A cosmopolitan ideal
Subtitle: Paul's declaration 'neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, nor male and female' in the context of first-century thought
By: Karin B. Neutel
Series: Library of New Testament studies -- 513; T & T Clark library of biblical studies; Library of New Testament studies -- 513.; T & T Clark library of biblical studies
Publisher: Bloomsbury T & T Clark
Published: 2015
Place of publication: London, UK; New York, NY
Language: eng
Number of pages: 266
ISBN-13: 9780567656834; 9780567656841
Copyright date: 2015
Subjects: Cosmopolitanism; Bible; Equality; Utopias; Theology; Globalization; Christianity
Description: "What did Paul mean when he declared that there is 'neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, nor male and female' (Galatians 3:28)? While many modern readers understand these words as a statement about human equality, this study shows that it in fact reflects ancient ideas about an ideal or utopian community. With this declaration, Paul contributed to the cultural conversation of his time about such a community. The three pairs that Paul brings together is this formula all played a role in first-century conceptions of what an ideal world would look like. Such conceptions were influenced by cosmopolitanism; the philosophical idea prevalent at the time, that all people were fundamentally connected and could all live in a unified society. Understanding Paul's thought in the context of these contemporary ideals helps to clarify his attitude towards each of the three pairs in his letters. Like other ancient utopian thinkers, Paul imagined the ideal community to be based on mutual dependence and egalitarian relationships."--
Notes: Revision of the author's thesis (doctoral)--University of Groningen, 2013.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

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