Diagnosing Deviance: Pathology and Polemic in the Pastoral Epistles

Andrew M. Langford argues that the single, post-Pauline author of the Pastoral Epistles crafts a stigmatizing depiction of his theological opponents by spatializing, demonizing, and pathologizing their alleged deviance. He argues for interpreting this in light of ancient disease etiologies and models of corporeality, contributing to recent interpretive insights about the function of authorial fiction in antiquity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 572 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: JCB Mohr (Paul Siebeck)

In his groundbreaking study, Andrew M. Langford delves into the intricate portrayal of his theological opponents by the single, post-Pauline author of the Pastoral Epistles, known as the "Pastor." Through meticulous comparative analyses of ancient medical and philosophical literature, the author compellingly argues for the importance of understanding the Pastor's stigmatizing depiction of deviance in the context of ancient disease etiologies and models of corporeality. By undertaking this comprehensive exploration, the author makes a significant contribution to the field of ancient interpretive insights, highlighting the self-conscious appropriation of Pauline epistolary by the Pastor to shape his approach toward his theological adversaries.

The Pastor's portrayal of his theological opponents is characterized by spatialization, demonization, and pathologization. By closely comparing ancient medical and philosophical literature, the author seeks to understand the necessity of interpreting the Pastor's pathologizing of deviance in light of ancient disease etiologies and models of corporeality. The book contributes to recent interpretive insights into the function of authorial fiction in antiquity, demonstrating that the Pastor is self-consciously appropriating the Pauline epistolary to craft his approach to his theological opponents.

The author's study highlights the complex interplay between authorial intent, historical context, and literary conventions. By examining the Pastor's use of spatialization, demonization, and pathologization, the author sheds light on the ways in which he sought to construct and reinforce his theological arguments. The comparison with ancient medical and philosophical literature provides valuable insights into the cultural and intellectual milieu in which the Pastor operated, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of his portrayal of his theological opponents.

Furthermore, the book contributes to our understanding of the role of the Pauline epistolary in shaping early Christian thought and practice. The Pastor's appropriation of Pauline epistolary is evidence of his engagement with and appropriation of a broader Pauline tradition. This study highlights the ways in which the Pastor used the Pauline epistolary to construct his own theological framework and to address the challenges posed by his theological opponents.

In conclusion, Andrew M. Langford's study is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of ancient Christian literature and theology. Through his meticulous comparative analysis of ancient medical and philosophical literature, the author provides a compelling interpretation of the Pastor's portrayal of his theological opponents. The book contributes to our understanding of the function of authorial fiction in antiquity, the role of the Pauline epistolary in shaping early Christian thought and practice, and the complex interplay between authorial intent, historical context, and literary conventions. This study is a valuable resource for scholars and students of early Christian literature and theology.

Dimension: 155 x 232 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783161616945