Paul and Diversity: A New Perspective on Σάρξ and Resilience in Galatians

Description

This book investigates attitudes toward diversity as expressed in Paul’s letter to the Galatians and proposes a renewed understanding of the term σάρξ as used in this letter. Σάρξ (sarx) is usually translated as "flesh" and has often been perceived in theological studies as a complicated and highly polysemous term. It is also a word whose interpretations have had far-reaching social, political, and religious consequences throughout history. The author argues in this volume that for Paul the term σάρξ is commonly adopted with reference to the collective group, and in light of a sense of collective identity in particular. A key assertion is that Paul was and remained a Jew and also continued to be deeply concerned with the prospects for the peaceful co-existence of Jews and Gentiles in the assemblies of God. The chapters draw on perspectives from classical rhetoric, modern linguistics, and social systems theory in order to describe the communicative structure of the letter, the construct of collective identity as described within this setting, and the potential for resilience in this construct. Offering a more coherent reading of Galatians, the book contributes positively to current discussions in Pauline studies and will be of interest to scholars of biblical studies and theology. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Acknowledgments 1. Introduction A New Perspective on Σάρξ and Reslience in Galatians The Question of the Rhetorical Composition of Galatians 2. A Monosemous Approach to Σάρξ Exploring Collectively Oriented Interpretive Options Polysemous Approaches to Σάρξ A Monosemous Approach to Σάρξ in Galatians 5 A More Monosemous Approach to Σάρξ 3. The Narrative Composition of Galatians The Narratio as the Heart of Persuasion The State of the Question The Location of the Narratio in Galatians Before the Narratio: The Opening of Galatians Collecting Interpretive Keys from the Narratio Unlocking the Message of Galatians The Closing of Galatians A New Perspective on the Location of the Case Beyond Nationalism, Development Optimism, Idealism, Individualism Conclusion: The Σάρξ as Collective Identity/Group 4. Galatians from a Social Systems Perspective Galatians and Social Systems Theory The Historical Situation and Galatians Paul’s Communicative Strategies Resilience in the Social System Conclusion: Galatians in the Perspective of Social Systems Theory Index