Exploring unique aspects of early Christianity and contrasting it with Roman religion, the podcast discusses the power of prayer, the challenges of equality within religious institutions, and the embrace of diverse Christian traditions for a more inclusive dialogue.
Early Christians diverged from Roman religious norms by emphasizing family and love over power and conquest.
Christianity challenged Roman expectations by promoting personalized faith and heart-centered worship.
Christianity's non-conformity with established Roman worship made it a peculiar and threatening faith in Roman society.
Deep dives
Christianity's Opposition to Roman Religion Norms
Christianity completely challenged the norms of Roman religion by lacking fundamental aspects such as temples, cult statues, priests, and sacrifices. In contrast to the Roman system of power, fear, hierarchy, and conquest, Christians embraced family, love, cruciformity, and the concept of home-based worship. They represented a radical departure from the traditional Roman religious practices and were viewed as deviant or strange in a society deeply ingrained in the Roman religious framework.
Contrasting Religious Perception: Religio Versus Superstitio
Romans differentiated between 'religio' as safe and corporate Romanized religion and 'superstitio' as dangerous and individualized. 'Religio' was seen as ancient, ritualized, corporate, and effective, while 'superstitio' was innovative, ecstatic, individualized, and viewed as desperate. Christianity's personalized approach to faith and emphasis on heart-centered worship went against the Roman religious expectations of control and tradition.
Christianity's Viability Within Roman Society
In a society that tolerated various religions as long as they assimilated into the Roman system, Christianity posed a unique threat due to its innovative and individualized nature. The Roman preference for established forms of worship clashed with Christianity's emphasis on spontaneity, heartfelt devotion, and community-centered practices. This non-conformity made Christianity stand out as a peculiar and misunderstood faith, challenging the Roman religious status quo.
The Adoption of the Cross as a Symbol by Early Christians
Early Christianity faced mockery in the Roman world, with non-Christians making fun of the concept of worshipping Jesus on the cross. Despite initial ridicule, Christians embraced the cross as a central symbol, symbolizing humility, obedience, and love, contrary to Roman values. The adoption of the cross as a symbol reflected a counter-cultural stance, emphasizing a sense of security in identity.
Christianity's Radical Equality and A Challenge to Cultural Hierarchies
Christianity challenged cultural hierarchies by espousing radical equality, transcending societal divisions such as Roman and non-Roman, Jew and Gentile, male and female. This equality, emphasizing spiritual value over demographic worth, contrasted with the Roman societal structure. The faith's principle of equality posed a revolutionary concept, advocating for a common humanity and respect devoid of artificial societal distinctions.
Nijay K. Gupta (PhD, Durham University) is professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. He is cohost of the Slow Theology podcast, founder of the Crux Sola blog, and has written numerous books, including Tell Her Story, A Beginner's Guide to New Testament Studies, 15 New Testament Words of Life, and commentaries on Galatians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 and 2 Thessalonians. He is also the coeditor, with Scot McKnight, of The State of New Testament Studies, and a senior translator for the New Living Translation. Gupta lives in Portland, Oregon.
We want to thank Brazos Press for their help in setting up this interview and providing us with the necessary materials for this interview with Dr. Gupta!
