Dynamics of Identity in the World of the Early Christians

<div><font face="Times New Roman" size=3>"Drawing on insights from the social sciences, Harland, associate professor of humanities and ancient history at York University in Toronto, and author of <em>Associations, Synagogues, and Congregations: Claiming a Place in Ancient Mediterranean Society</em> (2003), suggests that we can better understand certain dynamics of identity among groups of Judeans (Jews) and Christians by looking at archaeological evidence for other contemporary associations and other cultural minority groups. After a 21-page introduction, he discusses associations and group identity among Judeans and Christians; local cultural life and Christian identity--''Christbearers'' and ''fellow-initiates''; ''brothers'' in associations and congregations; ''mothers'' and ''fathers'' in associations and synagogues; other diasporas--immigrants, ethnic identities, and acculturation; interaction and integration--Judean families and guilds at Hierapolis; group rivalries and multiple identities--associations at Sardis and Smyrna; and perceptions of cultural minorities--anti-associations and their banquets. Harland concludes that among the distinctive characteristics of Christians and Judeans that stood out to many insiders and outsiders was their attention to one, Judean God to the exclusion of other deities; and that this distinction was a potential source of tensions with many other groups and individuals within their contexts, and could lead to social harassment and persecution on particular occasions."<br>-<em>New Testament Abstracts</em>, Vol. 54</font></div>