What, according to the Book of Amos, does it mean to be the people of God? In this book, Andrew M. King employs a Social Identity Approach (SIA), comprised of Social Identity Theory and Self-Categorization Theory, to explore the relationship between identity formation and the biblical text. Specifically, he examines the identity-forming strategies embedded in the Book of Amos. King begins by outlining the Social Identity Approach, especially its use in Hebrew Bible scholarship. Turning to the Book of Amos, he analyzes group dynamics and intergroup conflicts (national and interpersonal), as well as Amos's presentation of Israel's history and Israel's future. King provides extensive insight into the rhetorical strategies in Amos that shape the trans-temporal audience's sense of self. To live as the people of God, according to Amos, readers and hearers must adopt norms defined by a proper relationship to God that results in the proper treatment of others.

Themelios is an international, evangelical, peer-reviewed theological journal that expounds and defends the historic Christian faith. Themelios is published three times a year online at The Gospel Coalition (http://thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/) and in print by Wipf and Stock. Its primary audience is theological students and pastors, though scholars read it as well. Themelios began in 1975 and was operated by RTSF/UCCF in the UK, and it became a digital journal operated by The Gospel Coalition in 2008. The editorial team draws participants from across the globe as editors, essayists, and reviewers. General Editor: D. A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Managing Editor: Brian Tabb, Bethlehem College and Seminary Consulting Editor: Michael J. Ovey, Oak Hill Theological College Administrator: Andrew David Naselli, Bethlehem College and Seminary Book Review Editors: Jerry Hwang, Singapore Bible College; Alan Thompson, Sydney Missionary & Bible College; Nathan A. Finn, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; Hans Madueme, Covenant College; Dane Ortlund, Crossway; Jason Sexton, Golden Gate Baptist Seminary Editorial Board: Gerald Bray, Beeson Divinity School Lee Gatiss, Wales Evangelical School of Theology Paul Helseth, University of Northwestern, St. Paul Paul House, Beeson Divinity School Ken Magnuson, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Jonathan Pennington, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary James Robson, Wycliffe Hall Mark D. Thompson, Moore Theological College Paul Williamson, Moore Theological College Stephen Witmer, Pepperell Christian Fellowship Robert Yarbrough, Covenant Seminary

This dictionary is not so much about the contents of the Bible as it is about the way in which the Bible has been interpreted in the past and how it is interpreted today. The articles, written by a distinguished team of biblical scholars, cover a wide range of related topics.

This dissertation assesses how the book of Amos shapes the social identity of its audience. Chapter 1 contextualizes this project in Amos scholarship and shows the relevance of this study. Chapter 2 introduces the Social Identity Approach employed in the dissertation. Various applications of the Social Identity Theory and Self Categorization Theory in biblical studies are surveyed. Chapter 3 examines conflict and social identity in Amos. Through a study of the Oracles against the Nations and the confrontation with Amaziah the priest, various social group dynamics are brought to light. Unresisting audiences entering the world of the text who desire a positive sense of social identity will naturally align themselves with the ingroup. In this case, both YHWH and Amos are shown to be prototypical group members. Chapter 4 explores Amos’s use of the past for the purpose of identity-formation. Social memory is introduced as an additional heuristic tool to interpret history as an othering strategy in the book. The prototypicality of YHWH contrasts sharply with the values of the addressees. Chapter 5 looks at Amos’s conception of the future for identity formation. Through analysis of the Day of YHWH, the remnant motif, and the epilogue of the book, this chapter shows how Amos amplifies judgment against the outgroup but also provides a hopeful future for the ingroup. For audiences desiring a positive social identity within the world of the text, the utopian future of Israel motivates non-group members to join the ingroup. A more detailed look at the theoretical process of motivation and identity formation is provided. Chapter 6 summarizes the argument and conclusions of the dissertation, reiterating the relevance of this approach for contemporary audiences of Amos.