Original Research: Historical Thought and Source Interpretation
Rethinking identity theory in light of the in-Christ identity in the African context
Submitted: 18 April 2023 | Published: 16 February 2024
About the author(s)
Philip La G. Du Toit, Department of New Testament, Faculty of Theology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South AfricaAbstract
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.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
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Crossref Citations
1. A Foreign People: Towards a Holistic Identity Theory within a Christian Context
Philip La Grange Du Toit
Religions vol: 14 issue: 9 first page: 1167 year: 2023
doi: 10.3390/rel14091167