A Social History of Christian Origins: The Rejected Jesus

The book explores how the theme of Jewish rejection of Jesus in the New Testament facilitated the construction of Christian identity and the emergence of Christian anti-Judaism. It analyzes the theme through the social-psychological study of social rejection, social identity theory, and social memory theory, shedding new light on the inter-relationships between myth, history, and memory in the study of Christian origins.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

A Social History of Christian Origins delves into the intricate tapestry of the Jewish rejection of Jesus, intricately woven into the letters of Paul and the New Testament Gospels. This profound exploration uncovers the profound ethnic, social, cultural, and theological conflicts that played a pivotal role in shaping the very essence of Christian identity. By delving into the depths of this central theme, readers of this captivating book will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the Jewish rejection of Jesus laid the foundation for the emergence of Christian anti-Judaism and the intricate and multifaceted portrayals of Jesus found in the Gospels of the New Testament. This scholarly study employs a rigorous analytical approach, surveying the historical and chronological development of the theme of social rejection within the Jesus tradition. Through the lens of social-psychological study of social rejection, social identity theory, and social memory theory, Joseph sheds new light on the intricate interconnections between myth, history, and memory in the study of Christian origins and the contemporary (re)construction of the historical Jesus.

This book is meticulously crafted to cater to the needs of academic specialists and students engaged in the fields of ancient history, biblical studies, New Testament studies, Religious Studies, Classics, as well as the broader audience with an interest in the origins of Christianity. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the complex web of factors that contributed to the formation of this influential religious movement.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032288505