Idolatry and authority

"1 Corinthians 8.1-11.1 is the lengthiest and key New Testament passage for examining and understanding the differences of opinion in early Christianity on idolatry, represented by three positions. How we explain these differences will help us understand where the battle lines are drawn in the conflict within early Christianity and in the relation between early Christianity and early Judaism. Why is idolatry so important as to warrant Paul's lengthiest discussion in 1 Corinthians? What exactly is at stake? And why are there differences of opinion? One of the key issues in the interpretation and understanding of [the passage] lies in the parties involved: the 'strong, ' the 'weak, ' and Paul. Are the parties Jewish Christians or Gentile Christians? Or is it a question of conflict between a Jewish Paul and Gentile Christian' (converts') opinion? Or is it a conflict between a Christian Paul and his Jewish opponents?" The author seeks to answer the question in his book Idolatry and Authority -- Introduction.