Thecla's Devotion

"In this sophisticated and close reading of the Acts of Thecla, Jane McLarty brings together the insights of contemporary narrative analysis and those of recent study of the emotions in antiquity, in particular as explored through the Hellenistic novels of the early Empire. In so doing, she rescues the story from narrow debates about the role of women in early Christianity, and from the slogans of 'feminist' or 'liberationist' against 'conservative'. Instead, through the story of Thecla and of the other characters who people the narrative we see how understandings of the affective dimensions of Christian life are being explored and reconceived. This will be important reading not only for devotees of Thecla but also for anyone interested in the formation of a Christian identity and of a Christian self." Professor Judith M. Lieu, FBA, University of Cambridge

"In this fascinating study, J.D. McLarty examines the Acts of Thecla in the light of Graeco-Roman romantic novels, paying careful attention to both plot and characterisation as a means of analysing the emotive response expected of readers by the author. By skilfully weaving together insights from literary and gender studies on the presentation of Paul and Thecla, McLarty draws striking and surprising conclusions about the place of emotions and the passions in the construction of Christian identity envisaged by this enigmatic early Christian text." Professor Paul Middleton, University of Chester

"This marvellous book combines in equal measure learned philological acumen, theoretical sophistication and genuine originality. Thecla's Devotion does scholarship a great service in being both a focussed study on the Acts of Paul and Thecla and an exploration of its connections to Greek romances, second-century Christian literature and ancient philosophy. McLarty has also clothed the substantial scholarly work here in elegant and lucid prose. A rare book indeed!" Dr Simon Gathercole, University of Cambridge

Questions MacLarty raises here are worth thinking more about. -Julia Snyder, Theologische Revue