Derek Krueger Libros

Derek Krueger, a prominent Religious Studies professor, explores the intersection of writing and spirituality in his work. His research delves into the practices of authorship in the early Christian East, highlighting how writing served as a means of expressing holiness and religious identity. This scholarly examination offers insights into the cultural and historical contexts that shaped early Christian literature and its authors.

The Life of Symeon the Fool presents a unique exploration of holy folly through the eccentric life of Symeon, an early Christian saint known for his bizarre behaviors that challenged societal norms. The narrative intertwines Symeon's antics with biblical themes and earlier hagiographical traditions, showcasing how his unconventional actions, such as walking naked and dragging a dead dog, served as powerful tools for conversion and moral reform. Krueger's analysis sheds light on the religious imagination of Late Antiquity and the cultural context surrounding this unusual figure.

Focusing on early Christian perspectives, the book examines how writing was perceived as a form of worship and a path to salvation. Through insights from comparative literature, ritual studies, and the history of asceticism, it reveals the transformative power of artistic expression in the context of faith. Derek Krueger delves into the motivations and beliefs of early Christian writers, highlighting the intersection of creativity and spirituality in their works.

The New Testament in Byzantium draws on the current state of textual scholarship and explores aspects of the New Testament, particularly as it was imagined in lectionaries, hymns, homilies, saints' lives, miniatures, and monuments--framing Byzantine Christian theological inquiry, ecclesiastical controversy, and political thought.

Focusing on the everyday religious practices of Byzantine Christians, this volume explores how ordinary people engaged with their faith in various settings, such as churches, homes, and workplaces. It delves into the significance of icons, the rituals surrounding marriage and mourning, and the experience of pilgrimage. A diverse group of contributors from esteemed institutions provides insights into the lived experiences of the laity, enriching the understanding of Christianity's impact on their daily lives.