Focusing on the interplay of emotions, violence, and community in early Christianity, this scholarly work delves into the author's doctoral research. It explores how affective experiences shaped social bonds and identity within early Christian groups, examining the complex dynamics of belonging and exclusion. The revision offers a nuanced analysis of historical texts and contexts, providing insights into the formative years of the Christian tradition and its impact on communal relationships.
This Element is a both a primer for understanding some of the more predominant strands of critical theory in the study of religion in late antiquity, and a history of speculative leaps in the field.
Material Culture, Experience, and the Real in the History of Early Christianity
Exploring the intersection of Judaism and Christianity, this work delves into how humanity grapples with the physical aspects of life and death throughout history. It traverses the ancient Mediterranean, examining various artifacts that illuminate the transnational narrative of early Christianity. By employing a psychoanalytical lens on materialist studies, the author enriches our comprehension of religious histories while also reflecting on the diverse methodologies that shape our understanding of the past and our emotional connections to it.