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Reading Bodies: Physiognomy as a Strategy of Persuasion in Early Christian Discourse

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Reading Bodies: Physiognomy as a Strategy of Persuasion in Early Christian Discourse
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Dr. Callie Callon
SeriesThe Library of New Testament Studies
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:184
Dimensions(mm): Height 234,Width 156
Category/GenreBiblical studies
ISBN/Barcode 9780567695499
ClassificationsDewey:230.019
Audience
Tertiary Education (US: College)

Publishing Details

Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint T.& T.Clark Ltd
Publication Date 23 July 2020
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Callie Callon investigates how some early Christian authors utilized physiognomic thought as rhetorical strategy, particularly with respect to persuasion. Callon shows how this encompassed denigrating theological opponents and forging group boundaries (invective against heretics or defence of Christians), self-representation to demonstrate the moral superiority of early Christians to Greco-Roman outsiders, and the cultivation of collective self-identity. The work begins with an overview of how physiognomy was used in broader antiquity as a component of persuasion. Callon then examines how physiognomic thought was employed by early Christians and how physiognomic tropes were employed to "prove" their orthodoxy and moral superiority. Building on the conclusions of the earlier chapters, Callon then focuses on the representation of the physiognomies of early Christian martyrs, before addressing the problem of the acceptance or even promotion of the idea of a physically lacklustre Jesus by the same authors who otherwise utilize traditional physiognomic thought.

Author Biography

Callie Callon is an Assistant Professor at the University of St. Michael's College, Canada.