Dealing with Difference

Christian Patterns of Response to Religious Rivalry in Late Antiquity and Beyond

edited by Geoffrey D. Dunn and Christine Shepardson

Book cover: Dealing with Difference

Extent: 311 pages

Publisher: Mohr Siebeck

Subjects: Religious Studies

Series: Studien und Texte zu Antike und Christentum / Studies and Texts in Antiquity and Christianity

Series volume number: 129

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(November 2021)

ISBN: 9783161610714

9.09 x 6.06 inches

Price: $124.00

In stock

Religious rivalry exists where groups of people distinguish themselves from others on the basis of differing beliefs and practices touching identity and life’s meaning. These differences were addressed in a variety of ways, depending on levels of tolerance: ranging from violence, which captures most attention, through polemic and debate to compromise and negotiation. While all sought to resolve rivalry, the means chosen could involve either an escalation or de-escalation of the conflict. In the early centuries of its existence, Christianity reacted both to internal differences between members and to external differences with non-Christians. In fresh case studies, the essays in this volume examine not only patterns of escalation of rivalry but also emphasise strategies adopted that sought to de-escalate tensions.

  • Edited by Geoffrey D Dunn
  • Edited by Christine Shepardson