Paul is traditionally viewed as separating from the churches of Peter and of Jewish Christ-followers to promote his own mission, eventually triumphing in the creation of a church with a gentile identity. In Paul and the Creation of Christian Identity, Campbell argues that the Pauline mission represents only one strand of the Christ-movement that should not be universalized to signify the whole. In conjunction with his gentile mission, Paul acknowledges Jewish identity as an abiding reality, rather than as a temporary, weak form of faith in Christ. Paul's gentile mission was not a reaction to his Jewish heritage, but a transformation based on his vision of Christ: thus the identity of Christianity cannot be that of a new religion.

An examination of how the church eventually became a gentile movement, exploring how this was as the result of various historical, social and cultural factors in which the earliest vision of diversity within the church was lost, contrary to Paul's vision in which subgroup identities of Jew and gentile in Christ were recognized.

About the Author
Dr. William S. Campbell, Reader in Biblical Studies, University of Wales, is author of 'Paul's Gospel in Inter-Cultural Context' (1992) and is Editor of Journal of Beliefs and Values.

Reviews
'concise account of the history of modern research on the topic' 'My hope is that someone with Campbell's superb grasp of these issues in Paul might soon provide us with a considered engagement of contemporary Messianic Judaism, free of the reactionary polemic which so often characterizes responses from scholars within Jewish and mainstream Christian theology. Discussions of Jewish-Chrsitian relations can no longer continue with integrity without such engagements. Paul and the Creation of Christian Identity is essential reading for them' Doug Harink, King's University College, Canada -- D. Harink
"Campbell has here produced a thoughtful challenge and contribution to a number of contemporary, scholarly themes. The issues touched on together with his particular conclusions are constructive." -- Andrew D. Clarke, Scripture Bulletin
Book Mentioned -- Chronicle of Higher Education
"This book should be read by Pauline scholars, especially those working in Romans. Campbell's creativity and ability to sustain an argument makes this work well worth the time invested and provides a much needed perspective in the current debate on identity formation in early Christianity." --Criswell Theological Review
"Clearly written... many good and thoughtful observations." David G. Horrell JSNTS Booklist, 2007 -- David G. Horrell
Reviewed in International Review of Biblical Studies, 2007.
"A rich and illuminating study ... The author has produced a highly readable scholarly monograph with an attractive thesis." - Theology
Reviewed by Bengt Holmberg in STK 4/2007
Campbell's study is an important assessment of the role of identity formation in Paul's thinking. It advances the discussing of Pauline though in creative and significant ways" Expository Times Vol.119 No.10 July 2008
Reviewed By Donald A Bullen in Theological Book Review Vol. 19 No. 1 2007
"William Campbell's study is a valuable contribution to our understanding of Christian identity formation in the first century CE... His grasp of the material is commendable, as is the precision with which he writes." Ralph J. Korner, Bryn Mawr Classical Review, July 2009 -- Ralph J. Korner
Brief summary in the Church Times 'Notice Board' section, 04/01/2008 * Church Times *
"Campbell presents some compelling arguments as he charges the 'New Perspective' with not being radical enough in challenging Christian anti-Jewish rhetoric." Journal for the Study of the New Testament Booklist 2009 -- Alan Le Grys * Journal for the Study of the New Testament *



Book Information
ISBN 9780567033673
Author Dr. William S. Campbell
Format Paperback
Page Count 218
Imprint T.& T.Clark Ltd
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 328g