This book investigates Paul's effort to combat factionalism by his use of the Greco-Roman rhetoric of 'the common advantage' to overcome socio-ethical problems caused by the improper exercise of 'private advantage' in Corinth. Chang examines 'the common advantage', first, as a fundamental principle that defined human and societal relationships in the Greco-Roman world. He explores how the neglect and misunderstanding of this principle lay at the root of relational and societal breakdowns. The book further examines Paul's use of the term and demonstrates that, when properly understood and appropriated, the principle of 'the common advantage' is pivotal to keeping societies and relationships dynamic and healthy. Conversely,when common advantage is not functioning and, concomitantly, private advantage is wrongly emphasized at its expense, relational, societal and ecclesiastical breakdowns occur. The book culminates in demonstrating that, for Paul, 'the common advantage' carries missional and salvific implications that override and subvert socio-ethnic boundaries. In this way, otherwise hostile social groups will realize a healthy symbiosis.

Product Description: We are not just isolated individuals. Instead, our lives are woven together with others. We have solidarity with other people—the choices one person makes affects the lives of others, for good and for bad.   Because much of the pain we endure in life is in the context of relationships, this truth often strikes us as unfair...read more

Product Description: In the mid-1960s, the charismatic César Chávez led members of California's La Causa movement in boycotting the grape harvest, and melon pickers in South Texas called a strike against growers, contesting unfair labor and wage practices in both states...read more

Product Description: In 1987 John Paul II named solidarity a virtue. This book looks at the power of virtue and the power of solidarity as virtue to tear down unjust structures that hold millions in poverty, abuse creation, and build up structures of virtue that will protect all of creation and form us into one human family...read more

Baum, Gregory (view table of contents)

Product Description: The author encourages unity among people seeking to overcome the divisions of race, sex, and class by promoting personal friendships and political alliances. "Snyder provides a role model for others. . . ".--Letty M. Russell, Yale Divinity School.

Product Description: The violations of fundamental human rights - especially the right to life and the right to live in many parts of the world have moved the author to write this work. The right to life and the right to live are basic natural values, yet they are neither adequately recognized nor universally enjoyed by all men and women...read more