Simplicity and Humility in Late Antique Christian Thought - Elites and the Challenges of Apostolic Life

The social values of upper-class Christians in Late Antiquity often contrasted with the modest backgrounds of their religion's founders - the apostles. Drawing on examples from the Cappadocian Fathers, John Chrysostom, and other late antique authors, this book examines their attitudes toward the apostles and the virtues of simplicity and humility.

List of contents

Introduction; 1. Roman and Christian attitudes toward social and economic divisions (first-third centuries CE); 2. Christian attitudes toward social and economic divisions in Late Antiquity; 3. Tentmakers and fishermen: the apostles' social status in Late Antiquity; 4. Apostolic simplicity and elite education in Late Antique theological controversies; 5. The virtue of humility in Late Antiquity; Conclusions.

About the author

Jaclyn L. Maxwell is Associate Professor of History and Classics/Religious Studies at Ohio University. She is the author of Christianization and Communication in Late Antiquity: John Chrysostom and his Congregation in Antioch (Cambridge, 2006) and has received fellowships from Dumbarton Oaks and the American Council of Learned Societies.

Product details

• Authors: Jaclyn L Maxwell, Jaclyn L. Maxwell, Jaclyn L. (Ohio University) Maxwell, Maxwell Jaclyn L.
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 30.04.2021
• EAN: 9781108832267
• ISBN: 978-1-108-83226-7
• No. of pages: 216
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Christianity; HISTORY / Ancient / General, RELIGION / Christianity / History, RELIGION / Christianity / General, Christianity, History of Religion, Ancient History, Ancient history: to c 500 CE