Imitation in Early Christianity

“In this rich study Cornelis Bennema makes a major contribution to the study of Christian mimesis, exploring its theological and ethical aspects both historically and theologically. Situating Christian ideas in their Jewish, Greek, and Roman contexts, he examines how mimesis operates as a sensory, cognitive, and volitional process and reveals how Christians develop it in new ways. All students of early Christian theology, ethics, and education will want to engage with his illuminating and thought-provoking argument.”
—Teresa Morgan, Yale Divinity School
 
“How should Christians imitate Christ? Through poverty? Love of neighbor? Martyrdom? This matter of mimesis—the imitation of Christ—is tough to navigate, which is what makes this book so significant! With the deft hand of a veteran scholar, Cornelis Bennema tackles this topic by chaperoning us judiciously through ancient texts, from Plato to Paul to the Shepherd of Hermas. If you wonder how to imitate Christ in our twenty-first century world, you’d do well to devote yourself to this exemplary book.”
—Jack Levison, Southern Methodist University
 
“From Greco-Roman philosophy to contemporary work in science and philosophy, imitation plays a central role in the formation of communal and personal identity. In this groundbreaking book, Bennema offers the first wide-ranging study of imitation in the New Testament and early Christian texts in the context of the Roman empire, and draws out its implications for religious-ethical formation today. Imitation in Early Christianity will become the authoritative guide for anyone seeking to understand the intersection of Christian faith with ethics and transformation.”
—Susan Eastman, Duke Divinity School
 
“Cornelis Bennema, well known for his treatment of imitation (mimesis) in the Fourth Gospel, offers in this volume a comprehensive study of its relative presence, form, and function across the writings of the New Testament and the apostolic fathers, informed by its origins in Greco-Roman antiquity. This is an impressive analysis, a rich resource, and a major contribution which both furthers historical research and offers wisdom for contemporary application.”
—William Loader, Murdoch University
 
“‘Imitation’ is a crucial yet under-researched concept in early Christian thinking. In this excellent study—that magnificently covers the texts of the New Testament and beyond—Bennema restores it to its central place as an instrument for moral transformation, enabling the believer to become more like Christ in character and conduct. Essential reading for anyone with an interest in early Christian ethics and philosophy.”
—Helen K. Bond, School of Divinity, New College
 
“Cornelis Bennema carefully traces the use of ethical mimesis, the practice of achieving a meaningful, moral life by imitating appropriate models. A fundamental element of many Greco-Roman thinkers, mimetic theory influenced post-biblical Jewish literature and played a significant role in some early Christian texts, particularly the Fourth Gospel and Pauline Epistles, where the model is no ordinary human being. Bennema explores this topic with careful attention to the complexity of mimetic theory and practice and to the nuances of individual texts. In cordial but critical dialogue with an impressive array of scholars, he offers a valuable resource for understanding a vital part of early Christian thinking coupled with helpful reflections on practical implications for contemporary Christians.”
—Harold Attridge, Yale Divinity School
 
“Surprisingly, the concept of imitation in early Christianity has been under-examined in recent scholarship even though it has been a staple of Christian piety across the ecclesial traditions. In this fine study, Bennema more than makes up for this lack. Via a rigorous and extensive examination of the ancient literature, Bennema shows that imitation is a dynamic and creative concept central to the ethical vision of the first generations of Christians. Imitation in Early Christianity is a perceptive and engaging study of a neglected concept that contemporary disciples need to revisit.”
—Michael P. Jensen, Sydney College of Divinity