Saints and holy men
Claudia Rapp
This chapter shows that many acts of veneration shown to saints after their death had origin in the connections faithful living holy men. The Christian notion personal sanctity can be understood from its cultural context. idea certain individuals held an elevated status among humans because connection divine was common ancient culture. In pre-Constantinian times, individual Christians proved faith through martyrdom, and communities derived group identity witnessing martyrs. cult a saint prepared long before person's death. illustrates interplay between discipleship, production dissemination texts, patronage creating by presenting three examples different regions later Roman empire: Martin Tours Gaul, Felix Nola Italy Symeon Stylite Syria. Central are relics.
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