Social Identity Complexity Theory as heuristic tool in New Testament Studies

Kok, Jacobus

doi:10.4102/hts.v70i1.2708

Cited by 20 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…While Kok (2014) utilises SICT in a similar fashion than the above approaches, viewing the in-Christ identity as a superordinate identity that constitutes a multifaced and inclusive identity in which people of different ethnic backgrounds come together (cf. Kok & Swart 2021), he argues that 'a believer has received a brand new recreated status before God and man, a status that created a new symbolic world where the man-made boundaries no longer play the same role as before' (Kok 2014:7).…”

Section: Approaches That Identify a Divine Element In Identity Formationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rethinking identity theory in light of the in-Christ identity in the African context

Du Toit

2024

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies

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In social identity theory, the in-Christ identity is understood as primarily a socially directed process in which people categorise themselves relative to other groups. Intergroup behaviour would cause them to discriminate against the so-called ‘outgroup’, favouring the so-called ‘ingroup’. Although social identity complexity theory has moved beyond single ingroup-outgroup categorisation, it is a question if social identity theories can fully account for the in-Christ identity, especially within an African context. In African religious identity, identity is linked to both the community and the ruling deities, which are perceived to be real entities that intervene in human affairs and identity, presupposing a supernaturalistic epistemology.Contribution: In this contribution, the naturalistic epistemological underpinnings of social identity theories are reconsidered in light of a supernatural aspect that is argued to be constitutive of the 1st century in-Christ identity as well as the African Christian identity. Amid current approaches to the in-Christ identity, which is mainly a Pauline concept, some of the main Pauline texts that have bearing on the in-Christ identity are revisited in light of current theories and epistemologies on identity.

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Section: Approaches That Identify a Divine Element In Identity Formationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rethinking identity theory in light of the in-Christ identity in the African context

Du Toit

2024

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies

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“…It provides practical insight into the ways group participation contributes to identity formation, especially when persons move between groups or enter new groups. It is noteworthy that SIT has achieved some prominence in recent contributions to biblical scholarship (see, for example, Tucker and Baker 2014;Kok 2014;Du Toit 2023;Ukwuegbu 2008). Fukuyama, Appiah, and Grant are concerned that contemporary discussion of identity has become reductive and thus detrimental to common life.…”

Section: What Is Identity?mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Baptism in Christian Identity Formation

O’Neil

2024

Religions

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The construction of one’s identity in late modernity is sometimes viewed as a project of the autonomous self in which one’s identity may shift or change over the course of one’s existence and development. For the Christian, however, one’s identity is both a divine gift, and a task of ecclesial formation, and for both the gift and the task, Christian baptism is fundamental. Baptism represents the death of the self and its rebirth in Christ, a decisive breach with the life that has gone before. Baptism establishes a new identity, a new affiliation, a new mode of living, and a new life orientation, direction, and purpose. This paper explores the role of baptism in the formation of Christian identity, finding that Christian identity is both extrinsic to the self and yet also an identity into which we are called and into which we may continually grow. The essay proceeds in three sections. It begins with a survey of recent philosophical reflection on the concept of identity, continues by reflecting on the nature of Christian baptism in dialogue with this reflection, and concludes by considering in practical terms how baptism functions in the process of conversion–initiation toward the formation of mature Christian identity.

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“…10 F. Manjewa Mbwangi (2020: 2) argues, “that Paul employs his letters to construct a superordinate identity for his community which embraces not only political perspectives but also has a religious and economic trajectory.” Paul himself was an example of this (Kok, 2014: 8). Negatively, Brian Tucker (2010) attributes problems in the church of Corinth to their over identification with Roman identity and a misunderstanding of the significance of their “in Christ” identity.…”

Section: Discipleship As a Call To A New Identity “In Christ”mentioning

confidence: 99%

From conformity to transformation: Discipleship and identity in the context of social conflict

Ott

2023

Missiology

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Around the world social polarization and conflict is being increasingly experienced both in the general society and within church. There is evidence that many Christians are being more influenced by their social affinity groups than by their sense of identity in Christ, contributing to social tensions. This essay addresses the challenge of making disciples who are not conformed to the world but rather transformed (Rom 12:2). An approach is proposed that first defines the nature of discipleship and the importance of fostering a biblical “in Christ” identity among followers of Jesus. Social identity theory is employed both in biblical interpretation and in understanding Christian identity that transcends other identities. Adult learning theories are then used to propose an approach of “disequilibration and reframing” to foster identity formation. Three types of transformative encounters as pedagogical methods are described.

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Social Identity Complexity Theory as heuristic tool in New Testament Studies

Cited by 20 publications

References 4 publications

Rethinking identity theory in light of the in-Christ identity in the African context

Rethinking identity theory in light of the in-Christ identity in the African context

The Role of Baptism in Christian Identity Formation

From conformity to transformation: Discipleship and identity in the context of social conflict

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