Analysing Paul’s Reference to Baptism in Galatians 3.27 through Studies of Memory, Embodiment and Ritual

Abstract

Despite the scholarly consensus regarding the logical importance of Paul’s reference to baptism in Gal. 3.27, there has been hardly any sustained analysis of why such a brief reference could be effective. With the recent emergence of interdisciplinary methods from cognitive science, memory studies, notions of embodiment, and ritual theories, this study explores the social impact of Paul’s reference to baptism. Paul simultaneously reinforces his authority over, and solidarity with, the Galatian communities in a ‘misrecognized’ manner – neither of which could be claimed by the ‘agitators’ against whom he is arguing.