The Colossian Syncretism: The Interface Between Christianity and Folk Belief at Colossae [Paperback]

Clinton E. Arnold (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1996

Drawing upon little-known angel inscriptions, magical texts, and archaeological evidence from Asia Minor, the author argues that the Colossians tried to combine Paul's teachings about Christ with local pagan and Jewish folk beliefs. The result was a syncr

Product Details

• Paperback: 378 pages
• Publisher: Baker Pub Group (October 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801020921
• ISBN-13: 978-0801020926
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,262,124 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars The Colossian Heresy opened up and explained, March 9, 2002

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K. Jentoft (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Colossian Syncretism: The Interface Between Christianity and Folk Belief at Colossae (Paperback)

This book opens up our understanding on what beliefs were attacking the church in Colossea based upon recent archeological findings that shed new light on "difficult" Greek words such as the "worship of angels." This book sheds light on the dangers behind much of the "revivalism" and "charismania" with the emphasis on "spiritual warfare" that we are experiencing. An excellent read.

4.0 out of 5 stars Gain a deeper understanding of the Pauline Letters, January 4, 2001

By 

J. Ray "By Jeff" (Goose Creek, SC USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Colossian Syncretism: The Interface Between Christianity and Folk Belief at Colossae (Paperback)

My experience has taught me that the letters of Paul are some of the most theologically influential books in the bible. Therefore it is a must that those who study or teach from these sources have a good understanding of the context within which they were written, but enough of my rambling... This book deals with religious and philisophical beliefs of Christians and Pagans alike in Collosae and the surrounding cities. The arguments presented are well thought out and the evidence is meticulously presented (while this is a good thing from an academic point of view, it can put you to sleep real fast). I highly recommend this because it is extremely informative about aspects of life in Paul's day that were familiar to people that Paul wrote to, but rather foreign to us today. This book has provided me with a deeper insight into Colossians and all of Paul's letter. Any serious teacher of religion, Sunday School, etc. should read this and I guarantee that your presentations of Paul's letters will be the better for it. One other point is that if you are considering getting this book, get it right away. I've learned that book's of this nature (though potentially beneficial to many) have a limited audience and typically go out-of-print or become otherwise unavailable.