Cross and Human Transformation: Paul's Apocalyptic Word in 1 Corinthians

by Alexandra R. Brown

Overview

In our time the cross is often more a source of controversy than a sign of peace. While aware of differing points of view, Alexandra Brown shows that Paul's proclamation of the cross was an inclusive and empowering word of liberation, peace, and reconciliation.

In 1 Corinthians Paul strikes at the heart of schism in the church. Against the barriers of ego and ideology that divided believers in Corinth, he proclaims a liberating message. This book explores the way the word of the cross in 1 Corinthians invades the perception of its hearers, liberating them from the old world with its enslaving system of convictions and ushering them into the new creation revealed by the cross.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780800626778
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	08/24/1995
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	5.31(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Alexandra R. Brown is Associate Professor of Religion at Washington and Lee University.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Paul as Apocalyptic Preacher

Defining Apocalyptic

Paul as Apocalyptic Thinker

Conclusion

The Word of the Cross as Apocalyptic Disclosure

Speech Act Theory and 1 Corinthians 1-2

The "Total Speech Situation" at Corinth

Paul's Performative Strategy

"What the Cook Draws from the Larder": The Context of the Performative Word in Corinth

Speech Acts in Context

The Wisdom Tradition and the Search for Knowledge

The Apocalyptic Tradition and the Search for Knowledge

The Spirit as Agent of Knowing in Wisdom and Apocalyptic Traditions

Conclusion

Act 1: Word of the Cross, Power, and Perception

The Opening and Thanksgiving: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Conflicting Allegiances at Corinth: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

The Word of the Cross as Apocalyptic Mystery: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Act 2: The Cross, the Spirit, and the Mind of Christ

Coming to Consciousness in the Mind of Christ

The Wisdom of This Age versus the Wisdom of God

The Spirit of the World versus the Spirit of God

The Psychic versus the Pneumatic

Having the Mind of Christ

Transformed Perception and Reconciliation

Conclusion: Living the Transformed Mind

Epistemology and Ethics according to the Cross

The Performative Drama in Review: Epistemology and Ethics Reconciled

Seeing and Acting in the Power of the Cross

Select Bibliography

Index of Biblical References

Index of Modern Authors