Christianization and Communication in Late Antiquity

Abstract

How did ordinary people and Church authorities communicate with each other in late antiquity and how did this interaction affect the processes of Christianization in the Roman Empire? By studying the relationship between the preacher and his congregation within the context of classical, urban traditions of public speaking, this book explains some of the reasons for the popularity of Christian sermons during the period. Its focus on John Chrysostom's sermons allows us to see how an educated church leader responded to and was influenced by a congregation of ordinary Christians. As a preacher in Antioch, Chrysostom took great care to convey his lessons to his congregation, which included a broad cross-section of society. Because of this, his sermons provide a fascinating view into the variety of beliefs held by the laity, demonstrating that many people could be actively engaged in their religion while disagreeing with their preacher.

From Sophistopolis to Episcopolis: The Case for a Third Sophistic

“…The appeal for plain style had to face the need to attract audiences and keep them attentive. 41 Augustine and Chrysostom themselves approved the use of "rhetorical fireworks" as a means to preach to an audience that was used to the performances of orators and sophists. So Augustine draws the attention of the Christian orator/preacher to the fact that "when we keep monotonously to one style, we fail to retain the hearer's attention; but when we pass from one style to another, the discourse goes off more gracefully, even though it extends to a greater length."…”

Introduction

“…18 Voir Wiemer 1995Tougher 1998 ;Quiroga 2009. 19 Voir Cribiore 2007 VoirMaxwell 2006et Sandwell 2007.© Presses universitaires de Franche-Comté | Téléchargé le 18/07/2022 sur www.cairn.info(IP: 44.224.250.200) © Presses universitaires de Franche-Comté | Téléchargé le 18/07/2022 sur www.cairn.info(IP: 44.224.250.200)…”