How Long to Read Subversive Virtue

How Long Does it Take to Read Subversive Virtue?

It takes the average reader 4 hours and 18 minutes to read Subversive Virtue by James A. Francis

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

Much attention has been devoted in recent years to Christian asceticism in Late Antiquity. But Christianity did not introduce asceticism to the ancient world. An underlying theme of this fascinating study of pagan asceticism is that much of the work on Christian &"holy men&" has ignored earlier manifestations of asceticism in Antiquity and the way Roman society confronted it. Accordingly, James Francis turns to the second century, the &"balmy late afternoon of Rome's classical empire,&" when the conflict between asceticism and authority reached a turning point. Francis begins with the emperor Marcus Aurelius (121&–180), who warned in his Meditations against &"display[ing] oneself as a man keen to impress others with a reputation for asceticism or beneficence.&" The Stoic Aurelius saw ascetic self-discipline as a virtue, but one to be exercised in moderation. Like other Roman aristocrats of his day, he perceived practitioners of ostentatious physical asceticism as a threat to prevailing norms and the established order. Prophecy, sorcery, miracle working, charismatic leadership, expressions of social discontent, and advocacy of alternative values regarding wealth, property, marriage, and sexuality were the issues provoking the controversy. If Aurelius defined the acceptable limits of ascetical practice, then the poet Lucian depicted the threat ascetics were perceived to pose to the social status quo through his biting satire. In an eye-opening analysis of Philostratus's Life of Apollonius of Tyana, Francis shows how Roman society reined in its deviant ascetics by &"rehabilitating&" them into pillars of traditional values. Celsus's True Doctrine shows how the views pagans held of their own ascetics influenced their negative view of Christianity. Finally, Francis points out striking parallels between the conflict over pagan asceticism and its Christian counterpart. By treating pagan asceticism seriously in its own right, Francis establishes the context necessary for understanding the great flowering of asceticism in Late Antiquity

How long is Subversive Virtue?

Subversive Virtue by James A. Francis is 254 pages long, and a total of 64,516 words.

This makes it 86% the length of the average book. It also has 79% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Subversive Virtue Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 5 hours and 52 minutes to read Subversive Virtue aloud.

What Reading Level is Subversive Virtue?

Subversive Virtue is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Subversive Virtue?

Subversive Virtue by James A. Francis is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

To buy Subversive Virtue by James A. Francis on Amazon click the button below.