The Egyptian Saint’s Shrine as Crucible of Christianization

The Departments of Religious Studies and History, in conjunction with the Center for Ideas and Society announce a lecture by David Frankfurter (Professor of Religion) and William Goodwin (Aurelio Chair in the Appreciation of Scripture).

This lecture focuses on the saint’s shrine in late antique Egypt as a site of convergence between “official” innovations in devotional practice and the local customs and traditions that supplicants bring there. Oracles, dancing, processions, animal-slaughter and feasting, spirit-possession, and the careful use of votive objects all demonstrate the indigenization of Christianity as a meaningful framework for ritual action. Comparisons with other major saints’ shrines in the late antique Mediterranean and modern worlds help illuminate these dynamics.

Download flyer

—

Complimentary parking is not available for this event. Please contact the organizer for more information.