Abstract
Certain groups discussed in the New Testament are exegetically tested for the purpose of determining whether or not symptoms of groupthink are evident. Robbins’ (1996) methods of social and cultural texture analysis are used along with ideological texture analysis to examine the underlying constructs impacting certain Christian and Jewish groups. The group known as the Sanhedrin is explored considering passages from the Gospel of John. The group called the Judaizers is similarly explored in consideration of passages from the books of Acts and Galatians. Janis’ (1982) work on the groupthink theory construct informs the findings of nine separate evidences of the groupthink theory in these first century groups which are summarily categorized. New Testament insight into overcoming groupthink is also briefly discussed.
