Description
In the first consideration of widows in early Christianity, Rebekah Yurong Zhao explores the social-economic situation of widows, their means of support, and their contributions to the church. Through literary analysis of three different genres of early Christian texts - narrative, instruction, and apologetic texts, Zhao argues that historical conclusions can be drawn, especially when set against the cultural backgrounds in both the Roman world and ancient Judaism.
By exploring the situation for widowed women in these cultures, and analysing significant texts from the first two centuries of the church - including 1 Timothy, the Shepherd of Hermas, Ignatius, Polycarp, Tertullian and the Apologists - Zhao seeks to answer three key questions: what status did widows hold in early Christian society, who precisely comprised their support network, and what contributions did they make to the church? Ultimately, this volume examines how support for widows became an iconic practice in early Christianity, whilst also dispelling the stereotype of the widow as merely a passive recipient of care.
Focuses on the subject of widows in early Christianity and the first two centuries CE, including their social-economic situation, means of support and contributions to the early church.
About the Author
Yurong Zhao recently achieved her doctorate from Durham University, UK.
Book Information
ISBN 9780567721358
Author Dr Rebekah Yurong Zhao
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint T.& T.Clark Ltd
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
