This book is the culmination of my doctoral studies at Oxford University. I am especially grateful to the Revd R. Morgan, Linacre College, for introducing me to the use of the social sciences for New Testament interpretation and for suggesting many fruitful lines of enquiry. I also must express my appreciation to Professor E. P. Sanders, the Queen's College, for his bibliographical suggestions and for his careful reading of my work in its final stages.

I am indebted to Emero Stiegman, Lawrence Murphy, Paul Bowlby and Stan Armstrong of the Religious Studies Department and Helen Ralston of the Sociology Department at Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Without the encouragement of these fine teachers my time in Oxford would have been an impossibility.

During my studies, I have enjoyed and profited from many ‘sociological’ conversations with Harry Meier. In the course of his own studies, he discovered many useful works that he kindly shared with me.

The proof-reading efforts of Becky Gray deserve special mention. The attention given by Becky to this work far exceeded what could reasonably be expected from a friend. I am also grateful to Miriam Taylor and Bruce MacDougall for uncovering many errors in the text that would have otherwise gone undetected.

The unconditional support given to me by my husband, Duncan Macpherson, remains a constant inspiration. Duncan has endured lengthy separations, exorbitant phone-bills, and vacations spent proof-reading in England. Duncan's understanding and generosity have never faltered.