Pagan Readers of Christian Scripture:

مرکز و کتابخانه مطالعات اسلامی به زبان های اروپایی

منو

" Pagan Readers of Christian Scripture: "
Ian N. Mills

Document Type	:	AL
Record Number	:	1085518
Doc. No	:	LA129147
Call No	:	‭10.1163/15700720-12341396‬
Language of Document	:	English
Main Entry	:	Ian N. Mills
Title & Author	:	Pagan Readers of Christian Scripture: [Article] : the Role of Books in Early Autobiographical Conversion Narratives\ Ian N. Mills
Publication Statement	:	Leiden: Brill
Title of Periodical	:	Vigiliae Christianae
Date	:	2019
Volume/ Issue Number	:	73/5
Page No	:	481–506
Abstract	:	Most scholars agree that “pagans” did not read Christian scripture. This critical consensus, however, places inordinate weight on a decontextualized quotation from Tertullian and neglects a body of evidence to the contrary. In particular, the role of books in early autobiographical conversion narratives suggests that early Christian authors and copyists could sometimes work with a reasonable expectation of pagan readership. Against traditional notions of the restricted appeal and circulation of Christian literature, pagan and Christian sources alike indicate that Christian writings found an audience among philo-barbarian thinkers and that certain Christians promoted their books in pagan circles. Most scholars agree that “pagans” did not read Christian scripture. This critical consensus, however, places inordinate weight on a decontextualized quotation from Tertullian and neglects a body of evidence to the contrary. In particular, the role of books in early autobiographical conversion narratives suggests that early Christian authors and copyists could sometimes work with a reasonable expectation of pagan readership. Against traditional notions of the restricted appeal and circulation of Christian literature, pagan and Christian sources alike indicate that Christian writings found an audience among philo-barbarian thinkers and that certain Christians promoted their books in pagan circles.
Descriptor	:	book culture
Descriptor	:	conversion
Descriptor	:	early Christian mission
Descriptor	:	reception history
Location & Call number	:	‭10.1163/15700720-12341396‬