The Social Ethos of the Corinthian Correspondence - (Studies of the New Testament and Its World) by David G Horrell (Hardcover)

About the Book

An exemplary study, focussing on the Corinthian correspondence, of the social ethos of early Christian teaching and its development.

Book Synopsis

An exemplary study, focussing on the Corinthian correspondence, of the social ethos of early Christian teaching and its development.

From the Back Cover

The work of social theorist Anthony Giddens provides the basis for a critical discussion of current methods employed in sociological studies of the New Testament and for the presentation of a new approach. The focus of these studies is the Corinthian correspondence, including both the letters written by Paul and the letter known as 1 Clement, sent from Rome to Corinth around the end of the first century. This correspondence provides rich material for a study of the social ethos of early Christian teaching and its development. It allows an assessment of how Pauline Christianity shapes relationships within the Christian community and how the social ethos of the 'symbolic order' changes as it develops through time in a changing context. Throughout David Horrell also explores where and how the different teachings serve to legitimate or sustain the dominant social order and the interests and positions of the socially powerful.

Review Quotes

'. . .thorough, focused and has an excellent bibliography.' John C. Hurd, Trinity College Toronto, Journal of Biblical Literature

'...highly informative and full of interest.' Margaret E. Thrall, Expository Times

'A fine study' Barbara E. Bowe, Catholical Theological Union Chicago, The Catholic Biblical Quarterly

'I would commend this book to upper level college students... They will discover that this line of approach to Paul is fertile, not futile.'
Ben Witherington III, Themelios

'It is a pleasure to find a study which is theoretically sophisticated and careful in its judgements. David Horrell's revised doctoral thesis could serve as a model to all who find themselves attracted by these new perspectives in biblical study.'
Gregory W. Dawes, University of Otago, New Zealand. Pacifica


'This book makes a major contribution to the currently fruitful sociological approach to early Christian writings and it should be noted carefully by teachers and students of the New Testament.'
Prof. Leslie Houlden, Theological Book Review

"Provides insight for those interested in the social history of the Corinthian community and raises important issues for the wider application of siciological approaches to understanding early Christianity." Religious Studes Review, July 2001

'...highly informative and full of interest.'--Margaret E. Thrall, Expository Times

'A fine study' --Barbara E. Bowe, Catholical Theological Union Chicago, The Catholic Biblical Quarterly

About the Author

David G. Horrell is Professor of New Testament Studiesat the University of Exeter, UK. He is the author of several books, including"An Introduction to the Study of Paul" (T&T Clark, Second Edition 2006) and Solidarity and Difference (T&T Clark, 2005). He was the editor of the Journal for the Study of the New Testament from 2002-2007. He is an active member of the British New Testament Society, having chaired the Social World of the New Testament Seminar from 2001-2006, andis also a member of the Society for Biblical Literature (SBL) and Society for New Testament Studies (SNTS). He completed his PhD at Cambridgeon Paul's Corinthian letters and the letter known as 1 Clement.