Religion & power

Religion & power

By Douglas R. Edwards

Book Description

In the bustling cities and provinces of the ancient Roman Empire, religion was never separate from power. Douglas R. Edwards invites readers on a fascinating exploration of how spiritual beliefs and political influence intertwined during the first and second centuries C.E., a pivotal era when Christianity, Judaism, and countless other religious movements spread across the Mediterranean world.

This scholarly investigation reveals how local elite classes strategically used religious imagery, practices, and narratives to strengthen their social standing and consolidate their authority. Edwards examines this dynamic through two complementary lenses: archaeological evidence and literary analysis.

The archaeological journey takes readers across Asia Minor and Syria-Palestine, where coins, inscriptions, statues, building complexes, mosaics, and paintings tell the story of elite sponsorship and religious manipulation. These material remains offer tangible proof of how the wealthy and powerful shaped spiritual expression to serve their interests.

On the literary side, Edwards analyzes three influential writers from different religious traditions: Chariton of Aphrodisias representing Greek culture, the historian Josephus from the Jewish tradition, and the author of Luke-Acts from early Christianity. Through their works, readers discover how each writer's approach to religion reflects the complex web of power relationships that defined Roman imperial society.

This study offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand how spiritual movements develop within existing power structures and how religious expression can both challenge and reinforce social hierarchies.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)

📄 Length: 234 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore Religion
  • ✓ Explore Church history
  • ✓ Explore Paganisme
  • ✓ Explore Middle east, religion
  • ✓ Explore Politik
  • ✓ Explore Judaism, relations, christianity
  • ✓ Strengthen your faith journey
  • ✓ Explore Christianity and other religions, greek

Topics Covered

Religion Church history Paganisme Middle east, religion Politik Judaism, relations, christianity Interfaith relations Christianity and other religions, greek Frühchristentum Judentum Vroege kerk Christianisme Religion grecque Roman Macht Heidendom Church history, primitive and early church, ca. 30-600 Christianity and other religions, judaism Judaism Christianity Judaïsme Jodendom Église Religion romaine Greek Pouvoir (sciences sociales) Rome, religion Relations Power (Social sciences) Christianity and other religions Primitive and early church Greek religion Roman religion

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