Magic and Paganism in Early Christianity

This press release just out from Fortress [Let me add that the reason I mention Fortress books here is that they are good enough to send me their press releases; if any other publishers wish do the same, I'm happy to include their announcements here too.]

MAGIC AND PAGANISM IN EARLY CHRISTIANITY Makes Fascinating Account of the Book of Acts

MINNEAPOLIS (October 7, 2003)— Many forms of magic and paganism were practiced at the time of Jesus. What were these practices, and how did the earliest followers of Jesus react to them?

Hans-Josef Klauck, an expert in Greco-Roman religious practices, describes this world in which the early churches were founded in his new book, Magic and Paganism in Early Christianity, and he relates to it the many experiences recorded in the Book of Acts.

Klauck describes the religious world into which Christianity was born, by looking at it from the many experiences of the first Christians as recorded in Acts. For example: Peter encounters Simon the magician, the people of Lystra want to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas, and a soothsaying slave-girl is the occasion for conflict in Philippi.

We come to Athens where Paul finds the city full of idols but also discovers an altar “to an unknown god” and delivers the famous Areopagus speech, and to Ephesus, where some burn their books of magic formulae, while others provoke a riot in the name of Artemis.

Magic and Paganism in Early Christianity makes for a fascinating account of these phenomena and their significance for Christianity historically and today.

“Professor Klauck, writing briskly, but with respect for the complexity of the matters he takes up, demonstrates clearly the tension that remained between inculturation and evangelization. A stimulating book indeed.”

—Abraham J. Malherbe, Yale Divinity School

“In his reading of the Book of Acts against the background of the various religious views and practices prevailing in the Roman-Hellenistic world, Professor Klauck is drawing upon his astounding expertise in the field of ancient religion and philosophy. . . . This is thought-provoking and exciting reading.”

—Jürgen Roloff, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg

Features

* A fresh treatment of the Book of Acts in light of Greco-Roman religions

* Extensive bibliography

* Multiple indexes

Author: Hans-Josef Klauck is Professor of New Testament and Early Christian Literature at the Divinity School of the University of Chicago. His most recent book with Fortress Press is The Religious Context of Early Christianity (2003). He has also published commentaries and monographs on 1 Corinthians, the Johannine epistles, and New Testament theology. He is also a member of the Hermeneia editorial board.

Translator: Brian McNeil is a native of the U.K. who now lives in Germany. He also translated Klauck’s The Religious Context of Early Christianity.

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Format 144pp. 5-1/2 x 8-1/2” paperback 4-color cover perfect

ISBN: 0-8006-3635-X

Price: $15.00

To order Magic and Paganism in Early Christianity please call Fortress Press at 1-800-328-4648 or visit the web site at www.fortresspress.com. To request review copies or exam copies please visit the website at www.fortresspress.com or call 1-800-426-0115 ext. 234.