Desiring Conversion: Hermas, Thecla, Aseneth

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Self-restraint or self-mastery may appear to be the opposite of erotic desire. But in this nuanced, literary analysis, Diane Lipsett traces the intriguing interplay of desire and self-restraint in three ancient tales of conversion: The Shepherd of Hermas, the Acts of Paul and Thecla, and Joseph and Aseneth. Lipsett treats "conversion"--marked change in a protagonist's piety and identity--as in part an effect of story, a function of narrative textures, coherence, and closure. Her approach is theoretically versatile, drawing on Foucault, psychoanalytic theorists, and the ancient literary critic Longinus. Well grounded in scholarship on Hermas, Thecla, and Aseneth, the closely paced readings sharpen attention to each story, while advancing discussions of ancient views of the self; of desire, masculinity, and virginity; of the cultural codes around marriage and continence; and of the textual energetics of conversion tales.

Desiring Conversion: Hermas, Thecla, Aseneth Review

Desiring Conversion engages the one aspect of Western religious thought that has created either great consternation or marvelous freedom: desire. Lipsett chronicles the aspects of desire at work throughout the Shepherd of Hermas, Thecla, and Aseneth. Yet Lipsett does not stop at the limits of desire, but engages conversion as well. Though her work engages difficult texts and is conversation with many scholars, the reader does not feel as though they are making their way through a dense forest. Lipsett's apt and keen eye provides the reader a distinctly enjoyable experience that is not lost.

Lipsett's analysis provides insight into how conversion and desire are related, and challenge the contemporary reader to dig deep into their own conception of desire and conversion. Lipsett's work deflates the ominous cloud of concern and mystery that typically surrounds conversations of concern. This deflating occurs not by means of evaporating belief or faith, but through a reorientation of our understanding of conversion that accentuates authenticity in faith.

This question, then, is would I suggest this book to the layperson? Or, does Lipsett's work exist only for the scholar? First, any scholar engaging early Christian communities ought read this book. Not only that, but those within the Church laity would find be well-suited to read this book. While it does engage Greek text, Lipsett provides both the Greek and text and translated Greek as well. Moreover, Lipsett's style is accessible and undoubtedly warming and welcoming. One cannot read the text without learning so much in such a gracious style.

It is worth noting that I am not a scholar of the early Christian community, so for me to comment upon the particulars of Lipsett's scholarship is not within my scope. However, I will say that I left knowing more than I had before, and was challenged to think about how I perceive conversion in light of my tradition. To make it short, pick up this book, challenge yourself, and you will find yourself transformed.

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