This paper investigates the reasons for the existence of a large number of ‘magical’ amulets and ... more This paper investigates the reasons for the existence of a large number of ‘magical’ amulets and incantations containing elements of the Christian religion in late antique Egypt. It will show how magic was conceived by those in antiquity by examining primary evidence including law codes, Christian discourse from church authorities, and the magical amulets and papyri themselves. The different conceptions of what ‘magic’ actually consisted of reveals varying conceptions on the legitimacy of amulets and other incantations as expressions of Christian belief. While the majority of prominent Church intellectuals appear to condemn the practice, this was not necessarily the view of all those who professed to be Christians, revealing a blurry line between magic and religion. The regional diversity of Christianity and its practices in the late antique period, and particularly in Egypt, meant that the practices some Christians believed to be acceptable, were seen by others as worthy of condemnation.
This paper investigates the reasons for the existence of a large number of ‘magical’ amulets and ... more This paper investigates the reasons for the existence of a large number of ‘magical’ amulets and incantations containing elements of the Christian religion in late antique Egypt. It will show how magic was conceived by those in antiquity by examining primary evidence including law codes, Christian discourse from church authorities, and the magical amulets and papyri themselves. The different conceptions of what ‘magic’ actually consisted of reveals varying conceptions on the legitimacy of amulets and other incantations as expressions of Christian belief. While the majority of prominent Church intellectuals appear to condemn the practice, this was not necessarily the view of all those who professed to be Christians, revealing a blurry line between magic and religion. The regional diversity of Christianity and its practices in the late antique period, and particularly in Egypt, meant that the practices some Christians believed to be acceptable, were seen by others as worthy of condemnation.
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Papers by Tom Marsh