The authors of this volume explore the notion of community as reflected upon in the writings of the Apostolic Fathers. Various aspects are dealt with, including concerns for organising the community, developing a sacramental and liturgical praxis, constructing identity against outsiders, spreading the Christian message, and building towards a better community. The interplay between ideal and reality in the sources offers some reliable information about day-to-day concerns and concrete situations in Christian communities from the end of the first century up to about 150 CE. Contributors: Paul...
The authors of this volume explore the notion of community as reflected upon in the writings of the Apostolic Fathers. Various aspects are dealt with,...
In Community Building in the Shepherd of Hermas, Mark Grundeken investigates key aspects of Christian community life as reflected upon in the early Christian writing the Shepherd of Hermas (2nd century C.E.). Grundeken's thematic study deals with various topics: the community's identity, including its (alleged) 'Jewish Christianness', (lack of) resurrection belief, sectarian tendencies and its relation to the authorities and to the emperor cult; social features, encompassing gender roles and charity; and rituals such as baptism, metanoia, Eucharistic meals, the...
In Community Building in the Shepherd of Hermas, Mark Grundeken investigates key aspects of Christian community life as reflected upon i...