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An analysis of the Acts of the Apostles showing how the text uses its characterisation of the Other to reinforce the self-identity of the earliest Christians.
Mitzi Smith engages the reader in explaining how, as in the real world, the characterization of the Others is used negatively in the biblical texts. Smith shows how the concept of difference is constructed in order to distinguish ourselves from proximate others: indeed, the other who is most similar to us is most threatening and most problematic. The process of Othering, or Otherness, is a synthetic and political social construct that allows us to create and maintain boundaries between 'them' and 'us'. Thus, this work demonstrates how proximate characters are constructed as the Other in the Acts of the Apostles. Charismatics, Jews, and women are proximate others who are constructed as the external and internal Others.
Mitzi Smith engages the reader in explaining how, as in the real world, the characterization of the Others is used negatively in the biblical texts. Smith shows how the concept of difference is constructed in order to distinguish ourselves from proximate others: indeed, the other who is most similar to us is most threatening and most problematic. The process of Othering, or Otherness, is a synthetic and political social construct that allows us to create and maintain boundaries between 'them' and 'us'. Thus, this work demonstrates how proximate characters are constructed as the Other in the Acts of the Apostles. Charismatics, Jews, and women are proximate others who are constructed as the external and internal Others.
Price: $29.99
Pages: 182
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Inc.
Imprint: James Clarke
Publication Date:
28 June 2012
Trim Size: 9.02 X 6.02 in
ISBN: 9780227680223
Format: Paperback
Here Mitzi Smith provides a subtle and well-written analysis of how the various kinds of characters are portrayed in Acts and what that means for Luke's theology of mission. She moves far beyond the usual literary summaries of Acts: both the nature of language and the nature of story-telling are treated with sensitivity and sophistication, and yet her book is readable for a non-scholarly audience. A must read for all those interested in the literary achievement of Luke and Acts and what it means for Luke's theology.'
— Lawrence M. Wills, Episcopal Divinity School
... Smith does achieve the desired effect to make readers conscious of 'othering projects inherent in the text' to ensure they are not duplicated 'in actual practice or in public discourse'...
— Josh Scott
...The Literary Construction of the Other in the Acts of the Apostles raises awareness of how Acts, and by extension, other written and spoken narratives, may 'other' certain individuals and groups for the purpose of depicting contrasting characters as approved, capable, or ideal. This is an element of the literary endeavor that interpreters do well to keep in mind...
— Julia Snyder
'Along with sociological othering theory, Smith draws secondarily upon linguistic transitivity analysis to categorize various ways that characters exert agency in the narrative'.
— F. Scott Spencer
— Lawrence M. Wills, Episcopal Divinity School
... Smith does achieve the desired effect to make readers conscious of 'othering projects inherent in the text' to ensure they are not duplicated 'in actual practice or in public discourse'...
— Josh Scott
...The Literary Construction of the Other in the Acts of the Apostles raises awareness of how Acts, and by extension, other written and spoken narratives, may 'other' certain individuals and groups for the purpose of depicting contrasting characters as approved, capable, or ideal. This is an element of the literary endeavor that interpreters do well to keep in mind...
— Julia Snyder
'Along with sociological othering theory, Smith draws secondarily upon linguistic transitivity analysis to categorize various ways that characters exert agency in the narrative'.
— F. Scott Spencer
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Introduction
1 The Construction of Charismatics as External Other
2 The Construction of the Jews as External Other
3 The Construction of Women as Internal Other and Peter
4 The Construction of Women as Internal Other and Paul
Conclusion
Bibliography
Abbreviations
Introduction
1 The Construction of Charismatics as External Other
2 The Construction of the Jews as External Other
3 The Construction of Women as Internal Other and Peter
4 The Construction of Women as Internal Other and Paul
Conclusion
Bibliography