Pagan Monotheism in Late Antiquity

In this book distinguished experts from a range of disciplines (Orientalists, philologists, philosophers, theologians and historians) address a central problem which lies at the heart of the religious and philosophical debate of late antiquity. Paganism was not a unified tradition and consequently the papers cover a wide social and intellectual spectrum. Particular emphasis is given to several aspects of the topic: first, monotheistic belief in late antiquephilosophical ideals and its roots in classical antiquity and the Near East; second, monistic Gnosticism; third, the revelatory tradition as expressed in oracular literature; and finally, the monotheistictrend in popular religion.

“'What this book demonstrates, as no other before it and in a revolutionaryway, is the plain absurdity of equating paganism with polytheism. In a modestcompass and through six contributions from leading scholars ... the editors ...have opened up a world that is not a battleground between those who believe inone god and those who believe in many ... It will henceforth be the fundamentalstudy of this difficult and fascinating subject.'Glen Bowersock, TLS 01/09/2000”

fascinating'George Steiner, TLSThis book consists of extremely well argued points that challenge the traditional view of polytheism versus monotheism in late Antiquity. It is sure to become a seminal work. It will be of interest to scholars, college students, and the general reader interested in theology.'J. Drew Harrington, History.essential reading to any student of antiquity: patristic scholars and philosophers of God alike.'David Vincent Meconi, S.J., Journal of Early Chrisitan Studies, Spring 2000What this book demonstrates, as no other before it and in a revolutionary way, is the plain absurdity of equating paganism with polytheism. In a modest compass and through six contributions from leading scholars ... the editors ... have opened up a world that is not a battleground between those who believe in one god and those who believe in many ... It will henceforth be the fundamental study of this difficult and fascinating subject.'Glen Bowersock, TLS 01/09/2000

Polymnia Athanassiadi is at University of Athens. Michael Frede is at Keble College, Oxford.

In this book distinguished experts from a range of disciplines (Orientalists, philologists, philosophers, theologians and historians) address a central problem which lies at the heart of the religious and philosophical debate of late antiquity. Paganism was not a unified tradition and consequently the papers cover a wide social and intellectual spectrum. Particular emphasis is given to several aspects of the topic: first, monotheistic belief in late antique philosophical ideals and its roots in classical antiquity and the Near East; second, monistic Gnosticism; third, the revelatory tradition as expressed in oracular literature; and finally, the monotheistic trend in popular religion.

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