Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean Podcast
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The Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast explores social and religious life in the Greco-Roman world, especially early Christianity including the New Testament. Half-hour episodes are released bi-weekly from September to June (with a summer break in July and August). These episodes are not scripted; they are edited versions of improvised lectures from point-form notes. There are several series in the podcast:
Series 1: Paul and his communities
Series 2: Early Christian portraits of Jesus
Series 3: Diversity in Early Christianity: “Heresies” and struggles
About Podcasting:
For those of you new to podcasting, Click Here to read our "Introduction to Podcasting" Article.
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Podcast Website:
http://www.philipharland.com/Blog/category/podcasts/
Podcast 4.6: Honouring the Emperors as Gods
Author: Philip A. Harland
Tue, 17,
Nov 13:29:06 2009, +0000
Here I explain emperor worship and the various types of honours for the emperors as gods, including imperial cults at the provincial, civic, and local levels in Asia Minor. This is the final episode in series 4 (Honouring the Gods in the Roman Empire) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.
Podcast 4.6: Honouring the [...]
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Podcast 4.5: Justice from the Gods in Lydia
Author: Philip A. Harland
Mon, Nov 02, 2009
Here I discuss the active role of the gods in punishing transgressors by focusing on indigenous practices in the region of Lydia, particularly the propitiation or confession inscriptions. This is part of series 4 (Honouring the Gods in the Roman Empire) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.
Podcast 4.5: Justice from the Gods in [...]
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Podcast 4.4: Messages from the Gods - Apollo at Claros and Didyma
Author: Philip A. Harland
Wed, Oct 14, 2009
Here I discuss messages from the gods, or divination. One way in which the gods were thought to communicate with individuals, groups, and communities was through oracles such as those of Apollo at Claros and Didyma. This is part of series 4 (Honouring the Gods in the Roman Empire) of the Religions of the Ancient [...]
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Podcast 4.3: Salvation from the Gods - Asklepios at Pergamon (Pergamum)
Author: Philip A. Harland
Thu, Oct 01, 2009
Here I discuss the way in which people in Roman times believed that gods saved them in their daily lives, focusing on the case of the healing sanctuary of Asklepios at Pergamon (Pergamum). This is part of series 4 (Honouring the Gods in the Roman Empire) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.
Podcast 4.3: [...]
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Podcast 4.2: A City and Its Patron Deity - Artemis of Ephesus
Author: Philip A. Harland
Mon, Sep 14, 2009
Here I discuss civic cults in Asia Minor and Ephesus with a focus on the relationship between a city and its patron deity (in this case Artemis Ephesia). This is part of series 4 (Honouring the Gods in the Roman Empire) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.
Podcast 4.2: A City and Its Patron [...]
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Podcast 4.1: Introduction to Honouring the Gods
Author: Philip A. Harland
Tue, Sep 01, 2009
This is the introductory episode for a series that explores the various ways in which people in the Roman empire, especially in Asia Minor, honoured and communicated with their gods. This is part of series 4 (Honouring the Gods in the Roman Empire) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.
Podcast 4.1: Introduction to Honouring [...]
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Podcast 3.16: The Gospel of Mary - Secret Knowledge from the Ultimate Disciple
Author: Philip A. Harland
Tue, Jun 02, 2009
Here I discuss this dialogue gospel in which Mary Magdalene is presented as Jesus’ favourite disciple and the instructor of true knowledge. I explore notions of salvation in terms of the ascent of the soul, as well as the way in which this writing reflects struggles among different groups of Jesus-followers. This is [...]
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Podcast 3.15: The Gospel of Philip, part 2 - Ritual Enactments of Salvation
Author: Philip A. Harland
Wed, May 13, 2009
Here I finish the discussion of the Gospel of Philip by focusing on the way in which notions of salvation were enacted in the practices of the followers of Jesus who used this writing. In particular, rituals such as the “bridal chamber” illustrate the connections between sex (as a metaphor) and salvation in the [...]
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Podcast 3.14: The Gospel of Philip, part 1 - Ideas of Salvation
Author: Philip A. Harland
Mon, May 04, 2009
Here I discuss the Gospel of Philip (perhaps best known in connection with the Da Vinci Code). This episode deals with the author’s worldview and ideas about the condition of humanity, preparing the way for a second episode on the practices and rituals that enacted salvation. This is part of series 3 (”Diversity in [...]
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Podcast 3.13: The Wisdom of Jesus Christ and Middle Platonism
Author: Philip A. Harland
Tue, Apr 14, 2009
Here I use two related Nag Hammadi writings — Eugnostos the Blessed and The Sophia of Jesus Christ — as a window into forms of Christianity that were heavily influenced by Middle Platonic philosophy, particularly in regard to cosmology and the divine Triad. This is part of series 3 (”Diversity in Early Christianity: ‘Heresies’ and [...]
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Podcast 3.12: Secret Book of John, part 2 - Salvation from the Material Realm
Author: Philip A. Harland
Wed, Apr 01, 2009
Here I continue to explain the worldview of the Apocryphon of John, particularly its notions regarding the material realm, the inferior creator god (demiurge), and salvation from this realm. This is part of series 3 (”Diversity in Early Christianity: ‘Heresies’ and Struggles”) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.
Podcast 3.12: Secret Book of John, [...]
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Podcast 3.11: Secret Book of John, part 1 - The Spiritual Realm
Author: Philip A. Harland
Thu, Mar 12, 2009
Here I begin to explain the worldview of the Apocryphon of John, one of the Nag Hammadi writings (part 1 of 2). Like other writings in that collection, this author makes a clear distinction between the perfect spiritual realm, also known as the “fullness”, and an inferior material realm created by a jealous god [...]
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Podcast 3.10: Introducing Gnostic Worldviews
Author: Philip A. Harland
Sun, Mar 01, 2009
Here I set the stage for the study of specific Nag Hammadi and related writings by outlining in broad terms some common denominators in the worldviews traditionally labeled “gnostic”. This includes discussion of the Middle Platonic assumptions of many authors. I also deal with the importance of knowledge (gnosis) in the understanding of [...]
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Podcast 3.9: Marcionites and the Unknown God
Author: Philip A. Harland
Sun, Feb 15, 2009
Here I explore Marcionite forms of Christianity, which contrast significantly to the Judean forms discussed in the previous episode. Followers of Marcion believed that the legalistic God of the Hebrew Bible was to be distinguished from the loving, unknown Father-God who sent Jesus, and that Law was opposed to Gospel. This is part of [...]
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Podcast 3.8: Jewish Followers of Jesus, part 2 - Pseudo-Clement
Author: Philip A. Harland
Mon, Feb 02, 2009
Here I continue to explore Jewish followers of Jesus by examining key passages in an apocryphal novel attributed to Clement of Rome, also known as the Pseudo-Clementine writings. In particular, an opening letter claiming to be written by Peter to James and the story of Peter’s debates with Simon Magus (a cipher for Paul) [...]
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Podcast 3.7: Jewish Followers of Jesus, part 1 - Ebionites
Author: Philip A. Harland
Fri, Jan 16, 2009
Beginning with James the brother of Jesus and the Jerusalem church, here I trace evidence for Judean followers of Jesus and discuss their gradual marginalization. In particular, I focus attention on Jewish-Christian groups that the patristic sources (e.g. Irenaeus, Epiphanius) label “the Ebionites”, or “poor ones”. This is part of series 3 (”Diversity in [...]
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Podcast 3.6: Sources for the Study of Diversity - Gnostic, Apocryphal, Patristic
Author: Philip A. Harland
Mon, Jan 05, 2009
Here I sketch out our main sources for the study of various Christian groups or “heresies” in the second and third centuries, including discussion of the early Christian Apocrypha, the Nag Hammadi writings (associated with “gnosticism”), and the Church Fathers. This is part of series 3 (”Diversity in Early Christianity: ‘Heresies’ and Struggles”) of [...]
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Podcast 3.5: Diversity in Asia Minor - A Regional Case Study
Author: Philip A. Harland
Wed, Dec 17, 2008
Here I use the region of Asia Minor (Turkey) as a case study that allows me to outline various strands and styles within Christianity in the first and second centuries. I then go on to outline our approach to studying the worldviews and practices of Christian groups and “heresies”. This is part of series [...]
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Podcast 3.4: Docetic and Judaizing Opponents of Ignatius, part 2
Author: Philip A. Harland
Wed, Nov 26, 2008
Here I discuss Ignatius’ Judaizing opponents, who advocated certain Jewish beliefs and practices. I also deal with Ignatius’ strategies in combating groups he considered heretical. This is part of series 3 (”Diversity in Early Christianity: ‘Heresies’ and Struggles”) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.
Podcast 3.4: Docetic and Judaizing Opponents of Ignatius, part [...]
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Podcast 3.3: Docetic and Judaizing Opponents of Ignatius, part 1
Author: Philip A. Harland
Tue, Nov 04, 2008
There are two main groups of opponents combated by Ignatius of Antioch in his letters to followers of Jesus in Asia Minor: Docetic and Judaizing opponents (part 1 of 2). This episode introduces Ignatius (who wrote in the early second century) and explains the position of his docetic opponents, who thought that Jesus only [...]
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Podcast 3.2: A Schism in John’s Community, part 2
Author: Philip A. Harland
Thu, Oct 16, 2008
Here I continue to consider the opponents in John’s epistles (part 2 of 2). These epistles provide evidence of an early Christian schism over how to view Jesus’ humanity. This is part of series 3 (”Diversity in Early Christianity: ‘Heresies’ and Struggles”) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.
Podcast 3.2: A Schism in [...]
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Podcast 3.1: Introduction to Diversity - A Schism in John’s Community, part 1
Author: Philip A. Harland
Mon, Sep 29, 2008
Here I delve into the issue of diversity in early Christianity by using the opponents in John’s epistles as a starting point (part 1 of 2). These epistles provide evidence of an early Christian schism over how to view Jesus’ humanity. This is part of series 3 (”Diversity in Early Christianity: ‘Heresies’ and [...]
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Podcast 2.11: Hebrews’ Portrait of Jesus - Highpriest Melchizedek, part 2
Author: Philip A. Harland
Sat, Sep 13, 2008
Here I discuss the way in which the book of Hebrews portrays Jesus both as highpriest Melchizedek and once for all sacrifice (part 2 of 2). In particular, I explore the ways in which this author is saturated by the Hebrew scriptures and influenced by Platonic philosophy. This is the final episode in series [...]
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Podcast 2.10: Hebrews’ Portrait of Jesus - Highpriest Melchizedek, part 1
Author: Philip A. Harland
Wed, Aug 27, 2008
Here I discuss the way in which the book of Hebrews portrays Jesus both as high-priest Melchizedek and once for all sacrifice (part 1 of 2). This is part of series 2 (”Early Christian Portraits of Jesus”) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.
Podcast 2.10: Hebrews’ Portrait of Jesus - Highpriest Mechizedek, part 1 [...]
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Podcast 2.9: John’s Portrait of Jesus - Son and Word, part 2
Author: Philip A. Harland
Fri, Jun 27, 2008
Here I continue to discuss how the gospel of John portrays Jesus as both the Word of God and the Son sent by the Father (part 2 of 2). This is part of series 2 (”Early Christian Portraits of Jesus”) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.
Podcast 2.9: John’s Portrait of Jesus - Son [...]
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Podcast 2.8: John’s Portrait of Jesus - Son and Word, part 1
Author: Philip A. Harland
Sat, Jun 14, 2008
Here I discuss how the gospel of John portrays Jesus as both the Word of God and the Son sent by the Father (part 1 of 2). I also deal with this gospel’s stress on the importance of “signs” pointing to Jesus’ identity and the way in which Jesus (”Lamb of God”) is [...]
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Podcast 2.7: Luke’s Portrait of Jesus - Prophet Elijah, part 2
Author: Philip A. Harland
Sun, Jun 08, 2008
Here I continue to discuss how the gospel of Luke portrays Jesus as a prophet like Elijah, which also entails presenting Jesus as a saviour to the poor and marginalized of society (part 1 of 2). This is part of series 2 (”Early Christian portraits of Jesus”) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean [...]
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Podcast 2.6: Luke’s Portrait of Jesus - Prophet Elijah, part 1
Author: Philip A. Harland
Wed, May 14, 2008
Here I discuss how the gospel of Luke portrays Jesus as a prophet like Elijah, which also entails presenting Jesus as a saviour to the poor and marginalized of society (part 1 of 2). In this first part, I provide some important background for understanding this two volume work, Luke-Acts, both as ancient biography [...]
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Podcast 2.5: Matthew’s portrait of Jesus - New Moses (part 2)
Author: Philip A. Harland
Tue, Apr 29, 2008
Here I continue the discussion of Matthew’s portrait of Jesus as the new David and new Moses (part 2 of 2). I also delve into tensions between Matthew’s community and other groups of Jews or Judeans in the late first century. This is part of series 2 (”Early Christian portraits of Jesus”) of the [...]
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Podcast 2.4: Matthew’s portrait of Jesus - New Moses, part 1
Author: Philip A. Harland
Sat, Apr 12, 2008
Here I discuss the Judean portrait of Jesus as the new David and new Moses in the Gospel of Matthew (part 1 of 2). This is part of series 2 (”Early Christian portraits of Jesus”) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.
Podcast 2.4: Matthew’s portrait of Jesus - New Moses, part 1 (mp3; [...]
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Podcast 2.3: Mark’s portrait of Jesus - Suffering Son, part 2
Author: Philip A. Harland
Sun, Mar 30, 2008
This continues the discussion of how Jesus is portrayed in the narrative of the gospel of Mark, namely as the secretive and suffering Son of God (part 2 of 2). This is part of series 2 (”Early Christian portraits of Jesus”) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.
Podcast 2.3: Mark’s portrait of Jesus - [...]
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Podcast 2.2: Mark’s portrait of Jesus - Suffering Son, part 1
Author: Philip A. Harland
Wed, Mar 12, 2008
Here I consider how Jesus is portrayed in the narrative of the gospel of Mark, namely as the secretive and suffering Son of God (part 1 of 2). This is part of series 2 (”Early Christian portraits of Jesus”) of the Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean podcast.
Podcast 2.2: Mark’s portrait of Jesus - Suffering Son, [...]
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Podcast 2.1: Introduction to Early Christian Portraits of Jesus
Author: Philip A. Harland
Wed, Feb 27, 2008
Here I discuss some introductory issues regarding the gospels, including their status as ancient biographies or portraits of Jesus and the literary relationships among the synoptic gospels (approx. 45 minutes). This sets the stage for an historical and literary study of portraits of Jesus in Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John, as well as [...]
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Podcast 1.12: Legacies of Paul - Women’s leadership, part 2
Author: Philip A. Harland
Sat, Feb 09, 2008
This concludes the discussion of the Acts of Paul and Thecla in relation to the Pastoral epistles, addressing the ways in which Paul was used within debates about women’s leadership in second century groups of Jesus-followers. This is the final episode in series 1 (”Paul and his Communities”). Series 2 (beginning in March) will take [...]
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Podcast 1.11: Legacies of Paul - Women’s leadership, part 1
Author: Philip A. Harland
Fri, Feb 01, 2008
Here I look at legacies and interpretations of Paul after his death. In particular, I use several letters written in the name of Paul (the Pastoral epistles) and a novelistic story about Paul and a woman named Thecla (Acts of Paul and Thecla) as a window into debates about leadership of women in groups [...]
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Podcast 1.10: Paul’s response to the Romans
Author: Philip A. Harland
Sun, Jan 13, 2008
This episode considers Paul’s response to the ethnic divisions that existed among groups of Jesus-followers at Rome. Here I discuss Paul’s main arguments regarding the equally condemnable and equally save-able status of both Greeks (or Gentiles) and Judeans, as well as Paul’s view that “all Israel will be saved”. This episode is part [...]
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Podcast 1.9: Paul and the situation at Rome
Author: Philip A. Harland
Wed, Jan 02, 2008
This episode looks at the situation at Rome in the mid-first century that led Paul to write the letter to the Romans, now in the New Testament. I delve into the purposes in Paul writing and his focus on what he sees as ethnic divisions between Greeks and Judeans in the groups of Jesus-followers. [...]
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Podcast 1.8: Paul’s response to the Galatians
Author: Philip A. Harland
Mon, Dec 17, 2007
This second episode on Paul’s letter to the Galatians looks at Paul’s response to the situation involving opponents that were advocating circumcision. I discuss a plausible apocalyptic rationale for Paul’s notion that circumcision was not an entrance requirement for Gentiles to belong to the Jesus groups. In the process, I also begin [...]
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Podcast 1.7: Paul and the situation in Galatia
Author: Philip A. Harland
Thu, Dec 06, 2007
This episode looks at the situation in Galatia that led Paul to write his letter in the mid-first century. Here I explore the rationale of Paul’s opponents who advocated circumcision among Gentiles (non-Judeans) as a symbol of belonging to God’s people and an entrance requirement into this Jewish movement that considered Jesus the Messiah [...]
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Podcast 1.6: Paul and the followers of Jesus at Corinth, part 3
Author: Philip A. Harland
Mon, Nov 26, 2007
This episode concludes the discussion of followers of Jesus at Corinth with a focus on Paul’s response to the situation (in 1 Corinthians). Here we see Paul’s education in Greco-Roman methods of rhetoric or argumentation. Paul’s arguments for unity and against divisions provide a clear example of deliberative rhetoric, comparable to political speeches by [...]
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Podcast 1.5: Paul and the followers of Jesus at Corinth, part 2
Author: Philip A. Harland
Thu, Nov 15, 2007
This fifth episode continues discussion of the situation at Corinth as reflected in chapters 6-15 of 1 Corinthians, dealing with problems that arose due to the socially superior position of some Corinthian Christians and the spiritually superior claims of others. This episode is part of series one (”Paul and his Communities”) of the Religions of [...]
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Podcast 1.4: Paul and the followers of Jesus at Corinth, part 1
Author: Philip A. Harland
Thu, Nov 01, 2007
This fourth episode begins to look at the followers of Jesus at Corinth through Paul’s letter known as 1 Corinthians in the New Testament. After discussing the city of Corinth, I go on to consider the history of Paul’s interactions with these Christians, which was characterized by rocky relations. Then we delve into the [...]
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Podcast 1.3: Paul’s response to followers of Jesus at Thessalonica
Author: Philip A. Harland
Fri, Oct 19, 2007
This third episode looks at Paul’s response to followers of Jesus at Thessalonica, including his attempt to comfort these socially dislocated Christians, his use of familial language to build up their identity, and his use of praising (demonstrative) rhetoric. It also begins to consider Paul as an apocalyptic Judean (approx. 32 minutes). This [...]
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Podcast 1.2: The Situation at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians)
Author: Philip A. Harland
Sat, Oct 13, 2007
This second episode looks at the situation among followers of Jesus at Thessalonica in Macedonia in the mid-first century. Considering the ethnic and social makeup of the earliest Christians, this episode also discusses two main problems faced by these followers of Jesus: “afflictions” and the death of fellow-followers of Jesus. This prepares the [...]
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Podcast 1.1: Paul in his own words
Author: Philip A. Harland
Fri, Oct 05, 2007
This inaugural episode in series 1 (Paul and his communities) uses incidental autobiographical references in Paul’s letters as an avenue into the study of Paul, his letters, and early Christian groups (approx. 27 minutes).
Podcast 1.1: Paul in his own words (mp3; archive.org page with various downloading options here).
You may subscribe to this and subsequent episodes [...]
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