A Sly Civility
Colossians and Empire
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 9384665 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Harry O Maier (0000-0002-1048-2483, Vancouver School of Theology, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2005 |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 323-349 |
| Publication date | 2005-03-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal for the Study of the New Testament (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0142-064X • E-ISSN: 1745-5294 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/0142064x05052509 |
| OpenAlex | W2169539092 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
This article relates Colossian vocabulary, motifs and theological themes to the cultural situation of the cult of the emperor. The author’s language and conceptualization of reconciliation as a cosmic and earthly peace (Col.1.15-23) reflects an imperial backdrop and utilizes civic vocabulary typical of Greek and Roman treatments of concord. His representation of Jesus’ death as a Roman triumph (2.15), and the incorporation of all humankind—including barbarians and Scythians—in a trans-ethnic unity (3.11) similarly reflects the geopolitical notions of a worldwide Roman Empire. The imperial imprint on the Household Code (3.18-4.1) is recognizable through attention to numismatic representations of Nero and his consort enjoying a divinely appointed familial concord. Though used by court theologians like Eusebius of Caesarea to legitimate a Christian application of Empire, the letter may be read as a destabilization of Empire inasmuch as it derives imperial-sounding ideals from the crucifixion of Jesus
Ancient history · Art · Civility · Conceptualization · Cult · Emperor · Empire · Etymology · Geopolitics · Indigenous · Linguistics · Literature · Political science · Roman Empire · Theology · Biblical Studies and Interpretation · Byzantine Studies and History · Classical Antiquity Studies · Classics · History · Law · Philosophy
| Unique citing works | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,13 |
| Citation span | 2011 - 2013 (3) |
| Citation velocity | historical |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 2 |