"This volume is important and deserves to be discussed broadly in the field of biblical studies. Its interests are wide and timely, expanding our understanding not only of ancient texts but also of issues related to modern biblical interpretation." -- Review of Biblical Literature "This timely collection of essays investigates the diversity of social identities in the biblical literature, but also questions the lenses through which we see the performances and language of identity. The "meta-critical" discussions make for essential reading" -- MARK BRETT, Whitley College, Australia "This fascinating collection of diverse essays rewards careful perusal. The authors are some of the most distinguished scholars of antiquity, the Bible, and the history of Christianity and Judaism. The essays evince obvious theoretical sophistication around issues of race, ethnicity, and identity, a sophistication too often lacking in the fields of biblical and classical studies. The collection is timely, interesting, and valuable. A great read.

" -- DALE B. MARTIN, Yale University, USA "In this rich and highly stimulating volume, editors Katherine M. Hockey and David G. Horrell have collected and organised into three thematically oriented parts a treasure trove of perceptive and thought-provoking essays by a group of internationally renowned scholars. While diverse in topic and argument, these essays combine into a unified effort aimed at dismantling historical and contemporary discourses on identity. Doing so, they open up routes for new and creative ways of envisioning the future of biblical studies as a truly global discipline. This is essential reading for historians and theologians alike, as well as for anyone interested in the dynamics involved in identity formation as a social phenomenon and its effects on modern scholarship." -- ANDERS RUNESSON, University of Oslo, Norway "'"It is often easier to see how scholarship of the past was enmeshed in the racial and religious ideologies of its time than it is to appreciate how far our own present work continues to be shaped by such ideologies" (David Horrell, in the Introduction).

This volume succeeds in doing both things and hence constitutes a strongly articulated challenge to traditional biblical scholarship that no reflective person should miss." -- TROELS ENGBERG-PEDERSEN, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.