Author: Randall Collins (University of Pennsylvania)

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ABSTRACT

The dynamics of charisma in social interaction are analyzed through an examination of ninety-three incidents in the Gospels in which Jesus confronts specific individuals face to face. His charisma is shown in the pattern in which Jesus always win an encounter, is always quick and absolutely decisive, seizes the initiative by doing something unexpected, anticipates what the other person is intending, and is master of the crowd. Jesus' low moments happen when he is isolated or when political crowds are against him. The social settings of Jesus' miracles are also analyzed.