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This and the following episode explore two contrasting scholarly portraits of the historical Jesus, those of John Dominic Crossan (Jesus as egalitarian peasant) and E.P. Sanders (Jesus as apocalyptic prophet). This is part of series 5 (The Historical Jesus in Context) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: jesus, historical jesus, new testament, judaism, christianity



This episode looks at the cultural predecessors of Hell and the afterlife in the Ancient Near East, Israel and Persia, setting the stage for discussion of Judean and Christian developments in the following episodes.

Topics: hell, sheol, satan, judaism, zoroastrianism



Here I further explore the first-person visionary account in Daniel chapters 7-12, our earliest example of an historical apocalypse as veiled history.

Topics: apocalypse, apocalypticism, end of the world, judaism, christianity, daniel, antiochus epiphanes



This episode looks at how certain followers of Jesus, including the authors of Revelation and the gospels, expressed their notions of Hell and the afterlife.

Topics: satan, hell, gospels, revelation, apocalypse of john, afterlife



This episode involves a case study of Syrian or Phoenician ethnic groups or immigrant associations in the ancient Mediterranean, preparing the way for a comparison with other groups of immigrants from the eastern coast of the Mediterranean -- namely Israelites and Judeans (Jews). This episode deals primarily with the Hellenistic period in the second and first centuries BCE and the following episode continues on into the Roman imperial period. This is part of series 6 (Associations in the...

Topics: roman empire, greco-roman religious, phoenicians, syrians, associations, judeans, jews, christians



Here I finish the discussion of the Gospel of Philip by focusing on the way in which notions of salvation were enacted in the practices of the followers of Jesus who used this writing. In particular, rituals such as the "bridal chamber" illustrate the connections between sex (as a metaphor) and salvation in the mindset of this author. This is part of series 3 ("Diversity in Early Christianity: 'Heresies' and Struggles") of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: early christianity, gospel of philip, nag hammadi, gnosticism, bridal chamber



Here I continue to explain the worldview of the Apocryphon of John, particularly its notions regarding the material realm, the inferior creator god (demiurge), and salvation from this realm. This is part of series 3 ("Diversity in Early Christianity: 'Heresies' and Struggles") of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: early Christianity, gnosticism, nag hammadi



This episode introduces groups of early Jesus-followers within the context of associations, Judeans, and cultural minority groups, setting the stage for case studies of Jesus groups in Asia Minor (parts 2-3).

Topics: early christianity, associations, jesus, christianity



This and the following episode place Jesus and Galilee within the broader context of Israelite history. This episode begins with the Assyrian period (700s BCE) and concludes with the Persian period, with the construction of the second temple (ca. 500 BCE). This is part of series 5 (The Historical Jesus in Context) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: historical jesus, israelite history, galilee, judea



This is the second of two episodes that explore two contrasting scholarly portraits of the historical Jesus, those of John Dominic Crossan (Jesus as egalitarian peasant) and E.P. Sanders (Jesus as apocalyptic prophet). This is part of series 5 (The Historical Jesus in Context) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: early Christianity, historical jesus, judaism, new testament, bible



Here I introduce Paul's apocalyptic worldview and go on to discuss the way in which some early Christian authors or leaders (e.g. Paul and the elder John) used the language or rhetoric of Satan or evil personified figures (e.g. Antichrist) to label and combat internal opponents within the Christian communities.

Topics: ancient history, early christianity, satan, devil, antichrist, ancient judaism, apostle paul,...



Here I continue to trace the development of evil personified figures in Judean literature around the turn of the first century BCE, focussing on Mastema (Enmity personified) and Beliar or Belial (Worthless One). I also discuss the Princes of Darkness and of Light in the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Topics: Satan, Judaism, devil, beliar, belial, mastema, jubilees, dead sea scrolls, early christianity,...



Here I discuss the importance of the prophets in the Hebrew Bible for the subsequent development of apocalypticism, beginning with a survey of important events in the history of Israel and discussion of a passage in Ezekiel (chs. 37-39).

Topics: apocalyptic, apocalypticism, prophets, Hebrew bible, israelite, ezekiel, exile, restoration



This episode considers some Medieval perspectives on Satan and demons, considering stories of everyday interactions between humans and demons and looking at the role of Satan within one particular movement, the Cathars.

Topics: Satan, demons, medieval, inquisitions, cathars, heresies



This final episode in the series looks at some ways in which Satan still finds a place within modern culture. After discussing the importance of the film Nosferatu (1922), I discuss Satanic imagery within the country blues (1930s) and rock and roll. Then I conclude with a discussion of two Satanic conspiracies of the 1980s, the Satanic ritual abuse scare and the notion of backmasking in rock and roll.

Topics: Satan, devil, backmasking, film, country blues, rock



This episode looks at the place of Satan or the Devil in witchcraft accusations of the period 1400-1600, building on Robin Briggs' theory expounded in Witches and Neighbors: The Social and Cultural Context of European Witchcraft (London: Penguin Books, 1998).

Topics: satan, devil, witchcraft, witches, trials, sabbat, black mass, pact, Percy



Here I introduce the "historical apocalypse" of Daniel, including a discussion of the kingdoms in king Nebuchadnezzar's dream (ch. 2) and the historical context of chapters 7-12 (the apocalypse proper) during the time of the Hellenistic king Antiochus IV Epiphanes (in the 160s BCE).

Topics: apocalypse, apocalypticism, end of the world, judaism, christianity, daniel, antiochus epiphanes



This episode looks at the way in which Milton (in Paradise Lost ) pulled together many different elements into an early modern portrayal of a traditional Satan with some notable twists.

Topics: Milton, Paradise Lost, Satan, devil, beelzebub, belial, poetry, early modern



Here I discuss the relation between associations and Greco-Roman society with a focus on the Greek polis or city. This is part of series 6 (Associations in the Greco-Roman World) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: associations, Greco-Roman society, polis



Here I continue to discuss the importance of the prophets in the Hebrew Bible for the subsequent development of apocalypticism, dealing with Zechariah and Isaiah 24-27 (sometimes known as the "Apocalypse of Isaiah)

Topics: prophets, apocalyptic, apocalypticism, apocalypse, zechariah, isaiah



This and the following episode explore ethnic stereotypes as they impacted associations of Judeans and Jesus-followers, placing these groups within the context of ethnic rivalries. In this episode, I discuss common negative stereotypes about Judeans found within writings of the elites, particularly the Roman Tacitus and the Greek Egyptian Apion.

Topics: Jews, Judeans, ethnic rivalry, Judaism, identity, stereotypes, sociology



Here I examine "On the Origin of the World" (one of the writings found at Nag Hammadi), which attributes to the creator God (Yaldabaoth) of the Hebrew Bible many of the negative attributes and motivations found in developing stories about Satan. The result is a Satanic creator god and a wise serpent in the garden who brings knowledge ( gnosis ) and salvation.

Topics: satan, demiurge, gnosticism, gnosis, yaldabaoth, ancient judaism, early christianity, serpent,...



Here I turn to Persia (Iran) in order to examine Zoroastrian apocalypticism and its relation to Judean apocalypticism. This is part of series 7 (Visions of the End: Apocalypticism) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: Zoroaster, zoroastrianism, apocalypticism, end of the world, persia, iranian



Here I discuss concepts of identity, assimilation, and other sociological and anthropological tools for studying immigrant groups or ethnic associations in the ancient context, preparing the way for an investigation of Phoenician, Judean, and other immigrant groups or cultural minorities. This is part of series 6 (Associations in the Greco-Roman World) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: associations, christianity, judaism, immigrants, identity, ethnicity, ethnic groups, roman empire,...



This episode continues the discussion of Syrian, Phoenician and Israelite (Samaritan) ethnic groups or immigrant associations, moving into the Roman imperial period. This is part of series 6 (Associations in the Greco-Roman World) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: associations, roman empire, greco-roman religion, judeans, israelites



Here I begin to introduce our earliest example of the Judean apocalyptic worldview and our first example of an otherworldly journey apocalypse as a type of literature, 1 Enoch (which most likely dates to about 225-200 BCE). The next episode examines the so called "Book of Watchers" in 1 Enoch chapters 1-36 in more detail.

Topics: apocalypticism, apocalypse, 1 enoch, judgement, end of the world, fallen angels, satan



Here I discuss how the authors of the synoptic gospels portray Jesus in conflict with demons and with the Devil.

Topics: satan, devil, beelzebub, early christianity, ancient history, ancient judaism, gospel of mark,...



Using Josephus and Philo as a starting point, here I discuss how people in the ancient world, including Judeans (Jews), Christians, and others, sometimes expressed the identities of Judean synagogues and Christian congregations in terms of association-life. Although peculiar in some respects, Judean and Christian groups can be studied alongside other associations in the Greco-Roman world. This is part of series 7 (Associations in the Greco-Roman World) of the Religions of the Ancient...

Topics: associations, guilds, social history, roman empire, greco-roman world, hellenistic, religion, early...



Here I discuss the relation between associations and the Roman empire, including Roman authorities and the emperors. This is part of series 6 (Associations in the Greco-Roman World) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: associations, Roman empire, Christianity, Judaism, imperial cults, honors



This episode looks at images of torture in hell that are first seen in the Apocalypse of Peter before going on to the notion of Christ's descent into hell in other writings, including the so-called Gospel of Nicodemus .

Topics: satan, hell, apocalypse of peter, gospel of nicodemus, torture, lex talionis, law of retaliation,...



This episode introduces Judean (Jewish) associations or synagogues in the Greek cities of the Roman empire and begins to consider evidence in Josephus' Judean Antiquities regarding the first century BCE. This sets the stage for other episodes on the archeological and epigraphic evidence regarding Judean immigrant groups in the Roman era. This is part of series 6 (Associations in the Greco-Roman World) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: Jewish diaspora, judeans, roman empire, greco-roman religion, josephus, acculturation



Here I examine the story of the fallen angels in 1 Enoch 1-36 in connection with its importance for Judean apocalypticism and I explore the idea of an otherworldly or cosmic journey apocalypse.

Topics: apocalpyse, apocalpyticism, fallen angels, satan, demons, judean, jewish



Here I discuss the expanded story of Adam and Eve that emerged around the turn of the common era as a way of explaining the motivations of Satan (primarily jealousy) in connection with both the creation of humans in the image of God and the serpent in the garden.

Topics: Satan, Devil, Life of Adam and Eve, ancient Judaism, early Christianity, ancient history



Here I consider evidence from Josephus and the Gospels regarding John the Baptist and his importance for studying the historical Jesus. This is part of series 5 (The Historical Jesus in Context) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: early christianity, historical jesus, john the baptist, judaism



Here I discuss Jesus as a Galilean and a Judean. I do so by looking at cultural life associated with the temple in the first century and the relations between cultures in Judea and Galilee. This is part of series 5 (The Historical Jesus in Context) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: Judaism, historical jesus, galilee, early christianity



Here I discuss this dialogue gospel in which Mary Magdalene is presented as Jesus' favorite disciple and the instructor of true knowledge. I explore notions of salvation in terms of the ascent of the soul, as well as the way in which this writing reflects struggles among different groups of Jesus-followers. This is part of series 3 ("Diversity in Early Christianity: 'Heresies' and Struggles") of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: early Christianity, women, gnosticism, mary, gospel of mary



Here I discuss messages from the gods, or divination. One way in which the gods were thought to communicate with individuals, groups, and communities was through oracles such as those of Apollo at Claros and Didyma. This is part of series 4 (Honouring the Gods in the Roman Empire) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: apollo, oracles, greco-roman religion, roman empire, divination



Here I go back to the earliest Mesopotamian mythologies (starting about 3000 BCE) about the gods in order to trace a recurring pattern -- labeled the "combat myth" by scholars -- that later came to play a role in Judean (Jewish) apocalypticism. In particular I explore stories about a chaotic god or monster threatening the order of the universe and a young god's success in slaying the monster to restore order.

Topics: apocalypticism, apocalyptic, armageddon, ancient judaism, early christianity, end of the world,...



This final episode in the series continues the discussion of how negative ethnic stereotypes (including accusations of human sacrifice, cannibalism, and incest) impacted immigrant associations and cultural minorities, including groups of Jesus followers.

Topics: Christians, stereotypes, cannibalism, human sacrifice, early Christianity, immigrants



Here I discuss the way in which the book of Hebrews portrays Jesus both as highpriest Melchizedek and once for all sacrifice (part 2 of 2). In particular, I explore the ways in which this author is saturated by the Hebrew scriptures and influenced by Platonic philosophy. This is the final episode in series 2 ("Early Christian Portraits of Jesus") of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: early Christianity, judaism, christian origins



Here I discuss civic cults in Asia Minor and Ephesus with a focus on the relationship between a city and its patron deity (in this case Artemis Ephesia). This is part of series 4 (Honouring the Gods in the Roman Empire) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: greco-roman religions, asia minor, ephesus, Artemis, civic cults, roman empire



Here I discuss the active role of the gods in punishing transgressors by focusing on indigenous practices in the region of Lydia, particularly the propitiation or confession inscriptions. This is part of series 4 (Honouring the Gods in the Roman Empire) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: confession inscriptions, propitiation, lydia, phrygia, roman empire, greco-roman religion, gods



Here I discuss the way in which the book of Hebrews portrays Jesus both as highpriest Melchizedek and once for all sacrifice (part 1 of 2). This is part of series 2 ("Early Christian Portraits of Jesus") of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: new testament, bible, early christianity, hebrews, melchizedek, judaism



In order to provide a context for Jesus in the role of a teacher, here I discuss contemporary educated Judean groups and leaders, including Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, and the Dead Sea sect. This is part of series 5 (The Historical Jesus in Context) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: early christianity, historical jesus, judaism



In this first episode of the series, I discuss our evidence for associations and guilds in the Greco-Roman world and outline the various types of these groups, including family-based, occupation-based, neighbourhood-based, and ethnic-based groups. This is part of series 6 (Associations in the Greco-Roman World) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: associations, guilds, social history, roman empire, greco-roman world, hellenistic, religion, early...



Here I investigate the historical Jesus within the context of contemporaries who were viewed as healers and exorcists in first century Galilee and Judea. This is part of series 5 (The Historical Jesus in Context) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: historical jesus, healing, miracles, early christianity, exorcism, exorcist



Here I continue to discuss groups of Jesus followers in Asia Minor with case studies of 1 Peter and Revelation (John's Apocalypse), focussing on both indications of identity construction or maintenance and signs of assimilation or acculturation.

Topics: 1 Peter, new testament, early christianity, acculturation, assimilation, identity



This episode is the second of three that introduce key historical sources and problems in reconstructing the life of a peasant from Galilee, the historical Jesus. This is part of series 5 (The Historical Jesus in Context) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: jesus, historical jesus, early Christianity, judaism



This is the second of two episodes that consider the historical Jesus in the role of teacher. Here I discuss evidence regarding Jesus' conception of the "kingdom of God" and the scholarly debates regarding Jesus' present or (imminent) future focus. This is part of series 5 (The Historical Jesus in Context) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.

Topics: historical jesus, early christianity, kingdom of god

