116pp

Contents:
Foreword
Introduction
Magical Formula on Christian Lintels
The Magic Book of the Disciples
Amulets and Bowls with Magical Inscriptions
Early Christian Amulets From Palestine
A Manichaen Bowl with Magical Inscription
A Christian Incantation Bowl from Syria
Bibliography

From the Introduction:
"The discovery of magical objects and texts with Christian formulae or images has become a common-place in the field of archaeology. We get a clear view as to the extent of early Christian participation in magical practices from the Greek Magical Papyri (PGM). This is the most comprehensive collection of magical texts available today. In the PGM there are numerous spells invoking God's power through the name of Jesus or well-known figures from the Hebrew Bible (HB). In his introduction to the PGM, the papyrologist Hans-Dieter Betz mentions the Judeo-Christian references and states that Yahweh's name out-numbers any other god more than three to one.

One of the most popular forms of magical objects for ancient people are called incipits. These are amulets made from strips of papyrus, parchment or other materials with the opening lines of Biblical books and texts. They were generally worn or carried as charms to protect from demons and also to cure illness.

The use of amulets and the general practicing of magic was not confined to members of heretical sects on the fringes of Christianity such as the so-called 'gnostics.' It was part of the general cultural mileaux. According to Betz, the Classical period was characterized by a prevalence of “inclusionist policies and synchronism ... The religious beliefs and practices of most people were identical with some form of magic, and the neat distinctions we make today between approved and disapproved forms of religion—calling the former 'religion' and 'church' and the latter 'magic' and 'cult'—did not exist in antiquity except among a few intellectuals.”

Magical texts in the form of incipits or spells played an important role in the daily lives of many Christians throughout antiquity and were the primary way that most people engaged with the Bible."