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

What does it mean to imitate another person? What relationships are possible and necessary, or unthinkable, because of exhortation advising people to imitate Paul? What are the effects of giving special status to likeness? Questions such as these are posed in this thought-provoking book that addresses the notion of mimesis (imitation) and how it functions in Paul's letters as a strategy of power.

The Literary Currents in Biblical Interpretation series explores current trends within the discipline of biblical interpretation by dealing with the literary qualities of the Bible: the play of its language, the coherence of its final form, and the relationships between text and readers. Biblical interpreters are being challenged to take responsibility for the theological, social, and ethical implications of their readings. This series encourages original readings that breach the confines of traditional biblical criticism.

Elizabeth A. Castelli is Professor and Department Chair in the Religion Department at Barnard College in New York City. Her work focuses on biblical studies, early Christianity, and feminist and gender studies in religion. She is the editor of Postscripts: The Journal of Sacred Texts and Contemporary Worlds.