Cult, Ritual, Divinity and Belief in the Roman World

Cult, Ritual, Divinity and Belief in the Roman World

Author: Duncan Fishwick

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-02-06

Total Pages: 387

ISBN-13: 1351219642

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The papers assembled in this selection of studies range in subject matter from early Judaic magic to an inscribed monument of the Neo-Classical period. The principal emphasis of the collection is nevertheless on religious developments under the High Roman Empire: problems arising from the interpretation of oriental cults imported from the Hellenistic East but primarily the development of imperial cult, the one universal religion of the empire before the coming of Christianity. The essays divide into five categories: Divinity and Power; The Imperial Numen; The Imperial Cult: Review and Discussion; Rituals and Ceremonies; Ainigmata. The titles of the individual articles speak for themselves but readers may also find the preface of interest in so far as it sets out the author's ideas on the controversial nature of the emperor's divinity. While this is a topic deserving of a book in its own right, the preface together with the points raised by individual studies within the overall framework may go some way to repairing this defficiency.


Book Synopsis Cult, Ritual, Divinity and Belief in the Roman World by : Duncan Fishwick

Download or read book Cult, Ritual, Divinity and Belief in the Roman World written by Duncan Fishwick and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-02-06 with total page 387 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The papers assembled in this selection of studies range in subject matter from early Judaic magic to an inscribed monument of the Neo-Classical period. The principal emphasis of the collection is nevertheless on religious developments under the High Roman Empire: problems arising from the interpretation of oriental cults imported from the Hellenistic East but primarily the development of imperial cult, the one universal religion of the empire before the coming of Christianity. The essays divide into five categories: Divinity and Power; The Imperial Numen; The Imperial Cult: Review and Discussion; Rituals and Ceremonies; Ainigmata. The titles of the individual articles speak for themselves but readers may also find the preface of interest in so far as it sets out the author's ideas on the controversial nature of the emperor's divinity. While this is a topic deserving of a book in its own right, the preface together with the points raised by individual studies within the overall framework may go some way to repairing this defficiency.

Cult Places and Cult Personnel in the Roman Empire

Cult Places and Cult Personnel in the Roman Empire

Author: Duncan Fishwick

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2023-05-31

Total Pages: 392

ISBN-13: 1000940276

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The twenty-one studies assembled in this volume focus on the apparatus and practitioners of religions in the western Roman empire, the enclaves, temples, altars and monuments that served the cults of a wide range of divinities through the medium of priests and worshippers. Discussion focuses on the analysis or reconstruction of the centres at which devotees gathered and draws on the full range of available evidence. While literary authorities remain of primary concern, these are for the most part overshadowed by other categories of evidence, in particular archaeology, epigraphy, numismatics and iconography, sources in some cases confirmed by the latest geophysical techniques - electrical resistivity tomography or ground-probing radar. The material is conveniently presented by geographical area, using modern rather than Latin terminology: Rome, Italy, Britain, Gaul, Spain, Hungary, along with a broader section that covers the empire in general. The titles of the various articles speak for themselves but readers may find the preface of interest in so far as it sets out my ideas on the use of ancient evidence and the pitfalls of some of the approaches favoured by modern scholars. Together with the wide range of individual papers the preface makes the book of interest to all students of the Roman empire as well as those specifically concerned with the history of religions.


Book Synopsis Cult Places and Cult Personnel in the Roman Empire by : Duncan Fishwick

Download or read book Cult Places and Cult Personnel in the Roman Empire written by Duncan Fishwick and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2023-05-31 with total page 392 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The twenty-one studies assembled in this volume focus on the apparatus and practitioners of religions in the western Roman empire, the enclaves, temples, altars and monuments that served the cults of a wide range of divinities through the medium of priests and worshippers. Discussion focuses on the analysis or reconstruction of the centres at which devotees gathered and draws on the full range of available evidence. While literary authorities remain of primary concern, these are for the most part overshadowed by other categories of evidence, in particular archaeology, epigraphy, numismatics and iconography, sources in some cases confirmed by the latest geophysical techniques - electrical resistivity tomography or ground-probing radar. The material is conveniently presented by geographical area, using modern rather than Latin terminology: Rome, Italy, Britain, Gaul, Spain, Hungary, along with a broader section that covers the empire in general. The titles of the various articles speak for themselves but readers may find the preface of interest in so far as it sets out my ideas on the use of ancient evidence and the pitfalls of some of the approaches favoured by modern scholars. Together with the wide range of individual papers the preface makes the book of interest to all students of the Roman empire as well as those specifically concerned with the history of religions.

Rituals and Power

Rituals and Power

Author: S. R. F. Price

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1984

Total Pages: 324

ISBN-13: 9780521312684

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Simon Price attempts to discover why the Roman Emperor was treated like a god.


Book Synopsis Rituals and Power by : S. R. F. Price

Download or read book Rituals and Power written by S. R. F. Price and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 1984 with total page 324 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Simon Price attempts to discover why the Roman Emperor was treated like a god.

Pagans and Christians in Late Antique Rome

Pagans and Christians in Late Antique Rome

Author: Michele Renee Salzman

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 439

ISBN-13: 1107110300

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This book sheds new light on the religious and consequently social changes taking place in late antique Rome. The essays in this volume argue that the once-dominant notion of pagan-Christian religious conflict cannot fully explain the texts and artifacts, as well as the social, religious, and political realities of late antique Rome. Together, the essays demonstrate that the fourth-century city was a more fluid, vibrant, and complex place than was previously thought. Competition between diverse groups in Roman society - be it pagans with Christians, Christians with Christians, or pagans with pagans - did create tensions and hostility, but it also allowed for coexistence and reduced the likelihood of overt violent, physical conflict. Competition and coexistence, along with conflict, emerge as still central paradigms for those who seek to understand the transformations of Rome from the age of Constantine through the early fifth century.


Book Synopsis Pagans and Christians in Late Antique Rome by : Michele Renee Salzman

Download or read book Pagans and Christians in Late Antique Rome written by Michele Renee Salzman and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2016 with total page 439 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book sheds new light on the religious and consequently social changes taking place in late antique Rome. The essays in this volume argue that the once-dominant notion of pagan-Christian religious conflict cannot fully explain the texts and artifacts, as well as the social, religious, and political realities of late antique Rome. Together, the essays demonstrate that the fourth-century city was a more fluid, vibrant, and complex place than was previously thought. Competition between diverse groups in Roman society - be it pagans with Christians, Christians with Christians, or pagans with pagans - did create tensions and hostility, but it also allowed for coexistence and reduced the likelihood of overt violent, physical conflict. Competition and coexistence, along with conflict, emerge as still central paradigms for those who seek to understand the transformations of Rome from the age of Constantine through the early fifth century.

The Divinity of the Roman Emperor

The Divinity of the Roman Emperor

Author: Lily Ross Taylor

Publisher:

Published: 1931

Total Pages: 326

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis The Divinity of the Roman Emperor by : Lily Ross Taylor

Download or read book The Divinity of the Roman Emperor written by Lily Ross Taylor and published by . This book was released on 1931 with total page 326 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Glocal Religions

Glocal Religions

Author: Victor Roudometof

Publisher: MDPI

Published: 2018-11-07

Total Pages: 155

ISBN-13: 3038973165

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This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Glocal Religions" that was published in Religions


Book Synopsis Glocal Religions by : Victor Roudometof

Download or read book Glocal Religions written by Victor Roudometof and published by MDPI. This book was released on 2018-11-07 with total page 155 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Glocal Religions" that was published in Religions

Roman Faith and Christian Faith

Roman Faith and Christian Faith

Author: Teresa Morgan

Publisher: OUP Oxford

Published: 2015-05-29

Total Pages: 639

ISBN-13: 0191036099

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This study investigates why 'faith' (pistis/fides) was so important to early Christians that the concept and praxis dominated the writings of the New Testament. It argues that such a study must be interdisciplinary, locating emerging Christianities in the social practices and mentalités of contemporary Judaism and the early Roman empire. This can, therefore, equally be read as a study of the operation of pistis/fides in the world of the early Roman principate, taking one but relatively well-attested cult as a case study in how micro-societies within that world could treat it distinctively. Drawing on recent work in sociology and economics, the book traces the varying shapes taken by pistis/fides in Greek and Roman human and divine-human relationships: whom or what is represented as easy or difficult to trust or believe in; where pistis/fides is 'deferred' and 'reified' in practices such as oaths and proofs; how pistis/fides is related to fear, doubt and scepticism; and which foundations of pistis/fides are treated as more or less secure. The book then traces the evolution of representations of human and divine-human pistis in the Septuagint, before turning to pistis/pisteuein in New Testament writings and their role in the development of early Christologies (incorporating a new interpretation of pistis Christou) and ecclesiologies. It argues for the integration of the study of pistis/pisteuein with that of New Testament ethics. It explores the interiority of Graeco-Roman and early Christian pistis/fides. Finally, it discusses eschatological pistis and the shape of the divine-human community in the eschatological kingdom.


Book Synopsis Roman Faith and Christian Faith by : Teresa Morgan

Download or read book Roman Faith and Christian Faith written by Teresa Morgan and published by OUP Oxford. This book was released on 2015-05-29 with total page 639 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study investigates why 'faith' (pistis/fides) was so important to early Christians that the concept and praxis dominated the writings of the New Testament. It argues that such a study must be interdisciplinary, locating emerging Christianities in the social practices and mentalités of contemporary Judaism and the early Roman empire. This can, therefore, equally be read as a study of the operation of pistis/fides in the world of the early Roman principate, taking one but relatively well-attested cult as a case study in how micro-societies within that world could treat it distinctively. Drawing on recent work in sociology and economics, the book traces the varying shapes taken by pistis/fides in Greek and Roman human and divine-human relationships: whom or what is represented as easy or difficult to trust or believe in; where pistis/fides is 'deferred' and 'reified' in practices such as oaths and proofs; how pistis/fides is related to fear, doubt and scepticism; and which foundations of pistis/fides are treated as more or less secure. The book then traces the evolution of representations of human and divine-human pistis in the Septuagint, before turning to pistis/pisteuein in New Testament writings and their role in the development of early Christologies (incorporating a new interpretation of pistis Christou) and ecclesiologies. It argues for the integration of the study of pistis/pisteuein with that of New Testament ethics. It explores the interiority of Graeco-Roman and early Christian pistis/fides. Finally, it discusses eschatological pistis and the shape of the divine-human community in the eschatological kingdom.

Identity and Moral Formation in 1 Thessalonians

Identity and Moral Formation in 1 Thessalonians

Author: Kiwoon Lee

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2024-01-19

Total Pages: 263

ISBN-13: 1666778923

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The author examines Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, shedding light on his significant role in shaping the identity and ethos of the early Christian community in first-century Thessalonica. By delving into Paul’s formative discourse, this book shows how Paul utilized the key concepts from the Hebrew Scriptures to substantiate God’s redemptive plan for the gentiles. The author discerns echoes of holiness, sanctification, the fulfillment of the new covenant, and the Day of the Lord within Paul’s writing. These notions serve as reminders to believers of their shared memory, narrative, and communal ethos as God’s chosen people. In the midst of the Thessalonians’ political and religious conflicts with their surrounding world, Paul guides them towards a self-recognition of their identity and cultivates a transformative daily ethos within their community. Furthermore, this book not only offers contemporary readers a deeper appreciation of their own distinctive identity as followers of Christ in today’s socio-cultural context, but it also invites them to actively engage with Paul’s formative discourse.


Book Synopsis Identity and Moral Formation in 1 Thessalonians by : Kiwoon Lee

Download or read book Identity and Moral Formation in 1 Thessalonians written by Kiwoon Lee and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2024-01-19 with total page 263 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The author examines Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, shedding light on his significant role in shaping the identity and ethos of the early Christian community in first-century Thessalonica. By delving into Paul’s formative discourse, this book shows how Paul utilized the key concepts from the Hebrew Scriptures to substantiate God’s redemptive plan for the gentiles. The author discerns echoes of holiness, sanctification, the fulfillment of the new covenant, and the Day of the Lord within Paul’s writing. These notions serve as reminders to believers of their shared memory, narrative, and communal ethos as God’s chosen people. In the midst of the Thessalonians’ political and religious conflicts with their surrounding world, Paul guides them towards a self-recognition of their identity and cultivates a transformative daily ethos within their community. Furthermore, this book not only offers contemporary readers a deeper appreciation of their own distinctive identity as followers of Christ in today’s socio-cultural context, but it also invites them to actively engage with Paul’s formative discourse.

Romanising Oriental Gods

Romanising Oriental Gods

Author: Jaime Alvar Ezquerra

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 507

ISBN-13: 9004132937

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The traditional grand narrative correlating the decline of Graeco-Roman religion with the rise of Christianity has been under pressure for three decades. This book argues that the alternative accounts now emerging significantly underestimate the role of three major cults, of Cybele and Attis, Isis and Serapis, and Mithras. Although their differences are plain, these cults present sufficient common features to justify their being taken typologically as a group. All were selective adaptations of much older cults of the Fertile Crescent. It was their relative sophistication, their combination of the imaginative power of unfamiliar myth with distinctive ritual performance and ethical seriousness, that enabled them both to focus and to articulate a sense of the autonomy of religion from the socio-political order, a sense they shared with Early Christianity. The notion of 'mystery' was central to their ability to navigate the Weberian shift from ritualist to ethical salvation.


Book Synopsis Romanising Oriental Gods by : Jaime Alvar Ezquerra

Download or read book Romanising Oriental Gods written by Jaime Alvar Ezquerra and published by BRILL. This book was released on 2008 with total page 507 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The traditional grand narrative correlating the decline of Graeco-Roman religion with the rise of Christianity has been under pressure for three decades. This book argues that the alternative accounts now emerging significantly underestimate the role of three major cults, of Cybele and Attis, Isis and Serapis, and Mithras. Although their differences are plain, these cults present sufficient common features to justify their being taken typologically as a group. All were selective adaptations of much older cults of the Fertile Crescent. It was their relative sophistication, their combination of the imaginative power of unfamiliar myth with distinctive ritual performance and ethical seriousness, that enabled them both to focus and to articulate a sense of the autonomy of religion from the socio-political order, a sense they shared with Early Christianity. The notion of 'mystery' was central to their ability to navigate the Weberian shift from ritualist to ethical salvation.

Religion in the Roman Empire

Religion in the Roman Empire

Author: Jörg Rüpke

Publisher: Kohlhammer Verlag

Published: 2021-10-06

Total Pages: 548

ISBN-13: 3170292269

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The Roman Empire was home to a fascinating variety of different cults and religions. Its enormous extent, the absence of a precisely definable state religion and constant exchanges with the religions and cults of conquered peoples and of neighbouring cultures resulted in a multifaceted diversity of religious convictions and practices. This volume provides a compelling view of central aspects of cult and religion in the Roman Empire, among them the distinction between public and private cult, the complex interrelations between different religious traditions, their mutually entangled developments and expansions, and the diversity of regional differences, rituals, religious texts and artefacts.


Book Synopsis Religion in the Roman Empire by : Jörg Rüpke

Download or read book Religion in the Roman Empire written by Jörg Rüpke and published by Kohlhammer Verlag. This book was released on 2021-10-06 with total page 548 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Roman Empire was home to a fascinating variety of different cults and religions. Its enormous extent, the absence of a precisely definable state religion and constant exchanges with the religions and cults of conquered peoples and of neighbouring cultures resulted in a multifaceted diversity of religious convictions and practices. This volume provides a compelling view of central aspects of cult and religion in the Roman Empire, among them the distinction between public and private cult, the complex interrelations between different religious traditions, their mutually entangled developments and expansions, and the diversity of regional differences, rituals, religious texts and artefacts.