Assignment #7
On Monday we will discuss another aspect of ascetic devotion--the role of the ascetic as a public figure. Read the assigned article and be ready to answer/discuss the questions listed below. Come up with your own questions (2) and e-mail them to me by 9 pm, Sunday, September 12.
Peter Brown, "The Rise and Function of the Holy Man in Late Antiquity."
Discussion questions:
What questions does Brown address in this article?
Are the terms `holy man` and `ascetic` synonymous? In what ways do the identities of the `holy man` and the `ascetic` overlap?
What role(s)/functions did the holy men play in Late Antiquity?
Who plays these roles in the modern society?
Why were they afforded such a great power?
What aspects of ascetic stance does Brown highlight?
Why do you think the holy man was viewed as not human? Do you think he intended this reaction?
What were the theatrical aspects of the holy man`s stance?
Comment on Brown`s statement that the holy man "the self-made man." (78) If he was such a man, how did he differ from the Greek ascetics?
How is the holy man different from/similar to a prophet?
