hey! you! almost 1000 folks have read/downloaded Virginia Burrus's new Element in Religion in Late Antiquity, isn't it time you joined them? www.cambridge.org/core/element...

Martyrdom as Witness in Late Ancient Christian Literature

Cambridge Core - Religion: General Interest - Martyrdom as Witness in Late Ancient Christian Literature

cambridge.org

I wrote about the Nolan Odyssey for the LRB. I'll summarize some of my main points below, in case you don't feel like reading all that. www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...

Emily Wilson · An Uncomplicated Man

As they say at the awards shows, I was humbled to learn that Christopher Nolan has read at least the first line of my...

lrb.co.uk

Interested in martyrdom? Virginia Burrus just published a new Cambridge Element book called “Martyrdom as Witness in Late Antique Christian Literature.” It’s free to download until Aug 4th! Check it out: www.cambridge.org/core/element...

Martyrdom as Witness in Late Ancient Christian Literature

Cambridge Core - Religion: General Interest - Martyrdom as Witness in Late Ancient Christian Literature

cambridge.org

I am aware that writers don’t pick titles in the NYT but I’d like to suggest that Gibbon’s magnum opus isn’t “the definitive” book on empires. www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/o... (🎁🔗) Why? Well, I don’t believe “exotic” foreigners introduce “moral decay” & I think the Byzantine Empire is worthy of note.

Just noticed that my first book is on sale for $24 on springer’s website (it is usually $120!). If anyone could use a hard copy, check it out here: link.springer.com/book/10.1007...

Slavery, Gender, Truth, and Power in Luke-Acts and Other Ancient Narratives

This book examines slavery and gender through a feminist reading of narratives including female slaves in early Christian texts. This interdisciplinary book is a substantial contribution to conversati...

link.springer.com

We are, too! Congratulations and we look forward to learning more about your research!

Christy Cobb@christycobb.bsky.social · last mo.

I’m thrilled to have been chosen as one of the 26-27 Shohet Scholars! www.catacombsociety.org/news-and-eve...

I’m thrilled to have been chosen as one of the 26-27 Shohet Scholars! www.catacombsociety.org/news-and-eve...

I’m happy to share that my entry on Rhoda is now published on the Bible Odyssey website. Check it out! www.bibleodyssey.org/articles/rho...

Rhoda - Bible Odyssey

Rhoda is an example of an enslaved woman in Acts where questions of gender and status intersect.

bibleodyssey.org

Join us on Thurs, 4/23 @6pm (reception @5pm) In-person/livestream @uofdenver.bsky.social Religious Studies welcomes the incomparable @lhulseth.bsky.social to deliver this year’s Kirk Lecture. She discusses her award-winning book Capitalist Humanitarianism & the anathema of “ethical” #capitalism.

Hi friends! Join us on 4/22, 4/23 for 2 events @uofdenver.bsky.social Religious Studies is hosting! Both are in person/online (link sent after registration) Join us Wed, 4/22 @430pm #Capitalism & the Future of #Democracy Book panel & discussion w/@lhulseth.bsky.social & DU RLGS MA, PHD students.

Come listen to me talk about the uncontroversial topic of Jesus and slavery on the Bible & Archaeology podcast! youtu.be/_H7IivvTn8E?...

Why Jesus Never Condemned Slavery

YouTube video by Bible & Archaeology

youtu.be

Definitely 🌋 would recommend the new documentary on Pompeii: “Pompei: Below the Clouds.” It looks at the everyday lives of modern people like firefighters, port workers, & archaeologists on the Bay of Naples—as well as the ancient fear of living below Vesuvius (now on MUBI) youtu.be/XB0kyzY81PU?...

POMPEI: BELOW THE CLOUDS | Official Trailer | MUBI

YouTube video by MUBI

youtu.be

“The Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget proposes to eliminate the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and provides $38 million to conduct an orderly shutdown of the Agency.” — NEH.gov The NEH has $207 million for FY2026. War in Iran? 1 billion per day. We go through 4.83 NEHs a day for what?

“Victim Blaming and Slut Shaming in the Exegesis on the Soul (NHC II,6)” is out today with Harvard Theological Review—and is open access thanks to UVA! Please give it a read if you’re interested in ancient sexual violence, Coptic, or monasticism www.cambridge.org/core/journal...

youtu.be/3jKef0lV7j8?... My conversation with Dr. Josh and @christycobb.bsky.social goes live today. No. The New Testament absolutely did not end slavery. ... Everyone knows this, right? 📜 🪔 #CriticalBible

No, the New Testament did not end slavery: responding to @InspiringPhilosophy with Dr. Christy Cobb

YouTube video by Kipp Davis

youtu.be

Just wrapped up our RMGP regional conference of the #AAR and the Religion & Bible Society. @christycobb.bsky.social gave a fantastic keynote! I can’t wait for her next book!

I love that Cambridge Elements are usually open access to read for the first two weeks after publication. That means _Sex and Sexuality in the Ancient Near East_ by Stephanie Lynn Budin is free to resd until March 10! This is part of the Elements in the Ancient Near Eastern World and the Bible.

Sex and Sexuality in the Ancient Near East

Cambridge Core - Biblical Studies - Old Testament, Hebrew Bible - Sex and Sexuality in the Ancient Near East

cambridge.org

Check out my latest article in the Conversation, where I discuss apocryphal literature!

The Conversation U.S.@us.theconversation.com · 5mo ago

Some of Christianity’s most famous stories (like Peter being crucified upside down) aren’t actually in the Bible. They come from the “apocrypha,” ancient Jewish and Christian texts that have shaped tradition for centuries, even if not every church considers them holy scripture.

Don't miss this great write-up by @christycobb.bsky.social about the influence of Christian apocrypha on history & tradition!

The Conversation U.S.@us.theconversation.com · 5mo ago

Some of Christianity’s most famous stories (like Peter being crucified upside down) aren’t actually in the Bible. They come from the “apocrypha,” ancient Jewish and Christian texts that have shaped tradition for centuries, even if not every church considers them holy scripture.

Interested in #apocrypha, or want to know more? Check out this excellent fresh article by @christycobb.bsky.social!

The Conversation U.S.@us.theconversation.com · 5mo ago

Some of Christianity’s most famous stories (like Peter being crucified upside down) aren’t actually in the Bible. They come from the “apocrypha,” ancient Jewish and Christian texts that have shaped tradition for centuries, even if not every church considers them holy scripture.

There’s still time to submit an abstract for the Slavery Resistance and Freedom unit of SBL for the conference in Denver!

Next up was @christycobb.bsky.social, who gave us a wonderful insight into the martyr legend of Perpetua and Felicitas - focusing on Felicitas, her motherhood, Martyrdom and her status and possibilities as an enslaved woman.

In response to the deluge of messages on casting in The Odyssey: Helen was born from an 🥚 Don’t talk to me about historical veracity.

“The classroom remains the most radical space of possibility in the academy.” -bell hooks

just want to say again that empathy is resistance. it requires bracketing everything this world has taught us to value — hierarchies of wealth, status, power, etc. — and meet others as humans first. this is why it’s also a practice, not an attribute. you *can* train yourself to bracket thusly.

Just published my first piece for the Conversation! It’s on Thecla and her reception within Christianity. theconversation.com/thecla-the-b...

Thecla, the beast fighter: The saint who faced down lions and killer seals is one of many ‘leading ladies’ in early Christian texts

The Christian apocrypha, texts not included in the Bible, include stories of Jesus’ female followers – including St. Thecla.

theconversation.com

I wrote a number of pieces for National Geographic this Christmas and was delighted to be able to share the work of colleagues I deeply admire. First up this piece about angels featuring quotes from Christy Cobb and the work of @emuehlbe.bsky.social www.nationalgeographic.com/history/arti...

Angels in ancient myths were actually pretty terrifying

Far from the baby-cheeked cherubs of Renaissance art, they were fiery beings who inspired fear.

nationalgeographic.com

Important thread!

God, Slavery, and Early Christianity is out in the real world with @universitypress.cambridge.org! I have some extra, so retweet this by the end of Oct. 19 if you’re interested in receiving a copy! Book info here: www.cambridge.org/core/books/g...

My recent volume, Ancient Slavery and Its New Testament Contexts, is currently on sale through Amazon for only $4. If you’re interested, here’s the link! a.co/d/2CiYMh6