The Colossian Syncretism: The Interface Between Christianity and Folk Belief at Colossae

About this book

Drawing upon little-known angel inscriptions magical texts and archaeological evidence from Asia Minor the author argues that the Colossians tried to combine Pauls teachings about Christ with local pagan and Jewish folk beliefs. The result was a syncretism that kept them captive to the fear of evil spirits dependent on the power of magic and amulets and blind to the liberating power of the indwelling Christ the supreme Creator and Lord of all spiritual principalities and powers. In addition to unearthing the historical background of Pauls letter to the Colossians The Colossian Syncretism presents Pauls strategy for addressing the religious syncretism he faced there. It thus provides a working model for Christian missionaries and evangelists discipling converts from todays religiously pluralistic societies.