ABSTRACT

This study establishes a concept of culture and then combines it with Geertz' anthropological concept of thick description. Subsequently, the relation of texts to society and culture is discussed. In this manner, multiple methods of interpretation are used in an organized and programmatic way, allowing the reader insights into the development of early Christianity. In this study, Vernon Robbins expounds and develops his system of socio-rhetorical criticism, bringing together social-scientific and literary-critical approaches to explore early Christanity. This book investigates Christianity as a cultural phenomenon, and treats its canonical texts as ideological constructs.

chapter 3|52 pages

INNER TEXTURE

Every reading has a subtext

chapter 4|48 pages

INTERTEXTURE

Every comparison has boundaries

chapter 5|48 pages

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL TEXTURE

Every meaning has a context

chapter 6|45 pages

IDEOLOGICAL TEXTURE

Every theology has a politics

chapter 7|8 pages

THE PROMISE OF SOCIO-RHETORICAL CRITICISM