Imitation in Early Christianity: Mimesis and Religious-Ethical Formation

By: Cornelis Bennema

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Synopsis: What did exhortations to &“follow Jesus&” or &“imitate Christ&” mean to early Christians? Cornelis Bennema examines mimesis as a religious-ethical concept in early Christianity—the imitation of Jesus (and other exemplars) to become a better, more Christlike person. Situating appeals for imitation in the New Testament and Apostolic Fathers within the cultural and social context of the broader Greco-Roman world, Bennema shows how early Christian mimesis was not about literal replication, but instead was a creative, cognitive, and transformative means for shaping conduct and character. As part of this study, Bennema explores key questions about the historic origins of early Christian mimesis; the language that early Christian authors used to articulate the concept of mimesis; the scope, nature, and workings of mimesis in each major section of early Christian literature; and how early Christians navigated the challenges of imitating exemplars (such as Paul or Jesus) who were not physically present. Offering well-researched answers to these questions, Bennema provides readers with a nuanced and informative picture of exhortations to imitation in the New Testament and Apostolic Fathers.

Book Quality:: Publisher Quality
ISBN-13:: 9781467463638
Related ISBNs:: 9780802879929
Publisher:: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
Date of Addition:: 03/20/25
Copyrighted By:: Cornelis Bennema
Adult content:: No
Language:: English
Has Image Descriptions:: No
Categories:: History, Nonfiction, Religion and Spirituality, Education, Law, Legal Issues and Ethics
Submitted By:: Bookshare Staff
Usage Restrictions:: This is a copyrighted book.
Foreword by:: Michael J. Gorman