The Interpretation of the Old Testament in Greco-Roman Paganism

1. Auflage 2004
ISBN: 978-3-16-148474-2
Verlag: Mohr Siebeck

Buch, Deutsch, Englisch, 399 Seiten, Format (B × H): 233 mm x 157 mm, Gewicht: 635 g

Reihe: Studien und Texte zu Antike und Christentum /Studies and Texts in Antiquity and Christianity

According to the available evidence not many pagans knew the Greek Bible (Septuagint) before the advent of Christianity. Those pagans who later became aware of Christian texts were among the first, according to the surviving data, to seriously explore the Septuagint. They found the Bible to be difficult reading. The pagans who reacted to biblical texts include Celsus (II C.E.), Porphyry (III C.E.), and Julian the Apostate (IV C.E.). These authors thought that if they could refute one of the primary foundations of Christianity, namely its use or interpretation of the Septuagint, then the new religion would perhaps crumble. John Granger Cook analyzes these pagans' voice and elaborates on its importance, since it shows how Septuagint texts appeared in the eyes of Greco-Roman intellectuals. Theirs was not an abstract interest, however, because they knew that Christianity posed a grave danger to some of their dearest beliefs, self-understanding, and way of life.

Zielgruppe

Students and scholars of Theology (Old Testament and New Testamnet) and Judaism, individuals interested in Bible and culture, corresponding institutes and libraries.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Cook, John Granger

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Christentum, Christliche Theologie Bibelwissenschaften Altes Testament: Exegese, Geschichte
• Geisteswissenschaften Jüdische Studien Geschichte des Judentums Geschichte des Judentums: Biblische & Klassische Periode
• Geisteswissenschaften Christentum, Christliche Theologie Kirchengeschichte Frühes Christentum, Patristik, Christliche Archäologie

Über Autor(innen)

Cook, John Granger
Born 1955; 1976 BA, Davidson College; 1979 M.Div., Union Theological Seminary (VA); 1985 PhD, Emory University; currently Professor of Religion at LaGrange College.

John Granger Cook
Born 1955; 1976 B.A. in Philosophy, Davidson College; 1979 M.Div., Union Theological Seminary (VA); 1985 Ph.D. at Emory University; Associate Professor of Religion and Philosophy at LaGrange College, GA/USA.