The body for the Lord : sex and identity in 1st Corinthians 5-7
This thesis attempts to contribute to the study of identity formation in early Christianity by exploring the part played in this by sexual ethics. To this end it focuses on 1Corinthians 5-7, as the longest discussion of sex in the New Testament. Unlike many previous studies, this study sets out to consider these chapters as a unified discourse, and to consider them in the wider context of the epistle as a whole. The study engages in a close reading of the discourse, paying attention to how Paul's ethical instructions themselves, and his rhetoric (used to describe and evaluate insiders and outsiders), contribute to establishing Christian identity. It examines how convictions about Christian ethics and identity govern relations with outsiders, internal regulation, and reactions to social institutions. Particular attention is paid to Paul's 'body language' and what it might reveal about the relations of individual, Christian group and wider society in Paul's thought. Chapter one explores the concept of identity. It argues that identity is largely dependent on the subjective perception and evaluation of difference. The work of anthropologist Frederik Barth and social psychologist Henri Tajfel are used to reflect
May, Alistair Scott
BS The Bible
The body for the Lord : sex and identity in 1st Corinthians 5-7. This thesis attempts to contribute to the study of identity formation in early Christianity by exploring the part played in this by sexual ethics. To this end it focuses on 1Corinthians 5-7, as the longest discussion of sex in the New Testament. Unlike many previous studies, this study sets out to consider these chapters as a unified discourse, and to consider them in the wider context of the epistle as a whole. The study engages in a close reading of the discourse, paying attention to how Paul's ethical instructions themselves, and his rhetoric (used to describe and evaluate insiders and outsiders), contribute to establishing Christian identity. It examines how convictions about Christian ethics and identity govern relations with outsiders, internal regulation, and reactions to social institutions. Particular attention is paid to Paul's 'body language' and what it might reveal about the relations of individual, Christian group and wider society in Paul's thought. Chapter one explores the concept of identity. It argues that identity is largely dependent on the subjective perception and evaluation of difference. The work of anthropologist Frederik Barth and social psychologist Henri Tajfel are used to reflect
body lord sex identity corinthians attempt_contribute study identity_formation early_christianity explore part_play sexual ethic end focus corinthians long discussion sex new_testament unlike_many previous_study study set consider unified discourse consider wide_context epistle whole study_engage close_reading discourse pay_attention paul ethical instruction rhetoric used describe evaluate insider outsider contribute establish christian identity examines conviction christian_ethic identity govern relation outsider internal regulation reaction social_institution particular_attention_pay paul body language might reveal relation individual christian group wider_society paul thought explore concept identity argues identity largely dependent subjective perception evaluation difference work anthropologist barth social psychologist use reflect