Children are made holy through marriage : shaping Christian households in 1 Corinthians 7:12-16

Abstract

This study applies social identity complexity theory as the theoretical framework in reading 1 Corinthians 7:12-16. This dissertation focuses on how Paul uses holiness language in 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 as a rhetorical device to advocate for unity and peace in the complex households with various social groups and identities including believers married to unbelievers. Holiness, with no moral implications, in this passage is thus a social identity marker inclusive of the unbelievers and subsequently the children from these marriages.