Thesis Abstract and Dissertation Abstracts
More Than A Passover: Inculturation in the Supper Narratives of the New Testament
Abstract Category: Other Categories
Course / Degree: Doctor of Theology
Institution / University: University of South Africa, South Africa
Published in: 2006
This thesis examines whether the theological method currently known as inculturation was used in the Supper Narratives of the New Testament. A methodology is set up in which texts are examined against the backdrop of Graeco-Roman, Judaic and early Christian cultures. This methodology focusses on family resemblances and analogies, rather than genealogy or causal dependence to examine the links between text and context. It also avoids claims for orthodoxy dependent on claims about origins.
Engaging with the claims of writers from Schweitzer, through Jeremias and up to the present, three themes are identified: meals, sacrifice and eschatology. The manifestations of each are examined against the three cultural groups:Judaic, Graeco-Roman and early Christian.
The Supper Narratives (Mk 14:12-26, Mt 26:17-30 and Lk 22:7-23 and 1 Cor 11:17-34) are then mapped against these themes. Analogies to the cultural groups are then traced.
This process leads to conclusions that the New Testament writers did use a methodology which can be identified as inculturation. It manifests itself particularly through patterns identified by anthropologists as bricolage and re-accentuation. A notable example is “sacrificialisation”, in which events and items are invested with a fresh sacrificial significance. Judaic concepts (e.g., covenant and Atonement) and rituals (e.g., sacramentals and Passover) dominate the interpretations of Jesus’ last meal with his disciples. This does not mean that inculturation only took place in relation to Jewish culture. Many of the concepts used (e.g., sacrifice and sacrament) share commonalities with Graeco-Roman thought which allows them to engage with such world-views. This process sees Judaic understandings used as correctives to Graeco-Roman thinking about sacraments. It also sees Jewish concepts used to address Graeco-Roman values, and give an added historical depth (antiquitas) to a comparatively recent event.
Thesis Keywords/Search Tags:
Inculturation, sacrifice, eschatology, ritual meals, Second Temple Judaism, Graeco-Roman philosophy, New Testament Supper Narratives, Bricolage, re-accentuation, symbolism
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Submission Details: Thesis Abstract submitted by Fergus John King from Australia on 04-Oct-2006 17:01.
Abstract has been viewed 2230 times (since 7 Mar 2010).
Fergus John King Contact Details: Email: revfking@bigpond.net.au
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