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Kissing Christians: Ritual And Community In The Late Ancient Church (Divinations: Rereading Late Ancient Religion),Used
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In the first five centuries of the common era, the kiss was a distinctive and nearubiquitous marker of Christianity. Although Christians did not invent the kissJewish and pagan literature is filled with references to kisses between lovers, family members, and individuals in relationships of power and subordinationChristians kissed one another in highly specific settings and in ways that set them off from the nonChristian population.Christians kissed each other during prayer, Eucharist, baptism, and ordination and in connection with greeting, funerals, monastic vows, and martyrdom. As Michael Philip Penn shows in Kissing Christians, this ritual kiss played a key role in defining group membership and strengthening the social bond between the communal body and its individual members.Kissing Christians presents the first comprehensive study of the ritual kiss and how controversies surrounding it became part of larger debates regarding the internal structure of Christian communities and their relations with outsiders. Penn traces how Christian writers exalted those who kissed only fellow Christians, proclaimed that Jews did not have a kiss, prohibited exchanging the kiss with potential heretics, privileged the confessor's kiss, prohibited Christian men and women from kissing each other, and forbade laity from kissing clergy. Kissing Christians also investigates connections between kissing and group cohesion, kissing practices and purity concerns, and how Christian leaders used the motif of the kiss of Judas to examine theological notions of loyalty, unity, forgiveness, hierarchy, and subversion.Exploring connections between bodies, power, and performance, Kissing Christians bridges the gap between cultural and liturgical approaches to antiquity. It breaks significant new ground in its application of literary and sociological theory to liturgical history and will have a profound impact on these fields.
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- Q: What is the page count of Kissing Christians? A: This book has two hundred pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of the ritual kiss in early Christianity.
- Q: What type of binding does Kissing Christians have? A: Kissing Christians is published in hardcover. This durable binding makes it suitable for frequent use and preservation.
- Q: Who is the author of Kissing Christians? A: The author is Michael Philip Penn. He presents a comprehensive study of the role of the kiss in early Christian communities.
- Q: What themes are explored in Kissing Christians? A: The book explores themes of ritual, community, and social bonds within early Christian practices. It highlights the significance of the kiss as a marker of identity.
- Q: What is the main focus of Kissing Christians? A: The main focus is on the ritual kiss in Christianity. It investigates its role in defining group membership and social cohesion.
- Q: What is the recommended audience for Kissing Christians? A: This book is suitable for scholars and students of ancient civilizations and religious studies. It offers insights into liturgical history and cultural practices.
- Q: How does Kissing Christians address purity concerns? A: The book examines the connections between kissing practices and purity concerns in early Christian communities. It discusses how these concerns influenced social interactions.
- Q: Is Kissing Christians appropriate for academic research? A: Yes, it is highly appropriate for academic research. The book applies literary and sociological theory to the study of liturgical history.
- Q: What unique perspectives does Kissing Christians offer? A: It bridges cultural and liturgical approaches to antiquity. The book challenges traditional views on the significance of the ritual kiss.
- Q: What are some key topics discussed in Kissing Christians? A: Key topics include the social implications of the kiss, its theological significance, and its role in community dynamics. The book provides a detailed analysis of historical practices.
- Q: How should Kissing Christians be stored? A: Store Kissing Christians in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This helps preserve the book's condition over time.
- Q: Are there any special care instructions for Kissing Christians? A: Handle the book gently to avoid wear and tear. Avoid placing heavy objects on it to maintain its shape and binding.
- Q: What if Kissing Christians arrives damaged? A: If it arrives damaged, please contact the seller for return instructions. Most sellers provide a return policy for damaged goods.
- Q: Can Kissing Christians be used for teaching? A: Yes, it can be effectively used for teaching purposes. The book provides valuable insights into early Christian rituals that can enhance discussions in academic settings.
- Q: What makes Kissing Christians stand out from other books on early Christianity? A: Its comprehensive study of the ritual kiss and its socio-theological implications makes it unique. It offers a fresh perspective compared to other literature.