Based upon a series of detailed case studies of associations such as early synagogues and churches, philosophical schools and pagan mystery cults. Employing modern sociological concepts, the essays show how the various associations were constituted, the extent of their membership, why people joined them and what they contributed to the social fabric of urban life. For many, those groups were the most significant feature of social life beyond family and work. All of them provided an outlet of religious as well as social commitments. Stephen G. Wilson, Carleton University, Ontario; John S. Kloppenborg, University of Toronto; Wayne O. McCready; Wendy Cotter; Peter Richardson; Torrey Seland;