Perspectives on Conversion in Paul’s Theology and the Corinthian Church
Stephen J. Chester
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Copyright © T&T Clark Ltd, 2003
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This impression 2005
ISBN 0-5670-8909-8 (hb)
0-5670-4053-4 (pb)
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
Part 1 Studying Conversion and Converts
1 Developing a Balanced Approach to Conversion
1.1.1 Conversion: A Universal or Particular Phenomenon?
1.1.2 Conversion: An Individual or Social Phenomenon?
1.1.3 Balancing the Elements of Conversion
1.2.2 Conversion Accounts and Conversion Experiences
1.3 Conversion in Recent New Testament Study
1.4.1 Selection of Subjects and Questions
1.4.2 Selection of a Theoretical Resource
1.4.2.1 Alternatives to Structuration Theory
1.4.2.2 Structuration Theory: Reproduction and Transformation
1.4.2.3 Structuration Theory: Practical Consciousness
1.4.2.4 The Potential Benefits of Structuration Theory
Part 2 Paul’s Understanding of Conversion
2.1 Dominant Trends in the Analysis of Paul’s Soteriology
2.2 Critical Issues and Questions
3 God’s Converting Call: Paul’s use of καλέω
3.2.1 Calling in the Septuagint
3.2.2 Calling and Graeco-Roman Philosophy
3.2.2.1 Calling and Conversion to Philosophy
3.3.5 Who is Called—Individuals or Groups?
3.3.6 Calling and Ethnic Status
3.3.7 Calling and Social Status
3.4.1 Paul and Calling: Distinctive Use of a Concept
3.4.2 Calling and Practical Consciousness
4.2 The Secrets of the Heart Laid Bare—1 Cor. 14:20–25
4.2.1 Prophecy as an Agent of Conversion
4.2.2 Social and Communal Aspects of Conversion
4.3 Transforming Identity—1 Cor. 6:9–11
4.3.1 1 Cor. 6:9–11 in Recent Scholarship
4.3.2 Tradition in 1 Cor. 6:9–11
4.3.3 Reconstructing Moral Identity
4.3.4 Effecting the Transformation
5.1.1 Questions and Selection of Evidence
5.1.2 The Status of the Selected Evidence
5.2 Paul’s Conversion and His Attitude Towards Judaism—Gal. 1:11–17
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About Conversion at Corinth: Perspectives on Conversion in Paul’s Theology and the Corinthian ChurchPaul’s conversion and its impact on his theology have 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. |
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