Description:
Pauline- and Gospel-centred readings have too long provided the normative understanding of Christian identity. The chapters in this volume features evidence from other, less-frequently studied texts, so as to broaden perspectives on early Christian identity. Each chapter in the collection focuses on one or more of the later New Testament epistles and answers one of the following questions: what did/do these texts uniquely contribute to Christian identity? How does the author frame or shape identity? What are the potential results of the identities constructed in these texts for early Christian communities? What are the influences of these texts on later Christian identity?
Together these chapters contribute fresh insights through innovative research, furthering the discussion on the theological and historical importance of these texts within the canon. The distinguished list of contributors includes: Richard Bauckham, David G. Horrell, Francis Watson, and Robert W. Wall.Brief description: Katherine M. Hockey is Associate Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, UK.
Review Quotes: "The twelve essays in this volume, along with an introduction and epilogue, address issues of identity in Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles ... Scholars interested in these texts, the developments of early Christianity, or the topic of identity will find this volume helpful." --Reading Religion