Date Available
10-27-2013
Year of Publication
2013
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
College
Arts and Sciences
Department/School/Program
History
Advisor
Dr. David Olster
Abstract
Only recently have scholars given particular attention to the development of the racial discourse present in early Christian apologetics. This study is aimed at understanding the Latin and Greek literary antecedents to the development of a Christian discourse on race and identity and examining in detail the apex of this discourse in the work of third century apologist Origen of Alexandria. Origen’s work represented the apex of an evolving discourse that, while continuing to use traditional vocabulary, became increasingly universalizing with the growth of the Roman Empire. By understanding how Christians in the first three centuries shaped their attitudes on race and identity, scholars can better comprehend the place of Christianity within the cultural framework of the Roman Empire.
Recommended Citation
Mason, Edward, "MORE THAN AN "IMMODERATE SUPERSTITION": CHRISTIAN IDENTITY IN THE FIRST THREE CENTURIES" (2013). Theses and Dissertations--History. 20.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/history_etds/20
Included in
Christianity Commons, Cultural History Commons, History of Christianity Commons, History of Religion Commons
