Conversion at Corinth

This exploration of Paul's understanding of conversion compares it with the understanding of conversion held by his Corinthian converts. The book seeks to take account of developments in the study of conversion in other disciplines and makes use of a specific social-scientific theory (Anthony Giddens' theory of structuration). The first part of the book surveys these developments and justifies the use of this theory. The second part of the book explores Paul's understanding of conversion both in relation to his Gentile converts and in relation to the experience of Jewish Christians. The third part of the book explores the Corinthians' understanding of conversion, especially in the light of Graeco-Roman religious and social life. While Paul's conversion and its impact on his theology has been extensively studied, there is little material exploring his attitude towards the conversion of others. In particular, his soteriology is often considered in isolation from the practical questions of how he expected conversion to take place and what he expected its consequences to be. This study attempts to fill these gaps.
Finally, this book offers some new perspectives in the debates concerning cultural influences upon the Corinthian Christians.