Persecution, Persuasion and Power

Focusing on the concept of legitimacy within the New Testament, the book explores how the persecution endured by Christians serves to reinforce their identity as followers of Christ. Utilizing Pierre Bourdieu's notion of "cultural capital," the author analyzes various New Testament texts, revealing that claims of authority based on suffering are crucial yet often overlooked. The epilogue discusses early Christian martyrs and the ethical implications of legitimizing persecution, highlighting the potential for differing interpretations and the risk of oppressed individuals becoming oppressors.