Ancient Mediterranean Sacrificial Practice and its Influence on the Early Christian Eucharist

Abstract

This thesis presents the hypothesis that the Christian eucharist of the first century was significantly influenced by concepts that existed within the contemporary sacrificial practice of the ancient Mediterranean. In particular, the concepts of reciprocity and vow fulfilment that were common in widespread domestic sacrificial practice. The thesis then goes on to suggest that the continuing influence of these concepts rapidly diminished in the changing context of early Christian development within the first and second centuries, especially due to the delayed eschaton; and that there was a consequent shift towards a form of eucharistic theology that is generally recognised in current practice, especially relating to how the bread and wine are understood. Echoes of the earlier influence from sacrificial practice continued into the second and third centuries, but the most profound legacy was the use of sacrificial language and terms to describe the eucharist, which continue to be a part of eucharistic practice to this day.

Date of Award	12 Sept 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Winchester
Supervisor	Andreas Andreopoulos (Supervisor) & Frog Orr-Ewing (Supervisor)