Voluntary Associations in the Graeco-Roman World

Voluntary Associations in the Graeco-Roman World
Author :
Publisher : Routledge
Total Pages : 447
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9781134778577
ISBN-13 : 1134778570
Rating : 4/5 (77 Downloads)

Book Synopsis Voluntary Associations in the Graeco-Roman World by : John S. Kloppenborg

Download or read book Voluntary Associations in the Graeco-Roman World written by John S. Kloppenborg and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2002-09-11 with total page 447 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Based upon a series of detailed case studies of associations such as early synagogues and churches, philosophical schools and pagan mystery cults, this collection addresses the question of what can legitimately be termed a 'voluntary association'. Employing modern sociological concepts, the essays show how the various associations were constituted, the extent of their membership, why people joined them and what they contributed to the social fabric of urban life. For many, those groups were the most significant feature of social life beyond family and work. All of them provided an outlet of religious as well as social commitments. Also included are studies of the way in which early Jewish and Christian groups adopted and adapted the models of private association available to them and how this affected their social status and role. Finally, the situation of women is discussed, as some of the voluntary associations offered them a more significant recognition than they received in society at large.


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