Conflict at Rome: Social Order and Hierarchy in Early Christianity

Utilizing archeological evidence and an analysis of two earlyChristian texts related to the church at Rome, James S. Jeffers offersa penetrating glimpse into the economic, social, and theologicaltensions of early Roman Christianity. Clement and the Shepherd ofHermas are shown to represent two decidedly conflicting conceptions ofChristianity and hierarchy: Clement represents the social elite and amore structured approach to church organization, and Hermas displays atendency toward sectariani...