Voluntary Associations in the Graeco-Roman World

Based upon a series of detailed case studies of associations such as early synagogues and churches, philosophical schools and pagan mystery cults, this collection addresses the question of what can legitimately be termed a 'voluntary association'.Employing modern sociological concepts, the essays show how the various associations were constituted, the extent of their membership, why people joined them and what they contributed to the social fabric of urban life. For many, those groups were the most significant feature of social life beyond family and work. All of them provided an outlet of religious as well as social commitments.Also included are studies of the way in which early Jewish and Christian groups adopted and adapted the models of private association available to them and how this affected their social status and role. Finally, the situation of women is discussed, as some of the voluntary associations offered them a more significant recognition than they received in society at large.

Contents. Preface. Contributors. Abbreviations. Dedication. 1. Voluntary Associations: An Overview S.G. Wilson 2. Collegia and Thiasoi John S. Kloppenborg 3. Philosophiai: Graeco-Roman, Judean, and Christian Steve N. Mason 4. Ecclesia and Voluntary Associations Wayne O. McCready 5. The Collegia and Roman Law Wendy Cotter 6. Early synagogues as collegia Peter Richardson 7. Philo and the Clubs and Associations of Alexandria Torrey Seland 8. Graeco-Roman Voluntary Associations and the Damascus Document, A Sociological Analysis Sandra Walker Ramisch 9. Voluntary Association and Networks: Aelius Aristides Harold Remus 10. The Mysteries of Mithras Roger Beck 11. The Place of Cult in Voluntary Associations and Christian Churches on Delos B. Hudson McLean 12. Jewish Voluntary Associations in Egypt and the Roles of Women Peter Richardson and Valerie Heuchan 13. Evidence for Women in the Community of the Dead Sea Scrolls Eileen Schuller 14. Where Women Sat in Ancient Synagogues Sharon Lea Mattila Works Cited

Stephen G. Wilson, John S. Kloppenborg