
Imitation in Early Christianity
Mimesis and Religious-Ethical Formation
by Cornelis Bennema
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Pub Date Mar 20 2025 | Archive Date Mar 10 2025
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Description
What did exhortations to “follow Jesus” or “imitate Christ” mean to early Christians?
Cornelis Bennema examines mimesis as a religious-ethical concept in early Christianity—the imitation of Jesus (and other exemplars) to become a better, more Christlike person. Situating appeals for imitation in the New Testament and Apostolic Fathers within the cultural and social context of the broader Greco-Roman world, Bennema shows how early Christian mimesis was not about literal replication, but instead was a creative, cognitive, and transformative means for shaping conduct and character.
As part of this study, Bennema explores key questions about the historic origins of early Christian mimesis; the language that early Christian authors used to articulate the concept of mimesis; the scope, nature, and workings of mimesis in each major section of early Christian literature; and how early Christians navigated the challenges of imitating exemplars (such as Paul or Jesus) who were not physically present. Offering well-researched answers to these questions, Bennema provides readers with a nuanced and informative picture of exhortations to imitation in the New Testament and Apostolic Fathers.
Available Editions
EDITION | Hardcover |
ISBN | 9780802879929 |
PRICE | $60.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 500 |