An Embodied Reading of the Shepherd of Hermas: The Book of Visions and Its Role

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This book uses cognitive literary theory, specifically the approach known as enactive reading, to investigate why a work that was exceedingly popular among readers in antiquity has failed to receive the same reception by modern scholars.

FORMATHardcover CONDITIONBrand New Publisher Description

The Shepherd of Hermas (70-150 CE) is one of the oldest Christian works from a major urban center. While the majority of manuscript evidence of the Shepherd is concentrated in North Africa, the work has long-standing association with the city of Rome. It consists of three major sections: the Book of Visions, the Mandates, and the Similitudes. The Shepherd was enormously popular during the early centuries as a catechetical text used for moral formation. Its manuscript evidence during the early centuries far exceeded that of the Gospels.This book uses cognitive literary theory, specifically the approach known as enactive reading, to investigate why a work that was exceedingly popular among readers in antiquity has failed to receive the same reception by modern scholars. The study focuses on the first section of the Shepherd known as the Book of Visions, which narrates Hermas's visionary experiences in first-person voice. The book argues that enactive reading can help to generate immersive experiences of Hermas's visions and explain the success and appeal of the Book of Visions among ancient readers. Cognitive approaches also highlight how modern scholars trained to read apocalypses 'against the grain' to search for historical or theological information fail to notice and appreciate the very things that made apocalypses engaging and entertaining to a broad range of ancient readers and hearers.

Author Biography

Angela Kim Harkins is Associate Professor of New Testament at Boston College.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Seeing the Shepherd of Hermas with New EyesChapter 1. The Popularity of the Shepherd in the Ancient WorldChapter 2. Taking a Look at HermasChapter 3. Sticky Thoughts that Make Presence from AbsenceChapter 4. Experiencing the JourneyChapter 5. Immersion in the Narrative World of Apocalyptic VisionsConclusion

Details ISBN180050327X Author Angela Kim Harkins Publisher Equinox Publishing Ltd Year 2023 ISBN-13 9781800503274 Format Hardcover Imprint Equinox Publishing Ltd Subtitle The Book of Visions and Its Role in Moral Formation Place of Publication London Country of Publication United Kingdom AU Release Date 2023-07-01 NZ Release Date 2023-07-01 Series Studies in Ancient Religion and Culture ISBN-10 180050327X Pages 240 DEWEY 229.93 Audience General Publication Date 2023-09-01 UK Release Date 2023-09-01 We've got this

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