Meticulous in its reconstruction of competing and shifting ideologies of self and other through time and space, up-to-date and wide-ranging, theoretically sophisticated, clear and concise, and a pleasure to read, Not God's People will prove to be a valuable book for both students and specialists.

Saul M. Olyan, Brown University

At the beginning of the 21st century it becomes increasingly difficult to read the Bible exclusively in terms of the covenantal insiders to whom it is addressed. In this book, Lawrence Wills has provided an important means of approaching the question of those regarded as outside of the covenant-those whom the biblical authors construct as the Other. Through nuanced research and insightful prose, Not God's People is an invaluable resource to students, scholars, and anyone interested in the Bible's continuing influence in shaping perceptions of the Other in Western culture.

Shelly Matthews, Furman University

How should religious adherents deal with those who do not share their faith? No topic could be more topical in today's globalized environment, or more important. Larry Wills' incisive, well-informed, and fluidly-written book provides essential background by tracing the attitudes of the biblical writers to those outside the fold, the 'others' against whom they define themselves. One of Wills' most important conclusions can be summed up in the immortal words of Walt Kelly's Pogo: 'We have met the enemy and he is us.'

Joel Marcus, Duke Divinity School

In this intriguing study Lawrence Wills explores how biblical writers constructed national identity by formulating images of others. Grounded in the latest scholarship in biblical studies, cultural studies, and the social sciences, Wills' readings bring a fresh and comparative perspective to texts we thought we understood.

Robert Cohn, Lafayette College

Successfully balancing between accessibility and erudition, Not God's People is not only excellent for upper-division classroom and seminary use, but is a potentially important resource for those interested in interfaith discussion, offering insight into the origins of religious prejudice and the formation of Jewish and Christian identity. Not God's People will not minimize the differences between religious communities today, but its historical and literary analyses will certainly help readers better understand why there can be no sense of religious community without those differences.

Steven Weitzman, Indiana University, Bloomington

Not God's People, spanning both Hebrew Bible and New Testament, combines solid historical scholarship, sophisticated theoretical reflection and contemporary relevance. An impressive achievement!

John J. Collins, Yale University