Based on recent studies in intercultural communication Kathy Ehrensperger applies the paradigm of multilingualism, which includes the recognition of cultural distinctiveness, to the study of Paul. Paul's role as apostle to the nations is seen as the role of a go-between - as that of cultural translator. This role requires that he is fully embedded in his own tradition but must also be able to appreciate and understand aspects of gentile culture. Paul is viewed as involved in a process in which the meaning of the Christ event is being negotiated 'in the space between' cultures, with their diverse cultural coding systems and cultural encyclopaedias. It is argued that this is not a process of imposing Jewish culture on gentiles at the expense of gentile identity, nor is it a process of eradication of Jewish identity. Rather, Paul's theologizing in the space between implies the task of negotiating the meaning of the Christ event in relation to, and in appreciation of both, Jewish and gentile identity.

Kathy Ehrensperger examines Paul's theologizing 'in the space between' Jewish and gentile culture and its impact upon Christian identity.

About the Author
Kathy Ehrensperger is Reader in New Testament Studies at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, UK.

Reviews
In this study, Ehrensperger makes an exemplary effort to post a progressive new viewpoint ... Ehrensperger has achieved a significant contribution in the debate surrounding the origins of Pauline correspondence ... * Theologische Revue *
This study covers familiar ground with a new approach...scholars will need to address the challenges E. poses to standard assumptions in the study of Paul and implications of her study, which touch on many controverted issues in Pauline studies today. * The Catholic Biblical Quarterly *



Book Information
ISBN 9780567046369
Author Dr. Kathy Ehrensperger
Format Hardback
Page Count 280
Imprint T.& T.Clark Ltd
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 567g