suffering self, The
Book Description
In this thought-provoking exploration of early Christianity's profound impact on human consciousness, scholar Judith Perkins reveals how the ancient world witnessed a revolutionary transformation in self-perception. Through careful examination of Christian narratives from the Roman empire, she uncovers how these texts cultivated an entirely new way of understanding what it means to be human.
Perkins demonstrates how early Christian literature deliberately emphasized themes of martyrdom and physical suffering, creating what she terms "the suffering self" - a fundamental shift in how individuals viewed their place in the world. This wasn't merely theological development, but a complete reimagining of human identity that would reshape civilization.
Drawing connections between Christian martyr accounts and Greek literary traditions, the author illuminates how suffering became central to spiritual identity. She weaves together insights from medical texts, philosophical writings, and popular novels of the era to show how this new self-understanding emerged across different cultural contexts.
Using feminist and social theory as analytical tools, Perkins addresses the compelling question of why physical suffering became so prominent in early Christian thought. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges ancient history with religious studies, offering fresh perspectives on how Christianity spread throughout the Roman world.
This scholarly yet accessible work invites readers to examine how spiritual movements can fundamentally alter human consciousness and self-awareness across entire cultures.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
🕉️ Tradition: Christianity
📄 Length: 254 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Christianisme
- ✓ Explore 11.51 early Christianity
- ✓ Explore Enseignement patristique
- ✓ Explore Identification (Religion)
- ✓ Explore RELIGION
- ✓ Explore Aspect religieux
- ✓ Explore Vroege kerk
- ✓ Explore History of doctrines
