Remembering Constantine at the Milvian Bridge (review) (original) (raw)

Journal of Early Christian Studies, 2011

Abstract

rectly, that psychoanalysis, whether Freudian or Lacanian, is, in fact, the “right” theory, given that it has been generally, if not altogether, refuted and rejected by contemporary psychological research, and its use is favored now primarily by literary theorists. For many readers, Lipsett’s readings will enhance a history of ideas about desire, transformation, or conversion, and gender in the ancient Mediterranean. Some historians and scholars of ancient religions may be less enamored of the tenuous moorings of these readings to actual ancient persons and to practices that are thereby somewhat obscured. One case in point would be the Acts of Thecla. We know from Tertullian’s virulent defamation of its alleged author that Thecla was deeply implicated in ancient contestations about women’s ability to teach, baptize, and exercise masculine prerogatives—historical circumstances that receive scant inquiry here. Brief as it is, Desiring Conversion invites discussion of many fine points that space does not permit me to raise. One hopes that the book will acquire many more interlocutors, from undergraduates to senior scholars, and that those conversations will further our thinking not just about these three compelling ancient texts, but how we might most profitably engage the many others like them. Ross S. Kraemer, Brown University

Dennis Trout hasn't uploaded this paper.

Let Dennis know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.