This volume examines the prevalence, function, and socio-political effects of slavery discourse i... more This volume examines the prevalence, function, and socio-political effects of slavery discourse in the major theological formulations of the late third to early fifth centuries AD, arguably the most formative period of early Christian doctrine. The question the book poses is this: in what way did the Christian theologians of the third, fourth, and early fifth centuries appropriate the discourse of slavery in their theological formulations, and what could the effect of this appropriation have been for actual physical slaves? This fascinating study is crucial reading for anyone with an interest in early Christianity or Late Antiquity, and slavery more generally.
Preaching Bondage introduces and investigates the novel concept of doulology, the discourse of sl... more Preaching Bondage introduces and investigates the novel concept of doulology, the discourse of slavery, in the homilies of John Chrysostom, the late fourth-century priest and bishop, to determine how it shaped early Christianity. The dynamics of enslavement in Chrysostom’s theology, virtue ethics, and biblical interpretation are examined, thereby showing that human bondage as a metaphorical and theological construct had a profound effect on the lives of institutional slaves. Slavery, a highly corporeal and gendered discourse, was necessarily central in Chrysostom’s discussions of the household, property, education, discipline, and sexuality. De Wet investigates the impact of doulology in these contexts, and disseminates the results in a new and highly anticipated language that serves to bring the more pervasive fissures of ancient Roman slaveholding to light. The corpus of Chrysostom’s public addresses provide much of the literary evidence for slavery in the fourth century, and De Wet’s convincing analysis is a groundbreaking contribution to the studies of the social world in late antiquity.
This article analyses the nature of slavery in late ancient Syria and Mesopotamia, and investigat... more This article analyses the nature of slavery in late ancient Syria and Mesopotamia, and investigates the possible influence of slavery on Christian ascetic practices in the region. This analysis demonstrates how slavery, especially the techniques of discipline and punishment within slaveholding contexts, produced correlates in the ascetic practices of Syrian Christian monks. The study commences with an investigation of institutional slavery in Syrian urban and rural areas. In order to better understand slavery in the urban context, the works of John Chrysostom are used as a primary source. For rural areas an example from Theodoret’s Historia religiosa is used, along with findings from recently published secondary sources. It is shown that slavery was a basic characteristic of both contexts, but that distinctions between slaves and free persons were more pronounced in urban than in rural contexts. The reason is that the type of labour in the smaller villages surrounding the urban area...
More than two decades ago, the journal Actα Pαtristίcα et Byzαntίnα was launched in order to prom... more More than two decades ago, the journal Actα Pαtristίcα et Byzαntίnα was launched in order to promote the study of Patristics and Byzantine Studies in South Africa, with Prof. Hennie Stander as editor. In the past twenty years, the journal published a large amount of quality articles ranging from Old Testament and LXX studies, Classics, New Testament, Patristics and Byzantine Studies. When my term as editor began in 2008, the field of Patristics had moιphed into something different, namely Early Christian Studies, coupled with the study of Late Antiquity. Ι realised that many aspects of the journal had to change in order to 'keep up with the times.' τhίs fact became even more evident when Ι attended the 16th International Conference on Patristic Studies at Oxford, inAugust 2011. One ofthe discussions Ι attended was that involving Elizabeth Clark's new book Foundίng the Fαthers (Philadelphia: University ofPennsylvania Press, 2011 ). The book traces the development of the study of Patristics and Early Church History in nineteenth-century Ameήca. Participating in the panel discussion, convened by David Hunter, was Pier Franco Beatrice, Averil Cameron, Wolfram Κinzig and Mark Vessey. Α very stimulating and enlightening discussion followed on similar developments in Europe, most notably in Italy, UΚ and Germany. After the formal discussion, the audience partook in conversation regarding the developments in their own contexts. Although Ι did not verbally participate, this discussion made me think of these developments in my own context. that is, South Africa. Ι realised that similar reflections are necessary also for my own context, and perhaps in Africa in general. Although Ι have not (yet) undertaken such an enteιprise, it is evident that much of such a study would revolve around, ίnter α/ία, the development of the journal Actα Pαtristίcα et Byzαntίnα. In 2008, with the journal being my responsibility, the vision for transforming the journal was bom. Most of the ideas were begotten and tested among colleagues in the Department of New Testament and Early Chήstian Studies at UNISA. The transformation would begin with two important shifts firstly, a title change, and secondly, amending the editoήal board. Now, three years later, Ι can happily announce the publication of the journal under its new name, Joumαl of Eαrly Christίαn Hίstory (JECH). Ι would also like to thank the colleagues who are part ofthe new editoήal board for their wίllingness to participate. In the forthcoming volumes, more changes will take
ABSTRACT This article looks at the current status quaestionis of slavery in the writings of John ... more ABSTRACT This article looks at the current status quaestionis of slavery in the writings of John Chrysostom. With the reception of Kyle Harper's Slavery in the Late Roman World (Harper, 2011), the ground seems ripe for more focused investigations of slavery in the authors of late antiquity. This article then specifically looks at the case of John Chrysostom, and makes some suggestions for further study.
This article compares the views of the church fathers Basil of Caesarea, John Chrysostom and Ambr... more This article compares the views of the church fathers Basil of Caesarea, John Chrysostom and Ambrosiaster on the treatment of slaves. The views of the authors are examined individually and in detail. An analysis is made of the extent to which the views of these three 4th-century church fathers exhibit continuity with Christian and Stoic views from the 1st and 2nd centuries on the treatment of slaves. Particular attention is given to the different tasks given to slaves, their reward and punishment, sexual abuse and the relationships slaves had, along with assessing the impact of the "slave of God" rhetoric and corporeal heteronomy for the treatment of physical slaves.
The purpose of this article is to investigate how John Chrysostom (347-407 C.E.) understood homoe... more The purpose of this article is to investigate how John Chrysostom (347-407 C.E.) understood homoeroticism and how he structured his invective against it. Chrysostom's construction of homoeroticism is a conglomeration of numerous discourses of abnormality and criminality. This article traces, firstly, how Chrysostom understood the discourse of nature in relation to homoeroticism and marriage, and specifically its effect on his understanding of gender inversion and ambiguity, as well as passion, pleasure, and the affluent life. Secondly, the paper examines Chrysostom's understanding of the criminality of homoeroticism and its punishment, in which he meticulously constructs an image of the homoerotic as monstrous, and worthy only of the proportionate monstrous punishment, that is hell, especially represented by the story of the demise of Sodom.
This volume examines the prevalence, function, and socio-political effects of slavery discourse i... more This volume examines the prevalence, function, and socio-political effects of slavery discourse in the major theological formulations of the late third to early fifth centuries AD, arguably the most formative period of early Christian doctrine. The question the book poses is this: in what way did the Christian theologians of the third, fourth, and early fifth centuries appropriate the discourse of slavery in their theological formulations, and what could the effect of this appropriation have been for actual physical slaves? This fascinating study is crucial reading for anyone with an interest in early Christianity or Late Antiquity, and slavery more generally.
Preaching Bondage introduces and investigates the novel concept of doulology, the discourse of sl... more Preaching Bondage introduces and investigates the novel concept of doulology, the discourse of slavery, in the homilies of John Chrysostom, the late fourth-century priest and bishop, to determine how it shaped early Christianity. The dynamics of enslavement in Chrysostom’s theology, virtue ethics, and biblical interpretation are examined, thereby showing that human bondage as a metaphorical and theological construct had a profound effect on the lives of institutional slaves. Slavery, a highly corporeal and gendered discourse, was necessarily central in Chrysostom’s discussions of the household, property, education, discipline, and sexuality. De Wet investigates the impact of doulology in these contexts, and disseminates the results in a new and highly anticipated language that serves to bring the more pervasive fissures of ancient Roman slaveholding to light. The corpus of Chrysostom’s public addresses provide much of the literary evidence for slavery in the fourth century, and De Wet’s convincing analysis is a groundbreaking contribution to the studies of the social world in late antiquity.
This article analyses the nature of slavery in late ancient Syria and Mesopotamia, and investigat... more This article analyses the nature of slavery in late ancient Syria and Mesopotamia, and investigates the possible influence of slavery on Christian ascetic practices in the region. This analysis demonstrates how slavery, especially the techniques of discipline and punishment within slaveholding contexts, produced correlates in the ascetic practices of Syrian Christian monks. The study commences with an investigation of institutional slavery in Syrian urban and rural areas. In order to better understand slavery in the urban context, the works of John Chrysostom are used as a primary source. For rural areas an example from Theodoret’s Historia religiosa is used, along with findings from recently published secondary sources. It is shown that slavery was a basic characteristic of both contexts, but that distinctions between slaves and free persons were more pronounced in urban than in rural contexts. The reason is that the type of labour in the smaller villages surrounding the urban area...
More than two decades ago, the journal Actα Pαtristίcα et Byzαntίnα was launched in order to prom... more More than two decades ago, the journal Actα Pαtristίcα et Byzαntίnα was launched in order to promote the study of Patristics and Byzantine Studies in South Africa, with Prof. Hennie Stander as editor. In the past twenty years, the journal published a large amount of quality articles ranging from Old Testament and LXX studies, Classics, New Testament, Patristics and Byzantine Studies. When my term as editor began in 2008, the field of Patristics had moιphed into something different, namely Early Christian Studies, coupled with the study of Late Antiquity. Ι realised that many aspects of the journal had to change in order to 'keep up with the times.' τhίs fact became even more evident when Ι attended the 16th International Conference on Patristic Studies at Oxford, inAugust 2011. One ofthe discussions Ι attended was that involving Elizabeth Clark's new book Foundίng the Fαthers (Philadelphia: University ofPennsylvania Press, 2011 ). The book traces the development of the study of Patristics and Early Church History in nineteenth-century Ameήca. Participating in the panel discussion, convened by David Hunter, was Pier Franco Beatrice, Averil Cameron, Wolfram Κinzig and Mark Vessey. Α very stimulating and enlightening discussion followed on similar developments in Europe, most notably in Italy, UΚ and Germany. After the formal discussion, the audience partook in conversation regarding the developments in their own contexts. Although Ι did not verbally participate, this discussion made me think of these developments in my own context. that is, South Africa. Ι realised that similar reflections are necessary also for my own context, and perhaps in Africa in general. Although Ι have not (yet) undertaken such an enteιprise, it is evident that much of such a study would revolve around, ίnter α/ία, the development of the journal Actα Pαtristίcα et Byzαntίnα. In 2008, with the journal being my responsibility, the vision for transforming the journal was bom. Most of the ideas were begotten and tested among colleagues in the Department of New Testament and Early Chήstian Studies at UNISA. The transformation would begin with two important shifts firstly, a title change, and secondly, amending the editoήal board. Now, three years later, Ι can happily announce the publication of the journal under its new name, Joumαl of Eαrly Christίαn Hίstory (JECH). Ι would also like to thank the colleagues who are part ofthe new editoήal board for their wίllingness to participate. In the forthcoming volumes, more changes will take
ABSTRACT This article looks at the current status quaestionis of slavery in the writings of John ... more ABSTRACT This article looks at the current status quaestionis of slavery in the writings of John Chrysostom. With the reception of Kyle Harper's Slavery in the Late Roman World (Harper, 2011), the ground seems ripe for more focused investigations of slavery in the authors of late antiquity. This article then specifically looks at the case of John Chrysostom, and makes some suggestions for further study.
This article compares the views of the church fathers Basil of Caesarea, John Chrysostom and Ambr... more This article compares the views of the church fathers Basil of Caesarea, John Chrysostom and Ambrosiaster on the treatment of slaves. The views of the authors are examined individually and in detail. An analysis is made of the extent to which the views of these three 4th-century church fathers exhibit continuity with Christian and Stoic views from the 1st and 2nd centuries on the treatment of slaves. Particular attention is given to the different tasks given to slaves, their reward and punishment, sexual abuse and the relationships slaves had, along with assessing the impact of the "slave of God" rhetoric and corporeal heteronomy for the treatment of physical slaves.
The purpose of this article is to investigate how John Chrysostom (347-407 C.E.) understood homoe... more The purpose of this article is to investigate how John Chrysostom (347-407 C.E.) understood homoeroticism and how he structured his invective against it. Chrysostom's construction of homoeroticism is a conglomeration of numerous discourses of abnormality and criminality. This article traces, firstly, how Chrysostom understood the discourse of nature in relation to homoeroticism and marriage, and specifically its effect on his understanding of gender inversion and ambiguity, as well as passion, pleasure, and the affluent life. Secondly, the paper examines Chrysostom's understanding of the criminality of homoeroticism and its punishment, in which he meticulously constructs an image of the homoerotic as monstrous, and worthy only of the proportionate monstrous punishment, that is hell, especially represented by the story of the demise of Sodom.
This paper examines the role of the Logos with regard to the expression of the mystical experienc... more This paper examines the role of the Logos with regard to the expression of the mystical experience in the writings of St. John of the Cross. The term "mystical expression" is examined and a brief etymology of the Logos-concept is provided. The various writings of St. John are then examined with special attention to the influence of the Logos in the mystical expression of St. John of the Cross. After this, various aspects of the Logos are extrapolated from the latter analysis, such as the revelatory nature of the Logos, the creative nature of the Logos and the relationship between the Logos and the intellect. Finally, the significance of this excursus for the general study of spirituality is discussed.
This paper argues that slaves should not be included in the household hierarchy as assumed by som... more This paper argues that slaves should not be included in the household hierarchy as assumed by some scholars in the field of theology. Relying upon advances in the field of embodiment, the argument uses Jennifer Glancy's theory of slave-corporeality as a basis for the premises to prove the theory of exclusion of slaves in the Christian household hierarchy. The first premise states that power, according to Michel Foucault, is only reserved for the free, which excludes slaves from hierarchical inclusion. Slavery should rather be understood as domination (Hegel). The second premise points to Aristotle's theory of natural slavery and the animalization of slaves which excludes slaves from hierarchies and the final premise shows that slaves who did exercise power only did so as surrogate bodies for the masters. Christians only attempted to include slaves through fictive kinship participation.
This study examines John Chrysostom's homilies On the Maccabees specifically from the perspec... more This study examines John Chrysostom's homilies On the Maccabees specifically from the perspective of martyrdom as corporeal discourse. Chrysostom focuses mostly on the martyr-mother and the last of the seven sons. Along with the discourse of maternality and the maternal body, a contrary meta-discourse of masculinity is promoted that overrides the feminine weaknesses of maternality. In typical androcentric and patriarchal fashion, Chrysostom has the Maccabean martyr-mother deny her maternal corporeal knowledge, and implements a potent andromorphism in the reconstruction of her corporeality and self-definition. Central to this endeavour is the application and promotion of a new scopic economy, a new way of looking with spiritual eyes. The last son's martyrdom, being voluntary and suicidal, is valued by Chrysostom, since the mother acts as a catalyst for his death. Chrysostom strategically succeeds in claiming this corporeal capital for the wider programme of reconstructing martyrdom in late antique Christianity.
The purpose of this article is to investigate the intersections between old age, masculinity, and... more The purpose of this article is to investigate the intersections between old age, masculinity, and martyrdom in late antiquity, and it will focus specifically on John Chrysostom's homilies on the Maccabean martyrs (CPG 4441.13; 4354). After an introduction that provides a literature review and a note on the approach followed, the article begins by examining how old age, virtue, and authority function in Chrysostom's thought. Thereafter, a brief discussion follows on the problem of the Maccabean martyrs as being part of the old covenant/ Testament. It is argued in this case that there is a direct correlation between Chrysostom's use of old age in the homilies and the status of the martyrs as being part of the old covenant. Finally, the article considers the dynamics between old age, martyrdom, and masculinity in the homilies. Here it is argued that Chrysostom uses the rhetoric of spiritual athletics and spiritual fertility to present the elderly martyrs as exempla of masculinity, which should not only be admired by Chrysostom's audience, but also imitated. The Maccabean martyrs are recast by Chrysostom in a pedagogical light, and their narratives serve the promotion of a new Christian masculinity in which ascetic practice, especially moderate ascetic practice, serves as its defining feature.
ABSTRACT This study investigates how Pauline literature was used in the fourth and fifth centurie... more ABSTRACT This study investigates how Pauline literature was used in the fourth and fifth centuries of the Christian empire in the writings of the bishops. Paul is described as an imperial palimpsest, a “text” that was reread and rewritten, often selectively and strategically. The role of key-texts in Pauline literature is discussed in the following Christian imperial discourses: a) the formation and maintenance of the episcopacy; b) the problem of religious and ethnocultural difference; and, c) the new economic model of community polarising the “rich” and the “poor.” Among the Christian authors of the fourth century, we find a new, imperial Paul speaking the language of the episcopacy and the empire.
ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to investigate the dynamics between Paulinomorphism (becoming l... more ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to investigate the dynamics between Paulinomorphism (becoming like Paul) and Christian identity-formation in John Chrysostom's (347–407 C.E.) De laudibus sancti Pauli apostoli. Chrysostom understands Christian identity-formation as a type of Paulinomorphism. The discursive operation of Paulinomorphism is most clearly manifested in Chrysostom's homilies De laudibus sancti Pauli apostoli, and operates by means of four interrelated discourses, namely: a) transformation and mimesis; b) virtue and masculinization; c) the zealotic, and; d) medicalization. The four discourses are delineated and critically discussed in this study.
The aim of this study is to give account of the dynamics between Christian scriptural pedagogy, o... more The aim of this study is to give account of the dynamics between Christian scriptural pedagogy, orality and power in the writings of John Chrysostom. The study firstly examines Chrysostom’s views on the discourse of reading scripture, with reference to his In Acta apostolorum homilia 19. Thereafter, the study investigates the practical application of this discourse in the household ritual of reading scripture, here with reference to Chrysostom’s In Genesim sermo 6. Finally, on an even higher level of abstraction, the study looks at scriptural pedagogy in the education of children as seen in Chrysostom’s De inani gloria.
Reconceiving Religious Conflict deconstructs instances of religious conflict within the formative... more Reconceiving Religious Conflict deconstructs instances of religious conflict within the formative centuries of Christianity, the first six centuries CE. It explores the theoretical foundations of religious conflict; the dynamics of religious conflict within the context of persecution and martyrdom; the social and moral intersections that undergird the phenomenon of religious conflict; and the relationship between religious conflict and religious identity. It is unique in that it does not solely focus on religious violence as it is physically manifested, but on religious conflict (and tolerance), looking too at dynamics of religious discourse and practice that often precede and accompany overt religious violence.
The purpose of this article is to investigate the intersection of the discourse of slavery—or dou... more The purpose of this article is to investigate the intersection of the discourse of slavery—or doulology—and Romanness in Salvian of Marseilles' De gubernatione Dei. After providing a short overview of the author and his work, the study examines how Salvian considers the slavery to God as the most important expression of true Christian-Roman pietas. Thereafter Salvian's vice list, which is based on servile vices or uitia seruorum—including robbery, lying, greed, homicide, and sexual misconduct—is investigated to show how his Christian opponents fail both at being good masters of slaves and good slaves of God. The sexual abuse of slaves by Christian masters receives special attention. Finally, the study delineates the key dynamics and implications of Salvian's doulology, and shows that the Christian failure of mastery, both of the self and others, is what informs Salvian's view of why the Christian-Roman Empire is disintegrating under barbarian powers.
The purpose of this article is to investigate the intersections between old age, masculinity, and... more The purpose of this article is to investigate the intersections between old age, masculinity, and martyrdom in late antiquity, and it will focus specifically on John Chrysostom's homilies on the Maccabean martyrs (CPG 4441.13; 4354). After an introduction that provides a literature review and a note on the approach followed, the article begins by examining how old age, virtue, and authority function in Chrysostom's thought. Thereafter, a brief discussion follows on the problem of the Maccabean martyrs as being part of the old covenant/Testament. It is argued in this case that there is a direct correlation between Chrysostom's use of old age in the homilies and the status of the martyrs as being part of the old covenant. Finally, the article considers the dynamics between old age, martyrdom, and masculinity in the homilies. Here it is argued that Chrysostom uses the rhetoric of spiritual athletics and spiritual fertility to present the elderly martyrs as exempla of masculinity, which should not only be admired by Chrysostom's audience, but also imitated. The Maccabean martyrs are recast by Chrysostom in a pedagogical light, and their narratives serve the promotion of a new Christian masculinity in which ascetic practice, especially moderate ascetic practice, serves as its defining feature.
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