Christianization and Communication in Late Antiquity: John Chrysostom and his Congregation in Antioch - Softcover

Maxwell, Jaclyn L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521117712 ISBN 13: 9780521117715

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2009

Synopsis

How did ordinary people and Church authorities communicate with each other in late antiquity and how did this interaction affect the processes of Christianization in the Roman Empire? By studying the relationship between the preacher and his congregation within the context of classical, urban traditions of public speaking, this book explains some of the reasons for the popularity of Christian sermons during the period. Its focus on John Chrysostom's sermons allows us to see how an educated church leader responded to and was influenced by a congregation of ordinary Christians. As a preacher in Antioch, Chrysostom took great care to convey his lessons to his congregation, which included a broad cross-section of society. Because of this, his sermons provide a fascinating view into the variety of beliefs held by the laity, demonstrating that many people could be actively engaged in their religion while disagreeing with their preacher.

About this title

Book Description:

During the fourth century CE many aspects of life in the cities of the Roman Empire gradually became 'Christianized'. This book examines the role of ordinary people in this process by studying the relationship between an influential and prolific church leader, John Chrysostom, and his congregation in Antioch.

About the Author:

Jaclyn Maxwell is Assistant Professor in the Departments of History and Classics and World Religions at Ohio University. She studied at Princeton University and in 2002/3 held an Andrew J. Mellon Research Fellowship for Junior Faculty from the American Council of Learned Societies.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0521117712
• ISBN 13: 9780521117715
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 212