The dawn of Christianity : people and gods in a time of magic and miracles / Robert Knapp.
Knapp, Robert C., author.
2017
BR129 .K53 2017 (Mapit)
Available at General Collection

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Title The dawn of Christianity : people and gods in a time of magic and miracles / Robert Knapp.
Author Knapp, Robert C., author.
ISBN 9780674976467 (hardcover)
0674976460 (hardcover)
Published Cambridge, Massachusetts : Harvard University Press, 2017.
Language English
Description xvi, 303 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations, maps ; 25 cm
Call Number BR129 .K53 2017
Dewey Decimal Classification 270.1
Summary 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.-- Provided by publisher.
Note "First published in the United Kingdom in 2017 by Profile Books Ltd."--Title page verso.
Bibliography, etc. Note Includes bibliographical references and index.
Record Appears in On-Campus Resources > Books
All Resources
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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