Full Description
Paul's conversion and its impact on his theology has been studied extensively. Yet little has been done to relate this to Paul's attitude towards the conversion of others, or to perspectives on conversion held by converts in the churches Paul founded. Soteriology is often considered in isolation from the practical issues of how conversion was expected to take place and the nature of its expected consequences. This book addresses these issues, taking account of recent developments in conversion studies in the social sciences and other disciplines. Stephen Chester first reviews these developments and assesses the potential value of sociologist Anthony Gidden's general social theory of structuration. He then utilizes this to explore Paul's perspectives on conversion in relation to both Gentile and Jewish converts. He also explores the Corinthians' perspectives on conversion in the context of Graeco-Roman religious and social life. Here emerges a fascinating account of perspectives on conversion in the crucial formative years of early Christianity.
Contents
Preface; Abbreviations; Part 1 Studying Conversion and Converts; 1. Developing a Balance Approach to Conversion; Part 2 Paul's Understanding of Conversion; 2. Conversion and Soteriology; 3. God's Converting Call: Paul's use of; 4. Gentile Conversion; 5. A Jewish Convert; 6. Conclusion to Part 2; Part 3 The Corinthian's Understanding of Conversion; 7. Corinth Conversin and Graeco-Roman Culture; 8. Corinth Conversion and Voluntary Asociations; 9. Corinth Conversion and Mystery Initiation; 10.Conclusions; Appendices; Appendix 1 A Classification of Pauls Use of; Appendix 2 Meaning and Righteousness in Rom. 6:7; Appendix 3 1 Cor. 10:1-22 and the Myth of Magical Sacramentalism; Bibliography.
