MORE THAN AN "IMMODERATE SUPERSTITION": CHRISTIAN IDENTITY IN THE FIRST THREE CENTURIES

Author

Edward Mason, University of KentuckyFollow

Date Available

10-27-2013

Year of Publication

2013

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Document Type

Master's Thesis

College

Arts and Sciences

Department/School/Program

History

First 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