Paul and Empire: Religion and Power in Roman Imperial Society
"...a set of informative essays (most of them previously published) that emphasize that Paul's concern was not driven simply by specific doctrinal issues such as justification nor only by relationships to Judaism or the Gentile world. Rather, Paul's ultimate concern was confrontation with Roman imperial power and all that it entailed. Because this sort of political and religious perspective has often been submerged in Pauline interpretation, this work is a very helpful counterweight." — The Bible Today (The Bible Today)"...the individual essays... offer students and scholars of religion a valuable window into Roman imperial society." —The Journal of Religion (Journal of Religion)"Richard Horsley has collected from a variety of mainly published sources a set of fourteen essays illuminating Paul in the setting of the Roman Empire as re-established and stabilized by Augustus shortly before the apostle's lifetime...Substantial and masterly introductions to the various sections are provided by the editor. The whole work is to be highly recommended." —L. Houlden, Theology (L. HouldenTheology Today)"...encompassing both Christian sources and general Roman socio-political issues relevant to our understanding of earliest Christianity. It will be informative for pastors and general readers with a solid background in New Testament history." — Carolyn Osiek, Catholic Theological Union, reviewing for Currents in Theology and Mission, February 1999 (Carolyn OsiekCurrents In Theology and Mission)"Tired of traditional descriptions of Paul? Then spend some time with Paul and Empire. Paul, you'll find, is not just the theologian you knew, but a political and religious activist, too... Paul and Empire provides a handy introduction to the work of some of the most respected scholars in Roman and New Testament studies. Further, Horsley's concise, readable introductions pull together these many threads while highlighting the significance of each." — Steven Friesen, reviewing for Biblical Archaeology Review, May/June 1999 (Steven FriesenBiblical Archaeology Review)"Reading through a political lens, these authors explore the political dimension of key Pauline terms and suggest how Paul engages imperial, political rhetoric... All will profit from exploring the political aspects of Paul's context and letters." —Kenneth L. Cukrowski, Lubbock Christian University, reviewing for Religious Studies Review, April 1999 (Kenneth L. CukrowskiReligious Studies Review)"...outstanding collection of essays...the Horsley collection provides an assembly of groundbreaking, almost classical articles that are in many cases not readily available." —Walter F. Taylor, Jr., Ernest W. and Edith S. Ogram Professor of New Testament Studies, reviewing for Trinity Seminary Review, Fall/Winter 1999 (Walter F. Taylor, Jr.)"It will be informative for pastors and general readers with a solid background in New Testament history...This is a good way of updating on these aspects of recent Pauline scholarship. —Carolyn Osiek, Catholic Theological Union (Carolyn Osiek, Catholic Theological UnionCurrents In Theology and Mission)"Richard Horsley has collected from a variety of mainly published sources a set of fourteen essays illuminating Paul in the setting of the Roman Empire as re-established and stabilized by Augustus shortly before the apostle's lifetime...Substantial and masterly introductions to the various sections are provided by the editor. The whole work is to be highly recommended." —L. Houlden, Theology (Sanford LakoffTheology Today)"...encompassing both Christian sources and general Roman socio-political issues relevant to our understanding of earliest Christianity. It will be informative for pastors and general readers with a solid background in New Testament history." — Carolyn Osiek, Catholic Theological Union, reviewing for Currents in Theology and Mission, February 1999 (Sanford LakoffCurrents In Theology and Mission)"Tired of traditional descriptions of Paul? Then spend some time with Paul and Empire. Paul, you'll find, is not just the theologian you knew, but a political and religious activist, too... Paul and Empire provides a handy introduction to the work of some of the most respected scholars in Roman and New Testament studies. Further, Horsley's concise, readable introductions pull together these many threads while highlighting the significance of each." — Steven Friesen, reviewing for Biblical Archaeology Review, May/June 1999 (Sanford LakoffBiblical Archaeology Review)"Reading through a political lens, these authors explore the political dimension of key Pauline terms and suggest how Paul engages imperial, political rhetoric... All will profit from exploring the political aspects of Paul's context and letters." —Kenneth L. Cukrowski, Lubbock Christian University, reviewing for Religious Studies Review, April 1999 (Sanford LakoffReligious Studies Review)"...outstanding collection of essays...the Horsley collection provides an assembly of groundbreaking, almost classical articles that are in many cases not readily available." —Walter F. Taylor, Jr., Ernest W. and Edith S. Ogram Professor of New Testament Studies, reviewing for Trinity Seminary Review, Fall/Winter 1999 (Sanford Lakoff)"It will be informative for pastors and general readers with a solid background in New Testament history...This is a good way of updating on these aspects of recent Pauline scholarship. —Carolyn Osiek, Catholic Theological Union (Sanford LakoffCurrents In Theology and Mission)