Erkki Koskenniemi Bücher

The book explores the historical practice of infant exposure in ancient Greek and Roman societies, particularly highlighting the reasons behind this practice, such as gender and familial status. It contrasts this with Jewish and Christian beliefs, which sought to discourage such actions by emphasizing the inherent value of every human life and the sanctity of newborns as creations of God. The arguments used by early Christians were largely influenced by Jewish teachings, underscoring a shared commitment to the protection of vulnerable life.

The book explores the historical practice of infant exposure in classical antiquity, highlighting its normalization among Jews and Christians. It examines the motivations behind this practice, such as economic factors and societal norms regarding gender and legitimacy. The text also delves into the rich array of arguments presented in rabbinic and patristic literature against the custom, revealing the moral and ethical tensions of the time. This analysis provides insight into the cultural attitudes towards life and family in ancient societies.

The analysis delves into early Jewish texts that attribute miraculous events to figures from the Old Testament, including Moses, Elijah, and Elisha, as well as notable figures like Abraham, David, and Solomon. It explores the evolution of miracle narratives and the theological motives behind them, highlighting the flexibility in retelling these stories. The tradition of miracle-workers is presented as diverse, with connections to various historiographical styles and even tragedies. This exploration sheds light on early Jewish beliefs and their influence on early Christianity.