Paul and the Creation of Christian Identity

(Paperback)

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In the dominant interpretation of the Antioch incident Paul is viewed as separating from Peter and Jewish Christianity to lead his own independent mission which was eventually to triumph in the creation of a church with a gentile identity. Paul's gentile mission, however, represented only one strand of the Christ movement but has been universalized to signify the whole. The consequence of this view of Paul is that the earliest diversity in which he operated and which he affirmed has been anachronistically diminished almost to the point of obliteration. There is little recognition of the Jewish form of Christianity and that Paul by and large related positively to it as evidenced in Romans 14-15. Here Paul acknowledges Jewish identity as an abiding reality rather than as a temporary and weak form of faith in Christ. This book argues that diversity in Christ was fundamental to Paul and that particularly in his ethical guidance this received recognition. Paul's relation to Judaism is best understood not as a reaction to his former faith but as a transformation resulting from his vision of Christ. In this the past is not obliterated but transformed and thus continuity is maintained so that the identity of Christianity is neither that of a new religion nor of a Jesus cult. In Christ the past is reconfigured and thus the diversity of humanity continues within the church, which can celebrate the richness of differing identities under the Lordship of Christ.

Reviews

'concise account of the history of modern research on the topic' 'My hope is that someone with Campbell's superb grasp of these issues in Paul might soon provide us with a considered engagement of contemporary Messianic Judaism, free of the reactionary polemic which so often characterizes responses from scholars within Jewish and mainstream Christian theology. Discussions of Jewish-Chrsitian relations can no longer continue with integrity without such engagements. Paul and the Creation of Christian Identity is essential reading for them' Doug Harink, King's University College, Canada -- D. Harink
"Campbell has here produced a thoughtful challenge and contribution to a number of contemporary, scholarly themes. The issues touched on together with his particular conclusions are constructive." -- Andrew D. Clarke, Scripture Bulletin
Book Mentioned -- Chronicle of Higher Education
"This book should be read by Pauline scholars, especially those working in Romans. Campbell's creativity and ability to sustain an argument makes this work well worth the time invested and provides a much needed perspective in the current debate on identity formation in early Christianity." --Criswell Theological Review
"Clearly written... many good and thoughtful observations." David G. Horrell JSNTS Booklist, 2007 -- David G. Horrell
Reviewed in International Review of Biblical Studies, 2007.
"A rich and illuminating study ... The author has produced a highly readable scholarly monograph with an attractive thesis." - Theology
Reviewed by Bengt Holmberg in STK 4/2007
Campbell's study is an important assessment of the role of identity formation in Paul's thinking. It advances the discussing of Pauline though in creative and significant ways" Expository Times Vol.119 No.10 July 2008
Reviewed By Donald A Bullen in Theological Book Review Vol. 19 No. 1 2007
"William Campbell's study is a valuable contribution to our understanding of Christian identity formation in the first century CE... His grasp of the material is commendable, as is the precision with which he writes." Ralph J. Korner, Bryn Mawr Classical Review, July 2009 -- Ralph J. Korner
Brief summary in theChurch Times 'Notice Board' section, 04/01/2008 * Church Times *
"Campbell presents some compelling arguments as he charges the 'New Perspective' with not being radical enough in challenging Christian anti-Jewish rhetoric." Journal for the Study of the New Testament Booklist 2009 -- Alan Le Grys * Journal for the Study of the New Testament *

Author Bio

William S. Campbell is Reader in Biblical Studies, University of Wales, UK, is author of 'Paul's Gospel in Inter-Cultural Context' (1992) and is Editor of Journal of Beliefs and Values.