The Beginnings of the Cult of Relics

This innovative study shows how Christian attitudes to martyrs swiftly and dramatically changed in the mid-fourth century. It examines when and why Christians began to believe in the healing, protective, and divinatory power of the bones of the martyrs, and to look for physical contact with them.

About the author

Robert Wiśniewski is Associate Professor of Ancient History at the University of Warsaw. His research focuses on religious changes in Late Antiquity, with particular attention to the cult of saints, divination, clergy, and demons.

Summary

This innovative study shows how Christian attitudes to martyrs swiftly and dramatically changed in the mid-fourth century. It examines when and why Christians began to believe in the healing, protective, and divinatory power of the bones of the martyrs, and to look for physical contact with them.

Additional text

Thematically presented and beautifully written, [Wisniewski] examines the evidence and concludes convincingly. The narrative flow is logical and satisfying, and all this brings unexpected clarity to a subject that could have been obliterated by detail.

Product details

• Authors: Wi&, Associate Professor Robert (University Wisniewski, Robert Wisniewski, Robert (Associate Professor Wisniewski, Robert Wiśniewski
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.12.2018
• EAN: 9780199675562
• ISBN: 978-0-19-967556-2
• No. of pages: 264
• Dimensions: 165 mm x 241 mm x 20 mm
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology; HISTORY / Ancient / General, RELIGION / Christian Church / History, RELIGION / Christian Theology / Angelology & Demonology, Theology, Christianity, Christian theology, History of Religion, Religious and spiritual figures, Christian worship, rites & ceremonies, Worship, rites, ceremonies and rituals, HISTORY / Europe / Medieval, BCE to c 500 CE, The Early Church, 4th century, c 300 to c 399