The Religious Context of Early Christianity : A Guide to Graeco-Roman Religions

This is a comprehensive guide to the world of religion in the Graeco-Roman world of early Christianity. Drawing on the most up-to-date scholarship, the volume paints a carefully nuanced portrait of the Christians' religious context. Besides describing ordinary domestic and civil religion and popular belief (including astrology, divination and "magic"), there is extended discussion of mystic cults, ruler and emperor cults, the religious dimensions of philosophy, and Gnosticism.