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008			170619s2017 mauabf b 001 0 eng c
010			_a 2017029358
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040			_aMH/DLC _beng _cMH _erda _dDLC
042			_apcc
050	0	0	_aBR129 _b.K53 2017
082	0	0	_a270.1 _223
091			_a270.1
100	1		_aKnapp, Robert C, _eauthor.
245	1	4	_aThe dawn of Christianity : _bpeople and gods in a time of magic and miracles / _cRobert Knapp.
260			_aCambridge, Massachusetts : _bHarvard University Press, _cc2017
300			_axvi, 303 pages, [16] pages of plates : _billustrations (some color), maps ; _c25 cm.
500			_a"First published in the United Kingdom in 2017 by Profile Books Ltd."--Title page verso.
504			_aIncludes bibliographical references and index.
505	0		_aThe journey -- Polytheists, Jews and the supernatural -- Ordinary Jewish people -- The justice of Yahweh -- Polytheists in their world -- Paths to change -- Charismatics and messiahs -- Christianity in the Jewish and polytheistic world -- Hostility to Christianity -- Christianity's appeal: magicians, miracles and martyrs -- When prophecy fails -- Valedictory.
520			_aOrdinary people of antiquity interacted with the supernatural through a mosaic of beliefs and rituals. Exploring everyday life from 200 BCE to the end of the first century CE, Robert Knapp shows that Jews and polytheists lived with the gods in very similar ways. Traditional interactions provided stability even in times of crisis, while changing a relationship risked catastrophe for the individual, his family, and his community. However, people in both traditions did at times leave behind their long-honored rites to try something new. The Dawn of Christianity reveals why some people in Judea and then in the Roman and Greek worlds embraced a new approach to the forces and powers in their daily lives. Knapp traces the emergence of Christianity from its stirrings in the eastern Mediterranean, where Jewish monotheism coexisted with polytheism and prayer mixed with magic. In a time receptive to prophetic messages and supernatural interventions, Jesus of Nazareth convinced people to change their beliefs by showing, through miracles, his direct connection to god-like power. The miracle of the Resurrection solidified Jesus's supernatural credentials. After his death, followers continued to use miracles and magic to spread Jesus's message of reward for the righteous in this life and immortality in the next. Many Jews and polytheists strongly opposed the budding movement but despite major setbacks Christianity proved resilient and adaptable. It survived long enough to be saved by a second miracle, the conversion of Emperor Constantine. Hand in hand with empire, Christianity began its long march through history.--
600	0	0	_aJesus Christ _xMiracles.
650		0	_aChristianity _xOrigin.
650		0	_aSupernatural (Theology) _xHistory _yTo 1500.
650		0	_aMagic _zMediterranean Region _xHistory _yTo 1500.
650		0	_aJudaism.
650		0	_aPolytheism.
901			_aLEASED170823D
901			_aLEASED170823A
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901			_aLEASED170822A
901			_ajmd _bCATRL
908	0	0	_aBR129
942			_2lcc _cBOOK _hBR 129 _i.K53 2017