Smit, Peter-Ben A.2017-10-262017Smit, P.-B. 2017, 'Intercultural ritual transgression as a catalyst for early Christian theological reflection - a consideration of 1 Corinthians 8', Exchange, vol. 46, no. 3, pp. 225-248.0166-2740 (print)1572-543X (online)10.1163/1572543X-12341445http://hdl.handle.net/2263/62939What led to the issues that Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 8? This paper argues that the missionary expansion of the early community led to a renegotiation of its ritual boundaries, in particular concerning question of ritual participation. Theory concerning ‘ritual failure’ is used in order to analyse the dynamics involved.en© 2017 Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The NetherlandsEarly ChristianityEucharistMealsMissionRitualTheology articles SDG-04SDG-04: Quality educationTheology articles SDG-10SDG-10: Reduced inequalitiesTheology articles SDG-16SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutionsPostprint Article