Spells written by Daniel Cohen and published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. This book was released on 1974 with total page 136 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Recounts curses on families, creatures, places, wanderers, and ghosts. Also describes amulets and talismans which provide protection.


The Cursed Christ

The Cursed Christ

Author: B. Hudson McLean

Publisher: A&C Black

Published: 1996-01-01

Total Pages: 266

ISBN-13: 1850755892

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In the first part of this study, McLean deals with Paul's letters synchronically, critiquing the traditional sacrificial interpretation of Paul's atonement theology and offering an alternative model, previously unexplored in scholarship; the argument is not genealogical, but analogical, drawing on the work of Jonathan Z. Smith. In the second part, McLean describes and builds on the method of John Hurd, studying the development of Paul's soteriology diachronically; Paul's letters are examined in chronological order, and the sociological factors that contributed to each development are examined. Finally, Paul's soteriology is placed against the broader canvas of early Christianity, especially the communities associated with Q and the Gospel of Thomas.


Book Synopsis The Cursed Christ by : B. Hudson McLean

Download or read book The Cursed Christ written by B. Hudson McLean and published by A&C Black. This book was released on 1996-01-01 with total page 266 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the first part of this study, McLean deals with Paul's letters synchronically, critiquing the traditional sacrificial interpretation of Paul's atonement theology and offering an alternative model, previously unexplored in scholarship; the argument is not genealogical, but analogical, drawing on the work of Jonathan Z. Smith. In the second part, McLean describes and builds on the method of John Hurd, studying the development of Paul's soteriology diachronically; Paul's letters are examined in chronological order, and the sociological factors that contributed to each development are examined. Finally, Paul's soteriology is placed against the broader canvas of early Christianity, especially the communities associated with Q and the Gospel of Thomas.


The Curse of Ham

The Curse of Ham

Author: David M. Goldenberg

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2009-04-11

Total Pages: 468

ISBN-13: 1400828546

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How old is prejudice against black people? Were the racist attitudes that fueled the Atlantic slave trade firmly in place 700 years before the European discovery of sub-Saharan Africa? In this groundbreaking book, David Goldenberg seeks to discover how dark-skinned peoples, especially black Africans, were portrayed in the Bible and by those who interpreted the Bible--Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Unprecedented in rigor and breadth, his investigation covers a 1,500-year period, from ancient Israel (around 800 B.C.E.) to the eighth century C.E., after the birth of Islam. By tracing the development of anti-Black sentiment during this time, Goldenberg uncovers views about race, color, and slavery that took shape over the centuries--most centrally, the belief that the biblical Ham and his descendants, the black Africans, had been cursed by God with eternal slavery. Goldenberg begins by examining a host of references to black Africans in biblical and postbiblical Jewish literature. From there he moves the inquiry from Black as an ethnic group to black as color, and early Jewish attitudes toward dark skin color. He goes on to ask when the black African first became identified as slave in the Near East, and, in a powerful culmination, discusses the resounding influence of this identification on Jewish, Christian, and Islamic thinking, noting each tradition's exegetical treatment of pertinent biblical passages. Authoritative, fluidly written, and situated at a richly illuminating nexus of images, attitudes, and history, The Curse of Ham is sure to have a profound and lasting impact on the perennial debate over the roots of racism and slavery, and on the study of early Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.


Book Synopsis The Curse of Ham by : David M. Goldenberg

Download or read book The Curse of Ham written by David M. Goldenberg and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2009-04-11 with total page 468 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How old is prejudice against black people? Were the racist attitudes that fueled the Atlantic slave trade firmly in place 700 years before the European discovery of sub-Saharan Africa? In this groundbreaking book, David Goldenberg seeks to discover how dark-skinned peoples, especially black Africans, were portrayed in the Bible and by those who interpreted the Bible--Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Unprecedented in rigor and breadth, his investigation covers a 1,500-year period, from ancient Israel (around 800 B.C.E.) to the eighth century C.E., after the birth of Islam. By tracing the development of anti-Black sentiment during this time, Goldenberg uncovers views about race, color, and slavery that took shape over the centuries--most centrally, the belief that the biblical Ham and his descendants, the black Africans, had been cursed by God with eternal slavery. Goldenberg begins by examining a host of references to black Africans in biblical and postbiblical Jewish literature. From there he moves the inquiry from Black as an ethnic group to black as color, and early Jewish attitudes toward dark skin color. He goes on to ask when the black African first became identified as slave in the Near East, and, in a powerful culmination, discusses the resounding influence of this identification on Jewish, Christian, and Islamic thinking, noting each tradition's exegetical treatment of pertinent biblical passages. Authoritative, fluidly written, and situated at a richly illuminating nexus of images, attitudes, and history, The Curse of Ham is sure to have a profound and lasting impact on the perennial debate over the roots of racism and slavery, and on the study of early Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.


Unbroken Curses

Unbroken Curses

Author: Rebecca Brown

Publisher: Whitaker House

Published: 1995-12-01

Total Pages: 157

ISBN-13: 1603741801

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Why Many Bad Things Happen to Good People... The Problem Are you one of the many victims of an unbroken curse? Today, countless Christians throughout the world are plagued by unexplained poverty, calamities, and a variety of adverse circumstances. Their lives are tragically filled with heartache and desperation as they continuously struggle against overpowering temptation, physical and mental illness, and a myriad of catastrophic events. Usually, they are unaware that their plight is the result of an unbroken curse that has been placed upon them and perhaps upon their families. Some of the Causes Hatred and jealousy Trespassing on the devil’s territory Handling unholy things Inherited curses Breaking vows to God The Solution The Bible specifically instructs every believer to avoid curses and to recognize and break them. Yet, an astonishing number of Bible-believing Christians have either not read or do not remember these essential spiritual principles. Thus, many believers live under the affliction of unbroken curses. This book will show you the necessary biblical steps to recognize, prevent, and break every type of curse.


Book Synopsis Unbroken Curses by : Rebecca Brown

Download or read book Unbroken Curses written by Rebecca Brown and published by Whitaker House. This book was released on 1995-12-01 with total page 157 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Why Many Bad Things Happen to Good People... The Problem Are you one of the many victims of an unbroken curse? Today, countless Christians throughout the world are plagued by unexplained poverty, calamities, and a variety of adverse circumstances. Their lives are tragically filled with heartache and desperation as they continuously struggle against overpowering temptation, physical and mental illness, and a myriad of catastrophic events. Usually, they are unaware that their plight is the result of an unbroken curse that has been placed upon them and perhaps upon their families. Some of the Causes Hatred and jealousy Trespassing on the devil’s territory Handling unholy things Inherited curses Breaking vows to God The Solution The Bible specifically instructs every believer to avoid curses and to recognize and break them. Yet, an astonishing number of Bible-believing Christians have either not read or do not remember these essential spiritual principles. Thus, many believers live under the affliction of unbroken curses. This book will show you the necessary biblical steps to recognize, prevent, and break every type of curse.


No More Curse

No More Curse

Author: Marjorie O Esomowei

Publisher: AuthorHouse

Published: 2015-01-12

Total Pages: 133

ISBN-13: 1496999762

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YOU CAN OVERTHROW THE CURSE AND THE CURSERS BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT !!!! Curses do exist. People are affected by them. People are set back by them. This book NO MORE CURSES, opens you up to how you can personally from a biblical point of view bring yourself to the place of deliverance through the power of the word of God and prayers. Can curses be broken over your life? Yes! If you follow the principles that are taught in this book and seriously take on the prayer point, I can guarantee you success in every area of your life, family and destiny. The principles of this book turned my life around. Its Practical Its Powerful Its been tested.


Book Synopsis No More Curse by : Marjorie O Esomowei

Download or read book No More Curse written by Marjorie O Esomowei and published by AuthorHouse. This book was released on 2015-01-12 with total page 133 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: YOU CAN OVERTHROW THE CURSE AND THE CURSERS BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT !!!! Curses do exist. People are affected by them. People are set back by them. This book NO MORE CURSES, opens you up to how you can personally from a biblical point of view bring yourself to the place of deliverance through the power of the word of God and prayers. Can curses be broken over your life? Yes! If you follow the principles that are taught in this book and seriously take on the prayer point, I can guarantee you success in every area of your life, family and destiny. The principles of this book turned my life around. Its Practical Its Powerful Its been tested.