T&T Clark Handbook to Social Identity in the New Testament

Combining the insights of many leading New Testament scholars writing on the use of social identity theory this new reference work provides a comprehensive handbook to the construction of social identity in the New Testament. Part one examines key methodological issues and the ways in which scholars have viewed and studied social identity, including different theoretical approaches, and core areas or topics which may be used in the study of social identity, such as food, social memory, and ancient media culture.

Part two presents worked examples and in-depth textual studies covering core passages from each of the New Testament books, as they relate to the construction of social identity. Adopting a case-study approach, in line with sociological methods the volume builds a picture of how identity was structured in the earliest Christ-movement. Contributors include; Philip Esler, Warren Carter, Paul Middleton, Rafael Rodriquez, and Robert Brawley.

“…an excellent introduction to SIT and SCT and the usefulness of each for assessing early Christian texts. Biblical scholars, graduate students, and undergraduates can all find material with which to work in this Handbook.” - Biblical Theology Bulletin

“Every theological library should have this book.” – Wendell Willis, Abilene Christian University, USA, The Catholic Biblical Quarterly

“This voluminous collection of 29 essays makes a valuable contribution to studies that take the increasingly popular social-scientific approach to New Testament interpretation. While several handbooks on this interpretive approach are available, this is the only collection entirely devoted to the study of social identity in the New Testament. As would be expected in a collection of this size, the essays vary in quality, ranging from superior ones that are well organized and researched, to those best characterized as jargon-filled mediocrity. Fortunately, the former significantly outnumber the latter. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through researchers/faculty.” —J. R. Asher, Georgetown College, CHOICE

“This massive and valuable resource (657 pages), containing essays by an international cast of scholars, focuses on the ‘social identity’ approach to biblical interpretation. This approach considers how biblical texts both express and foster a group’s particular social identity, i.e., the characteristic beliefs, values, and practices that distinguish them from other groups … first inspired by biblical scholar Philip Esler, whose foundational essay on the subject is included at the beginning of the volume.” -Bible Today

“The T&T Clark Handbook to Social Identity in the New Testament, edited by J. Brian Tucker and Coleman A. Baker, is a must-read in its field. I would certainly recommend it as a "necessary" or "required" text for both newcomers and experts in the field of social identity studies.” —Stephanie Lowery, Wheaton College, Wheaton Blog