The World's Oldest Church : Bible, Art, and Ritual at Dura-Europos, Syria
- English
- PDF
- Available on iOS & Android
The World's Oldest Church : Bible, Art, and Ritual at Dura-Europos, Syria
About This Book
Michael Peppard provides a historical and theological reassessment of the oldest Christian building ever discovered, the third-century house-church at Dura-Europos. Contrary to commonly held assumptions about Christian initiation, Peppard contends that rituals here did not primarily embody notions of death and resurrection. Rather, he portrays the motifs of the church's wall paintings as those of empowerment, healing, marriage, and incarnation, while boldly re-identifying the figure of a woman formerly believed to be a repentant sinner as the Virgin Mary. This richly illustrated volume is a breakthrough work that enhances our understanding of early Christianity at the nexus of Bible, art, and ritual.This title was made Open Access by libraries from around the world through Knowledge Unlatched.
Frequently asked questions
Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction: January 18, 1932, Excavation Block M8
- ONE: Dura-Europos and the Worldâs Oldest Church
- TWO: Anointed like David
- THREE: Lord and Shepherd of the Water
- FOUR: The Procession of Women
- FIVE: A Woman at a Well
- Conclusion: Paradise Restored
- List of Abbreviations
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Subject Index
- Index of Ancient Sources