Establishment violence in Philo and Luke

By Torrey Seland

Book Description

This scholarly exploration examines how religious communities respond when their fundamental beliefs and practices are challenged. Torrey Seland investigates the complex dynamics between established religious authority and those who dare to question or deviate from accepted norms, focusing specifically on ancient Jewish and early Christian contexts.

Drawing from the philosophical writings of Philo of Alexandria and the narrative accounts in Luke's Acts of the Apostles, Seland reveals patterns of institutional reaction to religious non-conformity. The study centers on pivotal moments when established religious systems employed force or intimidation against those perceived as threats to traditional Torah observance.

Through careful analysis of often-overlooked texts from Philo and the dramatic stories of Stephen and Paul in Jerusalem, readers encounter a framework for understanding how religious establishments have historically responded to spiritual innovation and dissent. The author applies contemporary social science models, particularly theories of establishment violence and vigilantism, to illuminate these ancient conflicts.

For those seeking to understand the tensions between spiritual tradition and religious reform, this work offers valuable insights into the mechanisms by which established religious systems protect themselves from perceived threats. The study provides a lens for examining how power operates within religious communities and how spiritual movements navigate opposition from entrenched authorities.

This academic investigation spans 353 pages of detailed analysis, offering readers a deeper understanding of interfaith dynamics and the historical roots of religious conflict.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~10 hours)

📄 Length: 353 pages

What You'll Discover

✓ Explore Critique et interprétation
✓ Explore Christentum
✓ Explore Geweld
✓ Explore Judaism, relations, christianity
✓ Strengthen your faith journey
✓ Explore Zélote (secte juive)
✓ Explore Apostelgeschichte
✓ Explore Historiographie

Topics Covered

Critique et interprétation Christentum Geweld Judaism, relations, christianity Interfaith relations Zélote (secte juive) Apostelgeschichte Historiographie Gewalt Judentum Christianisme Bible, criticism, interpretation, etc., n. t. gospels Religious aspects of Violence Juifs dans la Bible Bible Et la violence Nonkonformismus Jews in the New Testament Criticism, interpretation Christianity and other religions, judaism Judaism Juifs dans le Nouveau Testament Handelingen der Apostelen (bijbelboek) Religious aspects Christianity History Thora Judaïsme Christenen Violence, religious aspects Historiography Joden Relations 11.47 cultural-historical background of the New Testament Zealots (Jewish party) Violence Philo, of alexandria Critique, interprétation Christianity and other religions Zélotes (Secte juive) Views on violence Aspect religieux