Early Christianity the Experience of the Divine
Mike Ervin
Early
Christianity: The Experience of the Divine
This
teaching is based on a study from the Teaching Company titled Early
Christianity: The Experience of the Devine by Professor Luke Timothy Johnson of
Emory University. It is focused on the experience of the divine and the
religious practices that shaped the development of Christianity.
This
teaching explores early Christianity through the lens of religious experience,
emphasizing its appeal and historical significance.
- Christianity is
the largest world religion, continuing to thrive despite being declared
dead multiple times.
- This teaching
argues that Christianity's attractiveness lies in its ability to mediate
experiences of divine power.
- It contrasts
traditional approaches (attack vs. apology) with a phenomenological
analysis of religious experience.
- The first
section focuses on religious experiences in 1st-century Judaism and
Greco-Roman religion, culminating in the experience of Jesus and the
Resurrection.
- The second
section examines early Christian practices and their evolution over three
centuries, highlighting the continuity of religious experience.
Christianity
as a Religion
This
teaching discusses the complexities of understanding Christianity as a religion
amidst its cultural and political significance.
- Christianity is
both familiar and misunderstood, with many Americans exhibiting systemic
religious illiteracy.
- Despite its
cultural impact, educated individuals often lack knowledge about
Christianity compared to other religions.
- Common
perceptions of Christianity are shaped by ignorance and emotional
responses from both committed Christians and critics.
- The religion's
global resurgence is notable, as it remains the largest religious
tradition, puzzling those who view it as declining.
- Understanding
Christianity as a powerful religion requires examining its origins and
early development.
Defining
Religion: Challenges and Approaches
This
teaching addresses the difficulties in defining religion and proposes a more
adequate understanding based on lived experiences.
- Definitions of
religion vary widely, highlighting both limitations and usefulness in
understanding its essence.
- Classic
definitions range from feelings of dependence to social functions, but
none fully capture the complexity of religion.
- A descriptive
definition of religion emphasizes it as a way of life organized around
experiences of ultimate power.
- Key elements of
religion include community, ritual, doctrine, morality, and mysticism,
each mediating experiences of power.
The
Role of Religious Experience
This
teaching emphasizes the importance of religious experience in understanding
religion, particularly in early Christianity.
- Religious
experience is often overlooked in scientific studies due to its subjective
nature and difficulty in verification.
- It is essential
to consider personal experiences to gain insights into religious behavior
and claims.
- Joachim Wach's
definition of religious experience highlights its intensity and the
resulting actions it inspires.
- Analyzing
religious experience is crucial for understanding early Christian claims
about divine power and the emergence of the faith.
Sourcing
Christianity: Methodological Considerations
This
teaching discusses the sources and methods for studying early Christianity as a
religious movement.
- Understanding
early Christianity requires a focus on religious analysis rather than
purely historical or theological approaches.
- The available
sources for studying ancient religions are limited, including scarce
firsthand accounts and demographic data.
- Archaeological
and literary evidence varies across Greco-Roman religion, Judaism, and
early Christianity, affecting the analysis.
- A
phenomenological approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of
Christianity by examining multiple perspectives and contexts.
The
Imperial Context of Early Christianity
This
teaching explores the cultural and political environment of the 1st century C.E.
that shaped early Christianity.
- Early
Christianity emerged within a complex symbolic world influenced by
Mediterranean culture and Hellenism.
- The transition
from a republic to an empire under Rome affected the development of
religious and philosophical responses.
- Hellenistic
ideals, promoted by Alexander the Great, contrasted with the realities of
empire, creating a gap that influenced spiritual seekers.
- Judaism, as the
immediate context for Christianity, played a significant role in shaping
its early expressions and beliefs.
Hellenization
and Its Mixed Success
Hellenization
aimed to universalize Greek culture but faced significant challenges.
- Tools of
Hellenization included language (Koine Greek), city-state institutions,
intermarriage, and religious syncretism.
- The goal was to
create a cosmopolitan identity, breaking down barriers between people.
- Alexander's
empire ultimately fragmented, leading to political vulnerability to Rome.
- Culturally,
Hellenism was influenced by local cultures, resulting in a mixed identity.
- The vast Roman
Empire created feelings of alienation and anomie among its inhabitants.
Challenges
to Traditional Religion and Philosophy
The
conditions of empire transformed religious and philosophical practices.
- Classical
polytheism supported civic life through public worship of patron gods.
- The rise of
concepts like "fate" and "chance" reflected societal
alienation.
- Philosophy
shifted focus from state to individual and household, emphasizing personal
virtue.
- New religious
activities emerged, including mystery cults, to fulfill the need for
identity.
- Judaism was
seen as an appealing ancient philosophy and mystery religion by many.
Greco-Roman
Polytheism and Its Complexities
Greco-Roman
religion was diverse and deeply integrated into daily life.
- Ancient
Christian sources were hostile to pagan practices, viewing them as
immoral.
- Polytheism
distributed divine power among many gods, allowing for inclusivity but
lacking a clear moral framework.
- Religion
permeated all aspects of life, with temples serving multiple functions
beyond worship.
- Prophecy,
healing, and mystery cults were significant religious phenomena,
reflecting divine power.
Religious
Experience in Greco-Roman Culture
A
range of religious attitudes existed in the Greco-Roman world.
- Individuals
displayed varying degrees of religious instinct, from skepticism to
superstition.
- Philosophers
like Epictetus and Dio Chrysostom exemplified a piety rooted in moral
transformation.
- Aelius
Aristides' experiences highlight the desire for healing and divine
connection.
- Apuleius's
"The Golden Ass" illustrates the transformative power of
religious experiences.
The
Symbolic World of Torah in Judaism
Judaism
in the 1st century was diverse yet coherent, centered around the Torah.
- Judaism evolved
from ancient Israelite religion, influenced by various cultural contexts.
- The Temple,
synagogue, and home were key loci of Jewish religious life.
- Torah
encompassed scripture, narrative, and practices that defined Jewish
identity.
- Shared symbols
and practices set Jews apart in the Greco-Roman world.
Palestinian
Judaism's Response to Greco-Roman Culture
Palestinian
Judaism exhibited diverse responses to Hellenistic influence and Roman rule.
- Different
sects, such as Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, and Zealots, represented
varied approaches to identity.
- Resistance to
Hellenistic culture included rebellion and ideological conflicts among
Jews.
- Apocalyptic
literature and charismatic figures like John the Baptist reflected deep
religious sentiments.
Hellenistic
Diaspora and Jewish Life
Jewish
communities in the Diaspora developed distinctively while maintaining ties to
Palestine.
- The Diaspora
allowed for engagement with Greek culture, fostering unique expressions of
Judaism.
- Synagogues
became central to community life, facilitating Jewish identity and
practice.
- Philo of
Alexandria exemplified the blending of Jewish and Hellenistic thought.
The
Nature of Jesus and the Gospels
The
Gospels provide indirect insights into the life and significance of Jesus.
- They serve as
witnesses and interpretations rather than straightforward biographies.
- The Synoptic
Gospels share material but differ significantly in portrayal and emphasis.
- Historical
analysis of Jesus requires careful consideration of converging evidence
from various sources.
The
Resurrection Experience and Its Implications
The
Resurrection experience is central to understanding the origins of
Christianity.
- It marks the
transition from Jesus's life to the transformative experiences of his
followers.
- Early
Christians claimed personal, transcendent experiences of power linked to
Jesus's resurrection.
- The nature of
the Resurrection challenges conventional understandings of life and death.
Christianity's
Rapid Expansion in the Mediterranean
Christianity
spread quickly across the Mediterranean, establishing communities in diverse
contexts.
- The Acts of the
Apostles chronicles this expansion, highlighting both divine and human
dimensions.
- The movement
transitioned geographically, sociologically, linguistically, culturally,
and demographically.
- Early Christian
rituals, such as baptism and communal meals, played a crucial role in
community formation.
The
Significance of Baptism in Early Christianity
Baptism
served as a vital initiation ritual in early Christian communities.
- It symbolized
purification, new life, and a relationship with God.
- Controversies
arose over the adequacy of baptism alone versus additional initiations
like circumcision.
- Paul's
teachings emphasized the sufficiency of baptism, challenging the need for
multiple initiations.
Forms
of Ecstatic Speech in Christianity
Ecstatic
speech, including glossolalia, has been a significant yet divisive aspect of
early Christianity, reflecting the presence of the Holy Spirit.
- Glossolalia is
seen as a powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit, particularly in
Pentecostal movements.
- Many Christians
view glossolalia with skepticism, associating it with self-delusion or
deception.
- The definition
of glossolalia varies, with some viewing it as speaking in real languages
(xenoglossia) and others as ecstatic utterance or babbling.
- Paul’s letters
in 1 Corinthians discuss the role of glossolalia, emphasizing its
interpretation for community understanding.
- The practice
has been marginalized in Christianity, often linked to women’s subversive
roles and perceived as primitive.
Significance
of Meals in Early Christianity
Early
Christian meals held profound significance, reflecting communal identity and
spiritual experience, while also presenting analytical challenges.
- Meals were
integral to early Christian fellowship, akin to practices in Greco-Roman
and Jewish cultures.
- The Gospels and
Acts provide evidence of various meal practices, including the Last Supper
and communal meals.
- Paul addresses
issues related to meals in his letters, emphasizing moral conduct and
community unity.
- Different
scholarly approaches analyze the significance of meals, from historical
origins to phenomenological perspectives.
- The
interpretation of meals varies, with some viewing them as memorials for
the dead and others as celebrations of the risen Christ.
Healing
as a Manifestation of Divine Power
Healing
in early Christianity served as a visible sign of divine presence, reflecting
both compassion and the transformative power of faith.
- Healing
practices were common in both Greco-Roman and Jewish traditions, with
Jesus as a central figure in healing narratives.
- The Acts of the
Apostles and letters of Paul and James indicate that healing continued in
early Christian communities.
- Healing
symbolizes God’s presence, the compassion of the healer, and stages of
spiritual transformation.
- The ambiguity
of healing as a sign of divine power raises questions about authenticity
and the potential for deception.
Accessing
Divine Power Through Prayer and Visions
Prayer
and visions represent the mystical dimensions of early Christianity,
facilitating direct experiences of divine power.
- Prayer can be
communal or individual, while visions are typically individual experiences
of the divine.
- Jesus is
portrayed as a person of prayer, teaching his disciples the Lord’s Prayer
and exemplifying its attitudes.
- The New
Testament contains numerous accounts of visions, including those
experienced by Jesus, Stephen, Peter, and Paul.
- Mystical
experiences continue to play a role in Christianity, sometimes challenging
established traditions.
The
Nature of the Holy Community
The
early Christian community was characterized by its social nature, shared
beliefs, and the challenge of establishing its identity amidst diverse
influences.
- Christianity
expanded through the formation of churches that gathered in households,
emphasizing communal identity.
- Early Christian
communities shared structural features with Jewish synagogues and
Greco-Roman clubs, while also promoting egalitarian ideals.
- Boundaries were
established to differentiate Christianity from Greco-Roman culture and
Judaism, focusing on moral standards and beliefs.
- Despite
diversity, early Christians maintained fellowship through communication,
shared possessions, and common beliefs.
Worship
Practices in Early Christianity
Worship
in early Christianity was simple and evolving, reflecting the community's
experiences and convictions centered around the Resurrection.
- Early Christian
worship lacked distinct sacred spaces and times, primarily observed on the
“Lord’s Day.”
- Elements of
worship included Scripture reading, prayer, and communal meals, with
influences from Jewish practices.
- The 2nd century
saw the development of more structured worship practices, including the
Eucharist and communal gatherings.
- The rise of
Christianity as the imperial religion led to the establishment of grand
public worship spaces and a liturgical calendar.
The
Transformative Role of Scripture
Christianity's
relationship with Scripture is complex, marked by a dialectical process of
interpretation and canonization influenced by experience.
- Unlike Judaism
and Islam, Christianity is not solely a “religion of the book,” as its
revelation centers on the person of Jesus.
- The New
Testament writings reflect the reinterpretation of Torah in light of the
experience of Jesus as the Messiah.
- The
canonization process involved the selection of writings that would be
authoritative, influenced by the rise of Gnosticism and other movements.
- Biblical
interpretation has historically grappled with the tension between divine
inspiration and human authorship.
Development
of Authority and Creeds
The
evolution of authority and creeds in early Christianity was shaped by the need
for structure and response to internal conflicts.
- Early
Christianity featured simple structures with itinerant leaders and local
elders, leading to tensions in authority.
- The 2nd century
saw the emergence of writings that highlighted the need for established
authority and correct belief.
- The Gnostic
crisis prompted the development of creeds and the rule of faith to define
orthodox beliefs.
- The
establishment of bishops as successors to the apostles solidified
authority within the church.
The
Impact of Saints on Christianity
Saints
have played a crucial role in Christianity, embodying the transformative power
of faith and serving as examples of radical commitment.
- The term
“saint” originally referred to all community members but evolved to denote
individuals of extraordinary virtue and charisma.
- Early Christian
writings emphasize the importance of sanctification and imitation of Jesus
in the lives of believers.
- Martyrdom in
the 2nd and 3rd centuries exemplified the commitment to faith, with
figures like Ignatius and Polycarp serving as models.
- After
Constantine, saints continued to inspire radical forms of Christian life,
often challenging established authority.
Tension
Between Official and Popular Christianity
The
relationship between official and popular Christianity reveals a historical
tension between structured authority and grassroots religious expression.
- Official
Christianity has often prioritized controlled power and institutional
authority, overshadowing popular expressions of faith.
- Historical
scholarship has focused more on official leaders and doctrines, neglecting
the lived experiences of ordinary Christians.
- The Protestant
Reformation and Enlightenment movements criticized popular practices
deemed superstitious, favoring rationality.
- Recent
scholarship has begun to recognize the significance of popular religion,
reshaping the understanding of Christianity's origins and development.
Greek
Terms and Concepts in Early Christianity
This
section defines key Greek terms and concepts relevant to early Christianity and
its cultural context.
- Ekklesia: Refers to the assembly or church, used for both Jewish and early
Christian gatherings.
- Emic and Etic: Emic refers to participant perspectives, while etic denotes
nonparticipant analysis in anthropology.
- Eschatology: The study of the end of history, derived from the Greek term for
"last."
- Essenes: A Jewish sect in 1st-century Palestine, often associated with the
Qumran community.
- Eucharist: A term meaning "thanksgiving," referring to early
Christian fellowship meals.
- Gentile: Non-Jewish individuals or nations.
- Glossolalia: The spiritual gift of speaking in tongues in early Christianity.
- Gnosticism: A 2nd-century movement claiming enlightenment through
individualistic interpretations of Christianity.
- Hellenism: The cultural influence of Greek civilization, particularly after
Alexander the Great.
- Monotheism: The belief in one God, central to Judaism and emerging in
Greco-Roman thought.
Historical
Context of Early Christianity
This
section provides an overview of the historical and cultural backdrop against
which early Christianity developed.
- Greco-Roman
Culture: A blend of Greek civilization and Roman rule
that shaped the Mediterranean world.
- Pharisees and
Sadducees: Two prominent Jewish sects in 1st-century
Palestine, with differing beliefs and practices.
- Zealots: A Jewish group advocating for the overthrow of Roman rule,
emphasizing kingship.
- Diaspora: The dispersion of Jews outside of Israel, influencing early
Christian communities.
Religious
Practices and Beliefs
This
section outlines various religious practices and beliefs that characterized
early Christianity and its surrounding cultures.
- Rituals: Repetitive behaviors in religious contexts, such as the Eucharist
and baptism.
- Mysticism: The pursuit of immediate experiences of the divine, often through
prayer.
- Magic and
Mantic Prophecy: Concepts related to manipulating transcendent
powers and prophetic utterances in Hellenistic culture.
- Morality: The expression of religious experience through behavior patterns
related to good and evil.
Key
Texts and Resources for Study
This
section lists essential readings and resources for understanding early
Christianity and its historical context.
- New Testament: The primary source for early Christian writings, with various
acceptable translations.
- Ancient Text
Collections: Works like Barrett's "The New Testament
Background" and Charlesworth's "The Old Testament
Pseudepigrapha" provide context and translations of relevant texts.
- Patristic
Literature: Early church writings that follow the New
Testament, offering insights into early Christian thought.
- Gnostic Texts: The "Nag Hammadi Library" contains significant Gnostic
materials that inform the understanding of early Christian diversity.
Supplementary
Reading for Deeper Understanding
This
section suggests additional readings for a more comprehensive understanding of
early Christianity and its cultural milieu.
- Historical
Studies: Works by authors like Fredriksen and Meeks
provide insights into the social world of early Christians.
- Cultural
Context: Books by scholars like Cohen and Tcherikover
explore the interactions between Jews and Hellenistic culture.
- Religious
Practices: Studies by authors like Kee and Cullmann examine
the rituals and worship practices in early Christianity.
- Philosophical
Influences: Texts discussing Stoicism, Cynicism, and other
philosophical movements that influenced early Christian thought.
Early Christianity the Experience of the Divine
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