Going Outside the Camp: The Sociological Function of the Levitical Critique in the Epistle to the Hebrews

Hardback

Main Details

Title Going Outside the Camp: The Sociological Function of the Levitical Critique in the Epistle to the Hebrews
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Richard Johnson
SeriesThe Library of New Testament Studies
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:177
ISBN/Barcode 9781841271866
ClassificationsDewey:227.8706
Audience
Undergraduate
Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Professional & Vocational

Publishing Details

Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
Publication Date 1 March 2002
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Johnson's study of Hebrews is unusual in adopting a social-scientific analysis. By examining the implicit sociological data in the Epistle to the Hebrews, and locating the implied society within the context of the larger Graeco-Roman world, he concludes that the author of Hebrews advocates an ideal society that is both more open to outsiders and more willing to assimilate fully new members than was first-century ce hellenistic Judaism. According to the group/grid paradigm developed by Mary Douglas, the implied society can be categorized as +weak' group/'weak' grid, in contrast to +strong' group/'strong' grid Hellenistic Judaism. The critique of the levitical system in Hebrews can be seen as supporting the author's advocacy of that implied open society.

Author Biography

Richard Johnson is Assistant Professor of Religion, Charleston Southern University, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.