Montanism
Gender, Authority and the New Prophecy

The first study in English of Montanism since 1878, covering the role of women.

Christine Trevett (Author)

9780521528702, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 July 2002

316 pages, 1 map
23 x 15.3 x 2.3 cm, 0.513 kg

"Trevett's book is a welcome addition to an understudied area." Lori Beaman-Hall, Sociology of Religion

This study of Montanism is the first in English since 1878. It takes account of a great deal of scholarship of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and refers to the epigraphical evidence. Dr Trevett questions some of the most cherished assumptions about Montanism. She covers the origins, development and slow demise, using sources from Asia Minor, Rome, North Africa and elsewhere and pays particular attention to women within the movement. The rise of Montanism was important in the history of the early church. This prophetic movement survived for centuries after its beginnings in the second half of the second century and was a challenge to the developing catholic tradition. Christine Trevett looks at its teachings and the response of other Christians to it. To an unusual degree Montanism allowed public religious activity and church office to women.

Preface
Part I. Beginnings: 1.1 The study of Montanism
1.2 The geography of the Prophecy: Ardabau, Pepuza and Tymion
1.3 The date of the Prophecy
Part II. The New Prophecy to Hippolytus and Tertullian: 2.1 The Prophecy in Asia Minor and beyond
2.2 The Prophecy in Rome
2.3 Africa and Tertullian
Part III. The Teachings of the Early Prophecy: 3.1 Montanus: the man and the oracles
3.2 Prophecy and ecstasy
3.3 Eschatology
3.4 Fasting and feasting in the prophecy
3.5 Fornication, celibacy and marriage
3.6 Forgiveness
3.7 Observations on Montanist discipline
3.8 Confession and martyrdom
3.9 The controversy about Scripture and revelation
3.10 What was the New Prophecy?
Part IV. Montanism and Women: 4.1 The first women Prophets
4.2 Priscillianism or Montanism: who founded and led the New Prophecy?
4.3 The oracles and visions of Priscilla, Maximilla and Quintilla
4.4 Ongoing female prophecy and witness
4.5 Ideal woman, ideal martyr
4.6 The clericalisation of the women
4.7 Comment on Montanism and women
Part V. The Fate of Montanism: 5.1 Later Montanism: ecclesiology and epigraphy
5.2 Montanism and the heresies
5.3 The destruction of Montanism
Notes
Select bibliography
Indexes: Scholars' names
Subjects, ancient names and places.

Subject Areas: History of religion [HRAX]