New Books in Biblical Studies David Anthony Basham, "Paul, the Temple, and Building a Metaphor" (Bloomsbury, 2024)
Jan 21, 2025
In this engaging discussion, David Anthony Basham, Assistant Professor of New Testament at Ashland Theological Seminary and author of "Paul, the Temple, and Building a Metaphor," delves into the transformative use of temple language in Paul's letters. He explores how Paul’s metaphor redefines identity among the Corinthians, viewing themselves as God’s temple. Basham also examines Paul's shifting perspective on the Herodian temple post-conversion and the implications of these ideas for both Jewish and Gentile believers in the early Christian community.
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Basham's Cultic Language Interest
- David Anthony Basham's interest in cultic language grew while attending liturgical churches.
- This coincided with his daughter's baptism in the Anglican Church.
Paul's Evolving Temple Views
- Paul's relationship with the temple appears complex, shifting after his conversion to Jesus.
- His letters suggest a pastoral approach, working through theological ideas in real-time.
Corinthians' Temple Understanding
- Corinthians likely associated Paul's temple metaphor with the Judean tradition, not pagan temples.
- Early Christians, possibly God-fearers, had some Jewish background, making this connection plausible.