Multidisciplinary Approaches and the Gospels

This year we will review the newly released T&T Clark Social Identity Commentary on the New Testament (J. Brian Tucker and Aaron Kuecker, eds.). The reviewers will focus on the Gospel commentaries with responses by authors and editors. Questions may be directed to the co-conveners

• Elizabeth Shively, University of St. Andrews, Presiding (5 min)
• J. Brian Tucker, Moody Theological Seminary, Michigan
  Approaching a Social Identity Commentary (10 min)
• Petri Luomanen, University of Helsinki
  Review of “Matthew” – Matthew J. Marohl (10 min)
• Craig Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary
  Review of “Mark” – Rafael Rodriguez (10 min)
• Darrell L. Bock, Dallas Theological Seminary
  Review of “Luke” – Aaron Kuecker (10 min)
• Christopher A. Porter, Trinity College – Parkville
  Review of “John” – Warren Carter (10 min)
• Break (5 min)
• Matthew Marohl, Saint Olaf College, Panelist (5 min)
• Rafael Rodriguez, Johnson University, Panelist (5 min)
• J. Brian Tucker, Moody Theological Seminary, Michigan, Panelist (5 min)
• Discussion (45 min)

The purpose of this research unit is to explore the various ways the New Testament writings shape early Christian identity within the context of the Roman world generally and Judaism specifically. This year, papers will probe ways that sciences of mind (e.g., philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, linguistics) inform the investigation of the formation of identity in the New Testament.

• Elizabeth Shively, University of St. Andrews, Presiding

• Matthew L. Walsh, Acadia Divinity College
  “Holy Ones” as a Christian Self-Designation: A Comparison of Religious Identity in the Pauline Corpus and in the Dead Sea Scrolls (15 min)

• Discussion (10 min)

• James D. Dvorak, Oklahoma Christian University
  The Linguistics of Social Identity (Re-)Formation (15 min)

• Discussion (10 min)

• Break (10 min)

• Alexander E. Stewart, Tyndale Theological Seminary (Amsterdam)
  The Role of Fear and Hope in Drawing and Transcending Boundaries in the Apocalypse of John (15 min)

• Discussion (10 min)

• Troy Miller, Memphis College for Urban Theological Studies
  The Process of Early Christian Identity Formation and the Emergence of the Social Phenomenon of Heresy (15 min)

• Discussion (10 min)

• General Discussion

• Discussion (10 min)

The meeting in Boston will be a collaborative seminar in preparation for a future publication. It will include short papers from invited authors that will be distributed before the conference. The contents of the papers will be summarized during the seminar and then the rest of the time will be devoted to a roundtable discussion of the pertinent aspects of social identity formation in the NT that emerged from the author’s presentation. 

• J. Brian Tucker, Moody Theological Seminary–Michigan, Presiding
• Methodological Explorations into Social Identity Focused Exegesis Discussion (120 min)

Nov. 17, 3:30–5:30pm     St. Botolph (Second Level) – Boston Marriott Copley Place (MCP)

This research group focuses on identity formation in the Pauline letters and welcomes methodological diversity for that investigation. This year’s session is a Panel Discussion of the book the T&T Clark Handbook to Social Identity in the New Testament, edited by J. Brian Tucker and Coleman A. Baker (Bloomsbury, 2014).

• J. Brian Tucker, Moody Theological Seminary–Michigan, Presiding

• Discussion (120 min)