Paul's Critique of Theocracy offers an interpretation of select texts in Corinthians and Galatians concerned with the establishment of legitimate authority in the Christian community. Odell-Scott argues that for Paul, no one may boast that they are selected by God, and no one has the authority to rule as God's representative. Paul also criticizes those who exhibit a superior "sacredness" over other community members. Contrary to most scholarly views, Odell-Scott argues that Paul is not taking sides in a debate about the proper authority structure. Rather, he criticizes any notion of such a structure, opposing it with his metaphor of the Church as the body of Christ and the "sacred family" of God. The exegesis is also sketched out in a postmodern framework criticizing hierarchy through differentiation.

Book Information
ISBN 9780567283351
Author David Odell-Scott
Format Paperback
Page Count 200
Imprint Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 286g