ABSTRACT
Galatians is here investigated through the lens of social systems theory as laid out by Murray Bowen. The interpretation of the letter builds upon the analyses that were made in previous chapters. Paul argues that collective identities—whether Greek or Jew, enslaved or free, or male and female—are no grounds for discrimination. While defending a high level of differentiation in the social system, Paul encourages the addressees to ignore a call for conformity that seems to be voiced by prominent figures within the group (cf. the desire of the σάρξ). Instead of returning to a state of initiation, Paul posits that the addressees remember what they themselves have learnt and experienced; they received the Spirit and God worked miracles among them. As Paul depicts their present situation, the call for conformity causes internal conflict; deviants are threatened with exclusion, and participants are compelled to either under-function or over-function. Paul's suggestions for the addressees include their embracing accountability, full confidence in their own inclusion, and freedom to love their neighbor. Paul's analysis and recommendations accord with social systems theory, which asserts that high level of diversity is more resilient than a system characterized by an idea of sameness.
