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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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Subjects
Miracles, Origin, Magic, Christianity, Polytheism, Judaism, Supernatural (Theology), History, RELIGION, Miracles of Jesus Christ, General, Jesus christ, miracles, Christianity, origin, Rome, historyPeople
Jesus ChristPlaces
Mediterranean RegionTimes
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1
The dawn of Christianity: people and gods in a time of magic and miracles
2017, Profile Books Ltd
in English
1781252076 9781781252079
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2
The dawn of Christianity: people and gods in a time of magic and miracles
2017
in English
0674976460 9780674976467
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Book Details
Edition Notes
Includes bibliographical references and index.
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- Created December 20, 2022
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April 17, 2024 | Edited by ImportBot | import existing book |
December 20, 2022 | Created by MARC Bot | Imported from marc_columbia MARC record |