Lived Scriptures in Late Antiquity

Programme

In Late Antiquity, there was no “Bible” and the level of literacy was low. Yet, “biblical texts” were used and interpreted in multiple contexts. This research unit studies biblical receptions in Late Antiquity (ca. 1st–7th centuries CE) in the widest sense of the term. What texts were considered “biblical”? How did the ancients relate to authoritative texts and use them? What impact did these texts have on their readers’ lives? Inspired by discussions on lived religion, the research unit aims to broaden the focus from the dominant to the margins and to reconstruct a diversity of perspectives on scriptures in Late Antiquity. We emphasize the situatedness of texts in particular socio-historical, cultural and geographical locations, appreciating the corporeality of the past. We invite papers that examine scriptures and their receptions in Late Antiquity as “lived”. We especially welcome contributions that are informed by culture and gender critical approaches as well as the framework of lived religion.

Keywords:

Chairs

University of Helsinki

Marianne Bjelland Kartzow

University of Oslo

Outi Lehtipuu

University of Helsinki

Syracuse 2023 Call for Papers

For the 2023 Conference in Syracuse, the Lived Scriptures in Late Antiquity research unit specifically invites papers that explore practices or experiences related to scriptures and their use in Late Antiquity. We wish to pay attention to situations and locations in which receptions of biblical texts, themes, and figures take place, as well as interactions in those spaces asking who or what is involved, how, and why. All other papers dealing with the impact of scriptures (broadly received) on various forms of early Christian, Jewish or ”pagan” life are also welcome!