Magnus Zetterholm uses theoretical insights from the social sciences to deal with the complex issues raised by the parting of Judaism and Christianity, and the accompanying rise of Christian anti-Semitism in ancient Antioch.

Unlike previous attempts to solve this problem have focused mainly on ideology, Zetterholm's excellent study emphasizes the interplay between sociological and ideological elements.

For students of religious studies, classical studies, history and social science, this will give leverage and knowledge in the pursuit of their course studies.

Reviews

'Between its high sophistication, its relentless attention to social realities, and the seemingly apologetic-free challenge it presents to traditional readings of Christian origins, this book deserves a wide hearing among historians of early Christianity.' - Journal of Biblical Literature

'Zetterholm offers a stimulating study which is most convincing. His careful methodology on the sociology of social movements, on the use of ideology in conflict and the combination of this with historical reconstruction linking Pauline and Christianity and Matthew's Gospel with a later community dispute makes this study of such significance that future research will be unable to avoid interaction with his findings.' - Journal of Beliefs and Values

'This is a highly original and provocative study. Its relentlessly sociological approach and apparent lack of any underlying Christian (or Jewish) apologetic make this work a breath of fresh air in the perennial discussion of the separation of Judaism and Christianity ...This book deserves a wide hearing among historians of early Christianity - highly recommended.' - Royal Society of Biblical Literature

'This is an important book. It raises many of the right questions, and offers serious approaches toward answering them. The fact that a reader such as thie reviewer sees matters differently here and there, is suggestive of just how engaging the book is. It works the mind.' - Catholic Book Review

Book Information
ISBN 9780415359597
Author Magnus Zetterholm
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 530g