D. H. Williams

Defending and Defining the Faith (eBook, ePUB)

An Introduction to Early Christian Apologetic Literature

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In Early Christian Apologetics, D.H. Williams offers a comprehensive presentation of Christian apologetic literature from the second to the fifth century, considering each writer within the intellectual context of the day. Williams argues that most apologies were not directed at a pagan readership. In most cases, he says, ancient apologetics had a double object: to instruct the Christian and to persuade weak Christians or non-Christians who were sympathetic to Christian claims. Traditionally, scholars of apologetics have focused on the context of persecution in the pre-Constantinian period. By following the links in the intellectual trajectory up though the early fifth century, Williams prompts deeper reflection on the process of Christian self-definition in late antiquity. Taken cumulatively, he finds, apologetic literature was in fact integral to the formation of the Christian identity in the Roman world.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Oxford University Press
• Seitenzahl: 496
• Erscheinungstermin: 7. Mai 2020
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9780190620523
• Artikelnr.: 59352284

Autorenporträt

D. H. Williams is Professor of Patristics and Historical Theology in the Departments of Religion and Classics, Baylor University. Ph.D. 1991 University of Toronto; Th.M. 1985 Princeton Theological Seminary. Williams specializes in early Christian literature and theology, ancient Roman religions, the history of doctrine; the fourth century Trinitarian controversies and ancient Christianity in China.

Inhaltsangabe

Preface
Abbreviations
Introduction
I Matters of Definition and Qualification
II The Roman World of Early Christianity
III Construction of Christian Self-Definition
IV Persecution and the Ambiguity of Roman Law
V Earliest Christian Responses
VI Christian Faith and Intellectual Culture
VII Hellenized Antagonism Toward Hellenism
VIII Philosophy as Protagonist
IX Brilliant Diatribe
X Apology as Dialogue and Appeal
XI Clash of the Giants:
XII Divine Judgment in Vindication and Salvation
XIII Apologist Par Excellence
XIV Apologetic as Exhortation
XV The Unexpected Pagan Emperor
XVI Cities in Conflict
XVII Final Anti-Pagan Polemics
Epilogue