Ritual and Religious Experience in Early Christianities: The Spirit In Between

David John McCollough challenges common assumptions about Paul, Luke, and early Christian initiation practices, arguing that spirit possession marked by dissociation and glossolalia was the cardinal initiation ritual.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 278 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2022
Publisher: JCB Mohr (Paul Siebeck)

In this comprehensive volume, David John McCollough delves into a multi-faceted exploration of texts in Paul and Luke-Acts, employing a narratological, discourse analysis, and literary exegesis approach. He then proceeds to offer interpretations enriched by social anthropological perspectives. The author boldly challenges prevailing assumptions about Paul, such as the notion that he believed water baptism was the means of conveying the spirit or that justification was a non-experiential and unrelated ritual. McCollough vigorously refutes these notions and questions the belief that Luke was either incoherent, unconcerned, or a poor editor of early Christian initiation practices. Instead, he presents a compelling argument that spirit possession characterized by dissociation and glossolalia served as the paramount initiation ritual within the Pauline and Lukan communities.

The author's meticulous research and analytical skills shed light on the complexities of these texts, providing a fresh and insightful perspective on early Christian beliefs and practices. This volume is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Christian theology and history.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 156 x 233 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783161618338