{"product_id":"imitation-in-early-christianity-mimesis-and-religious-ethical-formation-9780802879929","title":"Imitation in Early Christianity: Mimesis and Religious-Ethical Formation","description":"\u003cb\u003eWhat did exhortations to \"follow Jesus\" or \"imitate Christ\" mean to early Christians?\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCornelis Bennema\u003c\/b\u003e teaches New Testament studies at the London School of Theology. His publications include \u003ci\u003eA Theory of Character in New Testament Narrative\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eEncountering Jesus: Character Studies in the Gospel of John\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eMimesis in the Johannine Literature\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51243843125522,"sku":"9780802879929","price":43.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_6c08927a-8c74-4270-9246-16dbf737e5ab.jpg?v=1745872900","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/imitation-in-early-christianity-mimesis-and-religious-ethical-formation-9780802879929","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}