Rethinking Early Christian Identity

Affect, Violence, and Belonging

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Bible & Bible Studies, New Testament, Study, Criticism & Interpretation
Cover of the book Rethinking Early Christian Identity by Maia Kotrosits, Fortress Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Maia Kotrosits ISBN: 9781451494266
Publisher: Fortress Press Publication: February 1, 2015
Imprint: Fortress Press Language: English
Author: Maia Kotrosits
ISBN: 9781451494266
Publisher: Fortress Press
Publication: February 1, 2015
Imprint: Fortress Press
Language: English

Maia Kotrosits challenges the contemporary notion of “early Christian literature,” showing that a number of texts usually so described—New Testament writings including Hebrews, Acts, the Gospel of John, Colossians, and 1 Peter, as well as the letters of Ignatius, the Gospel of Truth, and the Secret Revelation of John—are “not particularly interested” in a distinctive Christian identity or self-definition. Rather, by appealing to the categories of trauma studies and diaspora theory and giving careful attention to the dynamics within each of these texts, she shows that this sample of writings offers complex reckonings with chaotic diasporic conditions and the transgenerational trauma of colonial violence. The heart of her study is an inquiry into the significance contemporary readers invest in ancient writings as expressions of a coherent identity, asking, “What do we need and want out of history?” Kotrosits interacts with important recent work on identity and sociality in the Roman world and on the dynamics of desire in contemporary biblical scholarship as well. At last, she argues that the writings discussed made possible the rise of Christianity by effecting a “forgetfulness” of imperial trauma—and questions the affective dimensions of contemporary empire-critical scholarship.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Maia Kotrosits challenges the contemporary notion of “early Christian literature,” showing that a number of texts usually so described—New Testament writings including Hebrews, Acts, the Gospel of John, Colossians, and 1 Peter, as well as the letters of Ignatius, the Gospel of Truth, and the Secret Revelation of John—are “not particularly interested” in a distinctive Christian identity or self-definition. Rather, by appealing to the categories of trauma studies and diaspora theory and giving careful attention to the dynamics within each of these texts, she shows that this sample of writings offers complex reckonings with chaotic diasporic conditions and the transgenerational trauma of colonial violence. The heart of her study is an inquiry into the significance contemporary readers invest in ancient writings as expressions of a coherent identity, asking, “What do we need and want out of history?” Kotrosits interacts with important recent work on identity and sociality in the Roman world and on the dynamics of desire in contemporary biblical scholarship as well. At last, she argues that the writings discussed made possible the rise of Christianity by effecting a “forgetfulness” of imperial trauma—and questions the affective dimensions of contemporary empire-critical scholarship.

More books from Fortress Press

Cover of the book "After Ten Years" by Maia Kotrosits
Cover of the book Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel by Maia Kotrosits
Cover of the book God and Cosmology by Maia Kotrosits
Cover of the book Connecting Like Jesus by Maia Kotrosits
Cover of the book African Theology on the Way by Maia Kotrosits
Cover of the book Newman and Life in the Spirit by Maia Kotrosits
Cover of the book Empowering Memory and Movement by Maia Kotrosits
Cover of the book The Aesthetics of Atheism by Maia Kotrosits
Cover of the book Athanasius and the Holy Spirit by Maia Kotrosits
Cover of the book The Student Bible Atlas by Maia Kotrosits
Cover of the book True Faith in the True God by Maia Kotrosits
Cover of the book Wrestling with God in Context by Maia Kotrosits
Cover of the book Quivering Families by Maia Kotrosits
Cover of the book Sallie McFague by Maia Kotrosits
Cover of the book Leviticus and Numbers by Maia Kotrosits
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy