"Popular religion is at the center of this excellent study. Frankfurter places Christianity in a multifaceted, often unexpected context in the countryside of Egypt. He shows that despite the state''s new religion, Egyptian gods, goddesses, and cultic practices persisted. The result is a thoroughly stimulating book---an unusual mix of erudition and interpretation--and one which I read with great pleasure."--Dorothy J. Thompson, Girton College, Cambridge

"Clearly written and well-researched, [Frankfurter''s] book is accessible to a wide audience of scholars and lay people alike."--J. G. Manning, Stanford University
 
Annotation:
Frankfurter explores the cultural transition throughout Egypt from 100-600 C.E. as Christianity replaced Egyptian spirituality as the belief-system of choice. Winner of the 1999 American Academy of Religion Award.