In Stone and Story

Early Christianity in the Roman World

Chapter

Chapter 16: Family & Solidarity

Discussion Questions

  1. How are ideal families depicted in the frescos of Pompeii? Are there overarching themes or motifs representing deeply held views about the ideal family?
  2. How are family relationships viewed in New Testament texts? What are the range of views, expressed especially by the Gospels and the letters of Paul?
  3. How do New Testament views of the family appear to clash or resonate with modern views of the family? In what ways have New Testament views on the family have affected Western laws and customs involving the family?
  4. How might “fictive kinship” be manifested today in your cultures? What are the ways in which kinship language has been adopted by certain groups?