Description
Why This New Race is a superbly researched, elegantly written, and honestly and courageously argued book. It is usually enough in the western academy and beyond to disturb the peace with the invocation of 'race.' It is also usually enough to rattle and unsettle many by seeking to problematize 'early Christianity.' Buell's sensitive effort to explain 'early' (masking anxiety over ongoing contemporary) Christianity in terms of complex social collectives, including those the ancients (and moderns) call 'races' and 'ethnic groups,' will surely disturb the peace and haunt the discourses. Not a moment too soon! -- Vincent L. Wimbush, Claremont Graduate University, author of The Bible and African Americans: A Brief History Why This New Race is a stunning contribution to the history of Christianity. Buell masterfully demonstrates how ethnic reasoning permeates early Christian theology and identity formation. She shows how Christian claims to universalism did not exclude particularistic claims to peoplehood which set boundaries between insiders and outsiders, orthodox and heretics. A must-read for anyone interested in the problematic intersections of Christianity, race, and religion in antiquity and the modern world. -- Karen King, Harvard Divinity School, Harvard University, author of What Is Gnosticism?
About the Author
Denise Kimber Buell is professor of religion at Williams College and the author of Making Christians: Clement of Alexandria and the Rhetoric of Legitimacy. Denise Kimber Buell is associate professor of religion at Williams College. She is the author of Making Christians: Clement of Alexandria and the Rhetoric of Legitimacy. She lives in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
Reviews
With elegant prose and compelling historical research, she examines a little-known early Christian writing. -- Henry L. Carrigan, Jr. ForeWord Magazine Recommended. Choice For those who insist on historical depth and nuance...Buell's book is the place to begin that engagement. -- Karen L. King Harvard Divinity Bulletin An invaluable resource... the topic is timely for the Church and the work itself is thoroughly researched. -- Stephanie Buckhanon Crowder Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology Deserves wide reading. -- Michael A. Williams Journal of Religion An important book. -- Stanley Stowers Journal of the American Academy of Religion
Book Information
ISBN 9780231133357
Author Denise Buell
Format Paperback
Page Count 280
Imprint Columbia University Press
Publisher Columbia University Press