About the Book
I am very pleased to announce that my latest book, Metaphors and Social Identity Formation in Paul's Letters to the Corinthians, is now published! Please browse through this page for further information on this book.
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Title:
Metaphors and Social Identity Formation in Paul's Letters to the Corinthians Publisher: Pickwick Publications, Eugene, OR ISBN: 9781498282895 Pages: 266 Publication Date: May 5, 2017 Cover Photo: Ancient Corinth taken by me during my visit to the site in April 2015. Price: Retail price: RM145 ALL COPIES HAVE BEEN SOLD. If you are keen on ordering this book, please order it from the publisher's website, Amazon (kindle version is also available), Bookdepository, Wordery, Barnes and Noble, and reputable Christian bookstores. |
ABOUT
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Why did Paul frequently employ a diverse range of metaphors in his letters to the Corinthians? Was the choice of these metaphors a random act or a carefully crafted rhetorical strategy? Did the use of metaphors shape the worldview and behavior of the Christ-followers?
In this innovative work, Kar Yong Lim draws upon Conceptual Metaphor Theory and Social Identity Theory to answer these questions. Lim illustrates that Paul employs a cluster of metaphors--namely, sibling, familial, temple, and body metaphors--as cognitive tools that are central to how humans process information, construct reality, and shape group identity. Carefully chosen, these metaphors not only add colors to Paul's rhetorical strategy but also serve as a powerful tool of communication in shaping the thinking, governing the behavior, and constructing the social identity of the Corinthian Christ-followers. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ENDORSEMENTS & REVIEWS
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"Lim's monograph provides a theoretically sophisticated reading of 1-2 Corinthians that highlights the identity-forming power of metaphor and the way Paul systematically draws on it in the formation of a salient social identity rooted in his gospel. This work sets a new standard for the social-scientific analysis of Paul."
--J. Brian Tucker, Professor of New Testament, Bible and Theology Division, Moody Theological Seminary "That metaphors are powerful cognitive devices in the Corinthians' correspondence which actually contribute to the transformation of the Christ-followers' thinking and behavior is convincingly argued by Kar Yong Lim in this illuminating study. Taking seriously the Roman social reality of the Corinthians, he skillfully demonstrates the fruitful interplay of Social Identity Theory with Paul's use of metaphors and thereby makes a highly significant contribution to the understanding of identity-forming processes in the early Christ movement." --Kathy Ehrensperger, Abraham Geiger College, University of Potsdam "Lim illumines the rich tapestry of Paul's frequent use of the metaphors of siblings, family, temple, and body in the Corinthian letters, pointing to their indispensable role in the symbolic construction of social identity of the addressees. He demonstrates how these operate to create a strong sense of shared belonging and solidarity in which diversity is simultaneously affirmed and celebrated." --William S. Campbell, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David |
Review by Christopher A. Porter, published by Review of Biblical Literature, April 2018.
Overall, the review by Porter is generous and encouraging, his critique on the weaknesses of my work is fair, and his comment on my methodological framework for analysis on metaphor is positive and welcoming.
Overall, the review by Porter is generous and encouraging, his critique on the weaknesses of my work is fair, and his comment on my methodological framework for analysis on metaphor is positive and welcoming.
| review_by_porter.pdf |
LOOK INSIDE
Click here to read sample pages of my latest book, Metaphors and Social Identity Formation in Paul's Letters to the Corinthians.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Writing a book is never a lone enterprise carried out by the author, and more so if it has taken more than eight years to complete the project. I am deeply indebted to colleagues and students at Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (Malaysia Theological Seminary) who have been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration for me. Over the years, many friends (and there are too many to name) contributed financially to this project, and this enabled me to carry out research and writing at Trinity Theological College, Singapore; Tyndale House, Cambridge; and Ridley College, Melbourne. Coming from an under-resourced country, I deeply treasure the opportunity to work in these excellent libraries where many ideas were exchanged with colleagues from all over the world. In addition, the Evangelical Free Church of Malaysia awarded a bursary for my sabbatical in 2015. The trustees of the Theological Research Scheme also approved a special grant that funded the publication of this book. Thank you for all your generosity.
A number of friends volunteered to read earlier drafts of this manuscript. In particular, I would like to thank Dorothy Teoh, Su Ming, and Dr Yvonne Foo for their labour of love. Their comments, feedback, and suggestions to improve this book are greatly appreciated. Any shortcomings in this book remain my responsibility.
Finally, without the support of my family, this book would not have been written. Thank you for all your love, encouragement, and sacrifices for me and for the work of the kingdom.
A number of friends volunteered to read earlier drafts of this manuscript. In particular, I would like to thank Dorothy Teoh, Su Ming, and Dr Yvonne Foo for their labour of love. Their comments, feedback, and suggestions to improve this book are greatly appreciated. Any shortcomings in this book remain my responsibility.
Finally, without the support of my family, this book would not have been written. Thank you for all your love, encouragement, and sacrifices for me and for the work of the kingdom.
The Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, 2016
Seremban, Malaysia
Seremban, Malaysia
ORDER
This book is available at the publisher's website, Amazon (kindle version is also available), Bookdepository, Wordery, Barnes and Noble, and reputable Christian bookstores.
Please note that all copies in stock have been sold. I will not be holding any more stock of the book. Thank you so much for all your support.
Please note that all copies in stock have been sold. I will not be holding any more stock of the book. Thank you so much for all your support.