Early Christian Families in Context: An Interdisciplinary Dialogue - Paperback

by David L. Balch (Editor), Carolyn A. Osiek (Editor)

This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable.

Typical studies of marriage and family in the early Christian period focus on very limited evidence found in Scripture. This book offers a broader, richer picture of the first Christian families by drawing together research by experts ranging from archaeologists to ancient historians.

Exploring the nature of households within the ancient Greco-Roman world, the contributors assemble a new understanding of ancient Christian families that is both compelling and instructive. The book covers key aspects of ancient family life, from meals and childrearing to women's roles and the lives of slaves. Three concluding chapters explore the implications of all this information for theological education today.

Contributors:

• David L. Balch
• Suzanne Dixon
• J. Albert Harrill
• Ross S. Kaemer
• Christian Laes
• Peter Lampe
• Amy-Jill Levine
• Margaret Y. MacDonald
• Dale B. Martin
• Eric M. Meyers
• Margaret M. Mitchell
• Carolyn Osiek
• Beryl Rawson
• Richard Saller
• Timothy F. Sedgwick
• Monika Trümper
• Andrew Wallace-Hadrill

Back Jacket

Typical studies of marriage and family in the early Christian period focus on very limited evidence found in Scripture. This interdisciplinary book offers a broader, richer picture of the first Christian families by drawing together research by experts ranging from archaeologists to ancient historians.

By exploring the nature of households in the ancient Greco-Roman world, the contributors assemble a new understanding of ancient Christian families that is both compelling and instructive. Divided into six parts, the book covers key aspects of ancient family life, from meals and child-rearing to women's roles and the lives of slaves. Three concluding chapters explore the implications of all this information for theological education today.

Contributors: David L. Balch
Suzanne Dixon
J. Albert Harrill
Ross S. Kraemer
Christian Laes
Peter Lampe
Amy-Jill Levine
Margaret Y. MacDonald
Dale Martin
Eric M. Meyers
Margaret M. Mitchell
Carolyn Osiek
Beryl Rawson
Richard Saller
Timothy F. Sedgwick
Monika Trumper
Andrew Wallace-Hadrill

Author Biography

David L. Balch is professor of New Testament at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, California.

Carolyn A. Osiek is professor of New Testament at Brite Divinity School of Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas.