The Formation of Christianity in Antioch: A Social-Scientific Approach to the Separation between Judaism and Christianity / Edition 1

by Magnus Zetterholm

Overview

Magnus Zetterholm uses theoretical insights from the social sciences to deal with the complex issues raised by the parting of Judaism and Christianity, and the accompanying rise of Christian anti-Semitism in ancient Antioch.

Unlike previous attempts to solve this problem have focused mainly on ideology, Zetterholm's excellent study emphasizes the interplay between sociological and ideological elements.

For students of religious studies, classical studies, history and social science, this will give leverage and knowledge in the pursuit of their course studies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415298964
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/17/2003
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)
Lexile:	1650L (what's this?)

Table of Contents

1. Aim, Method and Perspectives The Aim of the Study The Basic Problem
J. D. G. Dunn and the Partings of the Ways The Aim Specified The Method and Perspectives of the Study Models, Perspectives and the Question of Verification "The Truth Is Out There" 2. The Setting: Antioch-on-the-Orontes Introduction
A Short History of Antioch The Foundation and Early Development of the City From Antiochus IV Epiphanes to Titus The Social and Religious Life of Antioch Antioch as a Graeco-Roman Polis Public and Private Worship Social Conditions in Antioch The Jewish Community in Antioch up to 66 c.e. The Origin of Jewish Presence in Antioch The Legal Status of the Jews of Antioch One Community 3. The Cultural and Religious Differentiation Introduction Constructing Analytical Tools A Theory of Religious Differentiation Religion and Value-Changing Processes Muslims and Religious Change in Modern Europe Pluralism and Religious Differentiation A Theory of Social Integration Variables of Assimilation The Process of Assimilation The Assimilation ProfileAnalysis Groups and Factions Crossing the Boundaries 4. Evidence of Interaction Introduction Riots and Reactions The Incident at the Circus Antiochus, Titus and the Jews in Antioch The Paradox of Attraction Converts, Admirers and God-Fearers Ethics, Survival Rates and the Attraction of the Jews Jews, God-Fearers and Civic Authorities The Incident at Antioch The Scholarly Debate Purity and Tithing Circumcision and Table-Fellowship Critique and Revision Circumcision and Oathtaking Christian Identity The Need for a Different Approach Covenant and Conflict The Eschatological Status of Gentiles A Covenant for Gentiles? The Agreement at Jerusalem and the Apostolic Decree Who Ate With Whom 5. Politics and Persecution Introduction Constructing Analytical Tools A Theory of Social Movements Social Movements and Collective Action The Rationality of Social Behaviour The Origin of Social Movements The Mobilisation of Resources Social Movements and Social Conflict Analysis The Call for Collective Action The Socio-Political Situation after the Jewish War Jews, Gentiles and the Fiscus Judaicus in Antioch The Rationality of Separation Christianity as a Social Movement Judaism, Christianity and Ignatius of Antioch Resource Mobilisation and the Gospel of Matthew Federations and the Mission to the Jews Summary and Conclusion Epilogue, Summary and Implications The Main Results of the Study Implications Bibliography Ancient Sources Modern Works Index Index of Subject Index of Passages

Editorial Reviews

'Between its high sophistication, its relentless attention to social realities, and the seemingly apologetic-free challenge it presents to traditional readings of Christian origins, this book deserves a wide hearing among historians of early Christianity.' - Journal of Biblical Literature

'Zetterholm offers a stimulating study which is most convincing. His careful methodology on the sociology of social movements, on the use of ideology in conflict and the combination of this with historical reconstruction linking Pauline and Christianity and Matthew's Gospel with a later community dispute makes this study of such significance that future research will be unable to avoid interaction with his findings.' - Journal of Beliefs and Values

'This is a highly original and provocative study. Its relentlessly sociological approach and apparent lack of any underlying Christian (or Jewish) apologetic make this work a breath of fresh air in the perennial discussion of the separation of Judaism and Christianity ...This book deserves a wide hearing among historians of early Christianity - highly recommended.' - Royal Society of Biblical Literature

'This is an important book. It raises many of the right questions, and offers serious approaches toward answering them. The fact that a reader such as thie reviewer sees matters differently here and there, is suggestive of just how engaging the book is. It works the mind.' - Catholic Book Review

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