Persecution, Persuasion and Power

Persecution, Persuasion and Power PDF Author: James A. Kelhoffer
Publisher: Mohr Siebeck
ISBN: 9783161506123
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 488

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Book Description
James A. Kelhoffer examines an often overlooked aspect of New Testament constructions of legitimacy, namely the value of Christians' withstanding persecution as a means of corroborating their religious identity as Christ's followers. The introductory chapter defines the problem in interaction with sociologist Pierre Bourdieu's concept of cultural capital. Chapters 2-10 examine the depictions of persecuted Christians in the Pauline letters, First Peter, Hebrews, Revelation, the NT Gospels, and Acts. These exegetical analyses support the conclusion that assertions of standing, authority, and power claimed on the basis of persecution play a significant and heretofore under-appreciated role in much of the NT. It is also argued that depictions of persecution can have both positive implications for the persecuted and negative implications for the depicted persecutors in constructions of legitimation.An epilogue considers later examples of early Christian martyrs and confessors, as well as John Foxe's Book of Martyrs . The epilogue also addresses the ethical and hermeneutical problem of asserting the withstanding of persecution as a basis of legitimacy in ancient and modern contexts. This problem stems from the observation that, although the NT authors present their construals of withstanding persecution as a basis of legitimation as if they were self-evident, such assertions are actually the culmination of numerous presuppositions and are therefore open to dissenting viewpoints. Yet the NT authors do not acknowledge the possibility of competing interpretations, or that oppressed Christians could someday become oppressors. Accordingly, this exegetical study calls attention to an ethical and hermeneutical problem that the NT bequeaths to the modern interpreter, a problem inviting input from ethicists and other theologians.

Persecution, Persuasion and Power

Persecution, Persuasion and Power PDF Author: James A. Kelhoffer
Publisher: Mohr Siebeck
ISBN: 9783161506123
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 488

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Book Description
James A. Kelhoffer examines an often overlooked aspect of New Testament constructions of legitimacy, namely the value of Christians' withstanding persecution as a means of corroborating their religious identity as Christ's followers. The introductory chapter defines the problem in interaction with sociologist Pierre Bourdieu's concept of cultural capital. Chapters 2-10 examine the depictions of persecuted Christians in the Pauline letters, First Peter, Hebrews, Revelation, the NT Gospels, and Acts. These exegetical analyses support the conclusion that assertions of standing, authority, and power claimed on the basis of persecution play a significant and heretofore under-appreciated role in much of the NT. It is also argued that depictions of persecution can have both positive implications for the persecuted and negative implications for the depicted persecutors in constructions of legitimation.An epilogue considers later examples of early Christian martyrs and confessors, as well as John Foxe's Book of Martyrs . The epilogue also addresses the ethical and hermeneutical problem of asserting the withstanding of persecution as a basis of legitimacy in ancient and modern contexts. This problem stems from the observation that, although the NT authors present their construals of withstanding persecution as a basis of legitimation as if they were self-evident, such assertions are actually the culmination of numerous presuppositions and are therefore open to dissenting viewpoints. Yet the NT authors do not acknowledge the possibility of competing interpretations, or that oppressed Christians could someday become oppressors. Accordingly, this exegetical study calls attention to an ethical and hermeneutical problem that the NT bequeaths to the modern interpreter, a problem inviting input from ethicists and other theologians.

The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Christian Martyrdom

The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Christian Martyrdom PDF Author: Paul Middleton
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111909982X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 564

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Book Description
A unique, wide-ranging volume exploring the historical, religious, cultural, political, and social aspects of Christian martyrdom Although a well-studied and researched topic in early Christianity, martyrdom had become a relatively neglected subject of scholarship by the latter half of the 20th century. However, in the years following the attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, the study of martyrdom has experienced a remarkable resurgence. Heightened cultural, religious, and political debates about Islamic martyrdom have, in a large part, prompted increased interest in the role of martyrdom in the Christian tradition. The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Christian Martyrdom is a comprehensive examination of the phenomenon from its beginnings to its role in the present day. This timely volume presents essays written by 30 prominent scholars that explore the fundamental concepts, key questions, and contemporary debates surrounding martyrdom in Christianity. Broad in scope, this volume explores topics ranging from the origins, influences, and theology of martyrdom in the early church, with particular emphasis placed on the Martyr Acts, to contemporary issues of gender, identity construction, and the place of martyrdom in the modern church. Essays address the role of martyrdom after the establishment of Christendom, especially its crucial contribution during and after the Reformation period in the development of Christian and European national-building, as well as its role in forming Christian identities in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This important contribution to Christian scholarship: Offers the first comprehensive reference work to examine the topic of martyrdom throughout Christian history Includes an exploration of martyrdom and its links to traditions in Judaism and Islam Covers extensive geographical zones, time periods, and perspectives Provides topical commentary on Islamic martyrdom and its parallels to the Christian church Discusses hotly debated topics such as the extent of the Roman persecution of early Christians The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Christian Martyrdom is an invaluable resource for scholars and students of religious studies, theology, and Christian history, as well as readers with interest in the topic of Christian martyrdom.

T&T Clark Handbook to the Historical Paul

T&T Clark Handbook to the Historical Paul PDF Author: Ryan S. Schellenberg
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 0567691993
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 564

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Book Description
The T&T Clark Handbook to the Historical Paul gathers leading voices on various aspects of Paul's biography into a thorough reconsideration of him as a historical figure. The contributors show how recent trends in Pauline scholarship have invited new questions about a variety of topics, including his social location, his mode of subsistence, his cultural formation, his place within Judaism, his religious experience and practice, and his affinities with other religious actors of the Roman world. Through careful attention to biographical detail, social context, and historical method, it seeks to describe him as a contextually plausible social actor. The volume is structured in three parts. Part One introduces sources, methods, and historiographical approaches, surveying the foundational texts for Paul and the early Pauline tradition. Part Two examines key biographical questions pertaining to Paul's bodily comportment, the material aspects of his career, and his religious activities. Part Three reconstructs the biographical portraits of Paul that emerge from the letters associated with him, presenting a series of “micro-biographies” pieced together by leading Pauline scholars.

Hearing and Doing the Word

Hearing and Doing the Word PDF Author: Daniel J. Treier
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 0567662659
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 360

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Book Description
This collection of essays honours Kevin J. Vanhoozer by representing the current state of evangelical hermeneutics in light of his work. The volume consists of three parts: The Biblical Script, Great Performances, and Theodrama Today. Each part contains wide-ranging contributions from well-known scholars, who address important topics for contemporary hermeneutics in dialogue with Vanhoozer's influential work. Kevin J. Vanhoozer is today's leading evangelical theologian of biblical interpretation. He is one of the most influential voices in contemporary hermeneutics, and in academic theology he is one of his generation's most influential evangelicals.

The Function of Sublime Rhetoric in Hebrews

The Function of Sublime Rhetoric in Hebrews PDF Author: Christopher T. Holmes
Publisher: Mohr Siebeck
ISBN: 3161557522
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 252

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Book Description
Back cover: In this study, Christopher T. Holmes offers an analysis of Hebrews 12:18-29 and its role in the larger argument of Hebrews. It argues that the first-century treatise, De Sublimitate, provides a significant context for interpreting the rhetoric and style of Hebrews and sheds new light on the thought and genre of Hebrews.

The Gospel of Matthew, vol. 1

The Gospel of Matthew, vol. 1 PDF Author: Walter T. Wilson
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
ISBN: 1467464279
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 513

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Book Description
What was the original purpose of the Gospel of Matthew? For whom was it written? In this magisterial two-volume commentary, Walter Wilson interprets Matthew as a catechetical work that expresses the ideological and institutional concerns of a faction of disaffected Jewish followers of Jesus in the late first century CE. Wilson’s compelling thesis frames Matthew’s Gospel as not only a continuation of the biblical story but also as a didactic narrative intended to shape the commitments and identity of a particular group that saw itself as a beleaguered, dissident minority. Thus, the text clarifies Jesus’s essential Jewish character as the “Son of David” while also portraying him in opposition to prominent religious leaders of his day—most notably the Pharisees—and open to cordial association with non-Jews. Through meticulous engagement with the Greek text of the Gospel, as well as relevant primary sources and secondary literature, Wilson offers a wealth of insight into the first book of the New Testament. After an introduction exploring the background of the text, its genre and literary features, and its theological orientation, Wilson explicates each passage of the Gospel with thorough commentary on the intended message to first-century readers about topics like morality, liturgy, mission, group discipline, and eschatology. Scholars, students, pastors, and all readers interested in what makes the Gospel of Matthew distinctive among the Synoptics will appreciate and benefit from Wilson’s deep contextualization of the text, informed by his years of studying the New Testament and Christian origins.

Exploring Sublime Rhetoric in Biblical Literature

Exploring Sublime Rhetoric in Biblical Literature PDF Author: Roy R. Jeal
Publisher: SBL Press
ISBN: 1628375647
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 281

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Book Description
In scholarly study of the New Testament and early Christian rhetoric, one key element is often overlooked: the sublime. To address this omission, contributors to this volume explore how the awe-inspiring, dislocating, and sometimes horrifying language that characterizes sublime rhetoric exerts cognitive, emotional, and physiological force on its audiences, transporting them to new realities as they go along. The essays lay a foundation for scholars and students to identify and interpret sublime rhetoric in biblical literature. Contributors include Murray J. Evans, Alan P. R. Gregory, Christopher T. Holmes, Roy R. Jeal, Harry O. Maier, Erika Mae Olbricht, Thomas H. Olbricht†, Vernon K. Robbins, and Jonathan Thiessen.

Journal of Biblical and Pneumatological Research

Journal of Biblical and Pneumatological Research PDF Author: Paul Elbert
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1725248905
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 150

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Book Description
Journal of Biblical and Pneumatological Research VOLUME FIVE FALL 2013 The Journal of Biblical and Pneumatological Research (JBPR) is a new international peer-reviewed academic serial dedicated to narratively and rhetorically minded exegesis of biblical and related texts. Potential topics include theological and pneumatological interpretation, the role of spiritual experience with authorial, canonical, and contemporary contexts, and the contextual activity of Ruach Yahweh, Ruach Elohim, and various identifications of the Holy Spirit. JBPR hopes to stimulate new thematic and narrative-critical exploration and discovery in both traditional and under-explored areas of research. CONTENTS Volume 5 (2013) Editor's Overview of Volume 5 ∙ 1 ROGER STRONSTAD The Rebirth of Prophecy: Trajectories from Moses to Jesus and His Followers ∙ 3 or 4? RICHARD HICKS "Emotional" Temptation and Jesus' Spiritual Victory at Markan Gethsemane ∙ X BART B. BRUEHLER Reweaving the Texture of Luke 16:14-18 ∙ X LYLE STORY If This Man Were a Prophet He Would Have Known . . . (Luke 7:39) ∙ X KENNETH BERDING Who Searches Hearts and What Does He Know in Romans 8:27? ∙ X PIETER DE VRIES The Relationship between the Glory of YHWH and the Spirit of YHWH in the Book of Ezekiel--Part One ∙ X Review of John Christopher Thomas, The Apocalypse: A Literary and Theological Commentary (Daniel F. Stramara, Jr) ∙ X Review of James A. Kelhoffer, Persecution, Persuasion and Power: Readiness to Withstand Hardship as a Corroboration of Legitimacy in the New Testament (Jeffrey Brickle) ∙ X Review of Kathleen M. Rochester, Prophetic Ministry in Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Pieter De Vries) ∙ X

Good Works in 1 Peter

Good Works in 1 Peter PDF Author: Travis B. Williams
Publisher: Mohr Siebeck
ISBN: 9783161532511
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 454

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Book Description
Drawing on recent insights from postcolonial theory and social psychology, Travis B. Williams seeks to diagnose the social strategy of good works in 1 Peter by examining how the persistent admonition to "do good" is intended to be an appropriate response to social conflict. Challenging the modern consensus, which interprets the epistle's good works language as an attempt to accommodate Greco-Roman society and thereby to lessen social hostility, the author demonstrates that the exhortation to "do good" envisages a pattern of conduct which stands opposed to popular values. The Petrine author appropriates terminology that was commonly associated with wealth and social privilege and reinscribes it with a new meaning in order to provide his marginalized readers with an alternative vision of reality, one in which the honor and approval so valued in society is finally available to them. The good works theme thus articulates a competing discourse which challenges dominant social structures and the hegemonic ideology which underlies them.

Suffering in Ancient Worldview

Suffering in Ancient Worldview PDF Author: Brian J. Tabb
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 0567672425
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 297

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Book Description
Suffering in Ancient Worldview investigates representative Christian, Roman Stoic and Jewish perspectives on the nature, problem and purpose of suffering. Tabb presents a close reading of Acts, Seneca's essays and letters and 4 Maccabees, highlighting how each author understands suffering vis-à-vis God, humanity, the world's problem and its solution, and the future. Tabb's study offers a pivotal definition for suffering in the 1st century and concludes by creatively situating these ancient authors in dialogue with each other. Tabb shows that, despite their different religious and cultural positions, these ancient authors each expect and accept suffering as a present reality that is governed by divine providence, however defined. Luke, Seneca and the author of 4 Maccabees each affirm that suffering is not humanity's fundamental problem. Rather, suffering functions as a cipher for other things to be displayed. For Seneca, suffering provides an opportunity for one to learn and show virtue. The author of 4 Maccabees presents the nation's suffering as retribution for sin, while the martyrs' virtuous suffering leads to Israel's salvation. For Luke, the Lord Jesus suffers to accomplish salvation and restoration for the world marred by sin and suffering, and the suffering of his followers is instrumental for Christian mission.