"The apostle Paul told the Corinthians that, though they be in the world, they must not be caught up in worldliness. But what should the proper relationship be between church and world? James Thompson brings together insight from biblical studies, history, theology, and sociology to offer more than superficial answers. The New Testament bears witness to the church as an alternative community. Personal and communal identities matter, and Thompson offers rich food for thought for the Christian imagination."
--Nijay K. Gupta, Northern Seminary
"James Thompson offers us a well-researched and stimulating survey of Christ and culture in the New Testament. The chapters on John and the disputed Pauline letters rightly challenge standard views, and the brief concluding chapter is a tour de force. This volume will aid Christians today in wrestling with what it means to be a distinctive minority culture that offers ultimate allegiance only to Christ and engages 'the world' in light of the gospel."
--Michael J. Gorman, St. Mary's Seminary & University