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13 - Lucian and Christianity

from Part II

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2024

Simon Goldhill
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
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Summary

Lucian of Samosata emerges as a complex character through his writings, showcasing a deliberate engagement with ambiguity and boundary transgressions. From his caustic and comedic attitude towards Olympian deities to later categorisations as an enemy of Christianity in the tenth-century Suda lexicon, Lucian remains elusive in his spiritual allegiances as well. Similarly, the diverse reception of his theocentric writings prompts a valid inquiry into the best approach to understanding his work. Situating Lucian within the context of the Greco-Roman author’s perceptions of the divine and scholarly inquiries into Greco-Roman religion, this chapter considers his stance regarding religion in general and Christianity in particular. The chapter suggests viewing Lucian as a social anthropologist studying human perceptions of the divine. By delving into the socio-pragmatics of religious practices, Lucian verbalises long-standing debates, shedding light on the realities of belief and disbelief in the contemporary pagan and Christian divine systems.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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  • Lucian and Christianity
    • By
  • Edited by Simon Goldhill, University of Cambridge
  • Book: The Cambridge Companion to Lucian
  • Online publication: 07 November 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009170406.013
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  • Lucian and Christianity
    • By
  • Edited by Simon Goldhill, University of Cambridge
  • Book: The Cambridge Companion to Lucian
  • Online publication: 07 November 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009170406.013
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Lucian and Christianity
    • By
  • Edited by Simon Goldhill, University of Cambridge
  • Book: The Cambridge Companion to Lucian
  • Online publication: 07 November 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009170406.013
Available formats
×