A Deadly Covenant: Mimetic interpretation of Acts 5:1–11
A Deadly Covenant: Mimetic interpretation of Acts 5:1–11

Summary/Abstract: This is an attempt of a mimetic interpretation of Acts 5:1‒11. The article juxtaposes the narrative of Ananias and Sapphira with the story of the sudden death of Nadab and Abihu from Lev 10:1‒7. The Author argues that apart from situational resemblance, both passages are similar on a deeper level: they are set at the beginning of new orders. Ananias and Sapphira are Adam and Eve of the early Christian commu‑ nity and like them violate their marital unity. Since marriage has become a symbol of Christ’s faithful and loving relationship to humanity, the couple’s treacherous connivance constitutes the ‘original sin’ of Christi‑ anity. Nevertheless, as a sacrificial text, Acts 5:1‒11 has had a negative influence on Christian religiosity.

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