Divinatory Practices and Palpability of the Gods

Abstract

Chapter 2 demonstrates that divinatory practices were ubiquitous in antiquity, and that such practices indicate a widespread religious and epistemological disposition. These related dispositions are best expressed by Xenophon: “The gods know everything, and in sacrifices, omens, prophetic voices, and dreams they provide forewarnings to whomever they want” (On the Cavalry Commander, 9.9). Thus, the religious disposition is that gods and other divine beings are present in the world and take an interest in human affairs. The epistemological disposition is that there is important knowledge to be gained from observing and interpreting gods’ physical impact on the world. This chapter explores a wide range of methods for Greeks, Romans, and Judeans to ascertain information from gods, and provides the groundwork for arguing that Paul shared in this basic religious and epistemological disposition.