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Imitating Paul: A Discourse of Power (Literary Currents in Biblical Interpretation)

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Castelli examines the historical background for the notion of imitation in Greco-Roman societies and uses her findings to evaluate Paul's claim that Christians should imitate him (See Phil. 3:17; 1 Cor. 4:16; and 11:1. Compare 1 Thes. 1:6 and Gal. 4:12). Her analysis is informed by the work of Michel Foucault on the formation of power structures in Western culture. She writes clearly and presents her case well, but the study was produced as a doctoral dissertation and will prove very challenging for some undergraduate readers.

Castelli argues that Paul's use of imitation is a rhetorical strategy designed to undermine his opponents. She offers evidence that in Greco-Roman society sameness was valued more than difference, with difference often being viewed as a challenge to good order and the best interests of society. By inviting his readers to imitate him, Paul was taking advantage of this value system to further his own understanding of the gospel. Those who challenged his views are therefore portrayed as advocates of difference, intent on undermining order.

In a somewhat surprizing move, Castelli claims in her last chapter that she has avoided the issue of authorial intent. It does not matter whether or not Paul intended for his language to function in this way, she argues. The effect is there, no matter what his intent may have been.

I have used Castelli's book as an optional reading assignment in my undergraduate course on Paul, and it has proved beneficial in helping students think about the social effects of language, but it has also been difficult for some of them to follow.