- Tertullian, Saints' Cults, Eschatology and Apocalypticism, Passio Perpetuae, New Testament, Apostle Paul and the Pauline Letters, and 13 moreEarly Christianity, Bodily Resurrection, Pauline Theology, Martyrology, Book of Revelation, Studies on worship, Sabbath, Theology of Sacrifice, Romans, Cult of the dead, Patristics, Ancient History, and Apostolic Fathersedit
- Theologian and historian of early Christianity.edit
Research Interests:
There have been few serious attempts to develop theologies of ordination. This essay considers whether ordination lies within or outside the boundaries of Biblical theology. It analyses the topic of ordination from the perspective of... more
There have been few serious attempts to develop theologies of ordination. This essay considers whether ordination lies within or outside the boundaries of Biblical theology. It analyses the topic of ordination from the perspective of Biblical theology. This essay demonstrates that it is not possible to argue for our contemporary concept of ordination from the Old Testament, that the Old Testament concepts of priesthood do not transfer to the New Testament (unless one adopts a sacramental theology), and that the term and the concept of ordination do not appear in the New Testament at all as we might recognize them in our contemporary setting. While arguments may be made for ordination from administrative necessity, tradition, and other theological systems, ordination must be understood as lying entirely outside the boundaries of Biblical theology.19 page(s
Research Interests:
This essay demonstrates that the account of the two witnesses in the eleventh chapter of the Apocalypse of John is carefully structured in a chiastic structure. Furthermore, it will demonstrate that the account of the two witnesses... more
This essay demonstrates that the account of the two witnesses in the eleventh chapter of the Apocalypse of John is carefully structured in a chiastic structure. Furthermore, it will demonstrate that the account of the two witnesses occupies a central role in the broader structure of the broader Apocalypse of John. In particular, the account of the two witnesses foreshadows both the themes and the structure of the second half of the Apocalypse of John. These perspectives open up new lenses through which the message of the Apocalypse may be analyzed and understood.14 page(s
Research Interests:
espanolApocalipsis 11,18 es un texto que se cita comunmente en relacion con el cuidado de la tierra y sus recursos naturales. Este articulo mostrara que, en su contexto apropiado, la destruccion de la tierra a la que se refiere Ap 11,18... more
espanolApocalipsis 11,18 es un texto que se cita comunmente en relacion con el cuidado de la tierra y sus recursos naturales. Este articulo mostrara que, en su contexto apropiado, la destruccion de la tierra a la que se refiere Ap 11,18 no es la degradacion del medio ambiente natural de la Tierra. Mas bien, se refiere al derramamiento de las siete plagas, cuya responsabilidad ultima, aunque es una accion de Dios, se atribuye a la nacion que esta bajo el liderazgo de la bestia. Por lo tanto, es inadecuado exegeticamente usar Ap 11:18 como un texto prueba descontextualizado para instar a ser responsables con el medio ambiente. EnglishRevelation 11,18 is a verse that is commonly cited specifically in connection with caring for the earth and its natural resources. This paper will argue that in its appropriate context, the destruction of the earth to which Rev 11,18 refers is not the degradation of the natural environment of the earth. Rather, it refers to the outpouring of the seven pla...
Research Interests:
De muchas maneras distintas, el concepto de cambio, que es un “problema filosofico fundamental” en el antiguo pensamiento griego,1 tambien es una idea central en los escritos de Pablo. El apostol no solo estaria familiarizado con las... more
De muchas maneras distintas, el concepto de cambio, que es un “problema filosofico fundamental” en el antiguo pensamiento griego,1 tambien es una idea central en los escritos de Pablo. El apostol no solo estaria familiarizado con las construcciones de cambio dentro de la cultura greco-romana, sino que tambien con aquellas ideas relacionadas dentro de su propia cultura judia. En este contexto, este estudio hara una exploracion especifica de como Pablo uso la idea de “metamorfosis” de manera comprensible para la cultura judia y helenistica de su tiempo, y como logro subordinar la comprension contemporanea de la metamorfosis al evangelio que predicaba.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
14 page(s
Ordenacao e os Limites da Teologia Biblica Abstract There have been few serious attempts to develop theologies of ordination. This essay considers whether ordination lies within or outside the boundaries of Biblical theology. It analyses... more
Ordenacao e os Limites da Teologia Biblica Abstract There have been few serious attempts to develop theologies of ordination. This essay considers whether ordination lies within or outside the boundaries of Biblical theology. It analyses the topic of ordination from the perspective of Biblical theology. This essay demonstrates that it is not possible to argue for our contemporary concept of ordination from the Old Testament, that the Old Testament concepts of priesthood do not transfer to the New Testament (unless one adopts a sacramental theology), and that the term and the concept of ordination do not appear in the New Testament at all as we might recognize them in our contemporary setting. While arguments may be made for ordination from administrative necessity, tradition, and other theological systems, ordination must be understood as lying entirely outside the boundaries of Biblical theology. Keywords: Ordination; Biblical theology; priesthood; sacramental theology; New Testame...
Research Interests:
The importance of the physical body in early Christianity did not always imply bodily resurrection was the means of achieving continuity after death. Much recent scholarship in this area has been influenced by modern categories and by the... more
The importance of the physical body in early Christianity did not always imply bodily resurrection was the means of achieving continuity after death. Much recent scholarship in this area has been influenced by modern categories and by the resurgence of the significance of the body in ancient anthropological discourse and of resurrection in early Christianity. However, modern categories neither reflect the anthropological constructs of antiquity, nor a sufficiently variegated spectrum of views espoused by early Christians. The present article corrects prevailing generalizing tendencies in scholarship and presents a more nuanced picture. This is achieved via an analysis of key texts from third-century North Africa: the writings of Tertullian and the Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas. Important though it was, bodily resurrection was only one view of how material continuity could be achieved, even within texts traditionally denominated as “orthodox.”
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Are we able to attribute a modern concept such as universalism (in the sense of the opposite to particularism) to Paul in the formation of his communities, or is such an idea hopelessly anachronistic? This paper suggests that although... more
Are we able to attribute a modern concept such as universalism (in the sense of the opposite to particularism) to Paul in the formation of his communities, or is such an idea hopelessly anachronistic? This paper suggests that although Paul’s universalism does not fully conform to modern definitions, there is a universalistic dimension to his formation of the ἐκκλησία that was radical within his own culture in both Jewish and Hellenistic terms. Nevertheless, there were some first-century social and philosophical currents that would have provided some implicit support for his application of universalistic principles. However, the roots of Paul’s approach are to be found not so much in Hellenistic philosophical currents, but rather in his understanding of divine convenantal condescension. These considerations allow us some insights to understanding the status of different genders, ethnicities, and socio-economic classes in the Pauline communities.
Research Interests: History, Diversity, Gender, Egalitarianism, Equality, and 5 moreEthnicity, Social Class, Paul, Universalism, and Particularism
Los ataques contra la realidad de la vida y los hechos históricos de Jesucristo comenzaron desde los mismos principios de la época Cristiana, en la forma de las ideas Docéticas, de las cuales encontramos rasgos, en forma de refutaciones,... more
Los ataques contra la realidad de la vida y los hechos históricos de Jesucristo comenzaron desde los mismos principios de la época Cristiana, en la forma de las ideas Docéticas, de las cuales encontramos rasgos, en forma de refutaciones, en el mismo Nuevo Testamento. Los escritores del Nuevo Testamento y los Padres Apostólicos contestaron estas ideas con el mismo testimonio ocular, y con argumentos teológicos. Aunque el desafío del Docetismo continuo, el ataque de Celso (c. A.D. 178) contra la persona de Jesucristo, nos abre una ventana a otra clase de ataque más popular y no teológico. Además, las acusaciones de Celso parecen reflejar ideas que circulaban anteriormente. Esta ponencia examinara estos desafíos contra la historicidad de Jesucristo, juntamente con otros ataques contra la historicidad de Su resurrección. En este contexto consideraremos las respuestas de Ignacio, Ireneo, Tertuliano, e Orígenes, reconociendo la diversidad de los varios contextos de estos escritores; sin embargo con el fin de discernir la unidad de la respuesta patrística. En nuestra época moderna, cuando la realidad e identidad de Jesucristo es sujeta a una multiplicidad de ataques, ¿qué podemos aprender de los primeros defensores de la historicidad de Jesucristo?
Research Interests:
It is significant that in Frederick Gaiser’s Healing in the Bible, healing in the Pauline churches receives only the briefest of mentions.1 Given Paul’s own relative silence on this matter, this is perhaps understandable. However,... more
It is significant that in Frederick Gaiser’s Healing in the Bible, healing in the Pauline churches receives only the briefest of mentions.1 Given Paul’s own relative silence on this matter, this is perhaps understandable. However, according to Luke’s representation of earliest Christianity in the Acts of the Apostles, after the person of Jesus Christ, Paul of Tarsus was the most prominent healer and miracleworker in the NT.2 This apparent discrepancy has been highlighted by many scholars as one of the key indicators of the distance in both historical time and reliability between Paul and the author of Acts.3 Although the general question of how Paul is depicted in Acts, as opposed to in his own epistles, has been the subject of extensive scholarly debate, this essay will more specifically examine Paul’s healings in both sources. This will be done within the contexts of Paul’s literary purposes, his pneumatology and ecclesiology, and his own self-understanding as an apostle. Paul’s r...
Research Interests:
Description Many scholars have often considered the concept of ascent in the New Testament to be closely related to and drawn from the models available in the Hellenistic world. This article argues for fundamental morphological... more
Description Many scholars have often considered the concept of ascent in the New Testament to be closely related to and drawn from the models available in the Hellenistic world. This article argues for fundamental morphological differences between the concept of ascent in the New Testament and the pervasive and popular motif of ascent in the Graeco-‐‑Roman world. At the core of the differences lies a completely different anthropological understanding. Sources and influences other than the contemporary models must ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The possible relationship between the Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas, and Tertullian is one that that has intrigued scholars for many generations. It hardly seems possible that Tertullian would not have known of the dramatic martyrdom... more
The possible relationship between the Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas, and Tertullian is one that that has intrigued scholars for many generations. It hardly seems possible that Tertullian would not have known of the dramatic martyrdom of Perpetua and her companions in his own city. However, this paper argues that the authors of the Passion and Tertullian represent different early Christian traditions about the afterlife; indeed traditions that were in polemical conflict with each other. The writings of Tertullian themselves provide evidence that suggests that his relationship between his own views of the afterlife and those of the authors of the Passion of Perpetua were in polemical opposition in Carthage. The two writings appear to represent either two different communities or two streams of tradition within the same community. Another way of characterising the two writings is by considering Tertullian as representing “official, ecclesiastical Christianity,” while the Passion of Perpetua represents a more popular version of Christianity. This study particularly considers Tertullian’s statements in Scorpiace 10 and De Anima 55 within the context of this polemic within the Carthaginian Christian community. The reading of the Passion of Perpetua and the writings of Tertullian suggested here helps to point towards some clearer answers for questions that have long vexed scholars, such as why it is that Tertullian seems to ignore Perpetua, and whether or not Tertullian was the editor of the Passion of Perpetua.
Research Interests:
This is the second issue for 2012, completing JATS for 2012. We are already working on 2013 with articles in hand, and hope to have these out to you soon as well. As for the contents of this issue, we are again pleased to have a line-up... more
This is the second issue for 2012, completing JATS for 2012. We are already working on 2013 with articles in hand, and hope to have these out to you soon as well. As for the contents of this issue, we are again pleased to have a line-up of interesting, stimulating, and (we hope) spiritually enriching and edifying articles for you. They include a range of topics from biblical studies in Genesis and Revelation, to a theological look at the role of the Holy Spirit in our personal lives, and include some new insights into hermeneutics as well as contemporary issues such as the problem of racial segregation, and current religious movements. Continuing our exploration of the doctrine of Creation (a topic that continues to command the interest of church leaders and laity alike) is Eliezer Gonzalez’ review of the role that the creation account in Genesis played in the writings of the Apostolic Fathers. Laszlo Gallusz leads us into the first part of a study of the meaning of the term “throne...
The recent debate within Protestantism over justification, spearheaded by N.T. Wright, has highlighted some of the core issues of the New Perspective on Paul. Paul would have known of the popular Jewish apocalypses, and indeed, many... more
The recent debate within Protestantism over justification, spearheaded by N.T. Wright, has highlighted some of the core issues of the New Perspective on Paul. Paul would have known of the popular Jewish apocalypses, and indeed, many scholars identify them as a source of Paul’s eschatological thinking. The concept of “righteousness” is prominent in many of these apocalypses. Given the renewed interest in the apocalyptic background to Paul’s thought-world it is relevant to examine some of the issues in the current debate in this context. What similarities are there between Paul’s understanding of “righteousness” and the understanding reflected in the Jewish apocalypses? More importantly, in what ways does Paul, in his epistles, significantly depart from the understanding of righteousness that was held by popular Judaism of his day? To attempt to glean some perspectives on these questions, this paper will compare and contrast the concepts of righteousness in 1 Enoch 1-36 (Book of Watch...
Research Interests:
This essay demonstrates that the account of the two witnesses in the eleventh chapter of the Apocalypse of John is carefully structured in a chiastic structure. Furthermore, it will demonstrate that the account of the two witnesses... more
This essay demonstrates that the account of the two witnesses in the eleventh chapter of the Apocalypse of John is carefully structured in a chiastic structure. Furthermore, it will demonstrate that the account of the two witnesses occupies a central role in the broader structure of the broader Apocalypse of John. In particular, the account of the two witnesses foreshadows both the themes and the structure of the second half of the Apocalypse of John. These perspectives open up new lenses through which the message of the Apocalypse may be analyzed and understood.
Normal 0 false false false EN-AU JA X-NONE Normal 0 false false false EN-AU JA X-NONE As ressonâncias da linguagem e do imagetico da Paixao de Perpetua com a literatura apocaliptica judaica sao ha muito reconhecidas. Uma comparacao das... more
Normal 0 false false false EN-AU JA X-NONE Normal 0 false false false EN-AU JA X-NONE As ressonâncias da linguagem e do imagetico da Paixao de Perpetua com a literatura apocaliptica judaica sao ha muito reconhecidas. Uma comparacao das caracteristicas morfologicas da Paixao de Perpetua com aquelas da literatura apocaliptica revela que ambas partilham das mesmas caracteristicas. Mais importante ainda, ha aspectos-chave dos papeis sociais desempenhados pela Paixao de Perpetua na comunidade cartaginense e nas comunidades cristas norte-africanas que sao semelhantes aos papeis sociais que tem sido postulados para a literatura apocaliptica judaica. Portanto, a Paixao de Perpetua apresenta sinais de ter sido escrita como uma adaptacao e aplicacao dos textos apocalipticos judaicos aos desafios especificos enfrentados pelas primitivas comunidades cristas norte-africanas.
Research Interests:
This paper will examine the Pauline restrictions on women within the context of the honor–shame culture prevalent in the first century, with a particular focus on 1 Cor 11, 14, 7. Suggestions will then be made about Paul’s possible... more
This paper will examine the Pauline restrictions on women within the context of the honor–shame culture prevalent in the first century, with a particular focus on 1 Cor 11, 14, 7. Suggestions will then be made about Paul’s possible theological-cultural agenda. Some concluding observations will also be made in terms of the relevance of these issues for the church today. One of the features of Paul’s churches, and indeed Paul’s understanding of the gospel, was its universalism, not in the sense of universal salvation, but in the sense of its inclusiveness. One senses that there is at least an element of truth to French philosopher Alain Badiou’s claim that the “sheer radicality” of Paul’s universalism has been underestimated in the ongoing intense scholarly debate that tries to situate Paul in his Jewish and Gentile contexts. Paul does not start with what divides us. Indeed, for Paul, all of humanity starts from a point of commonality, in the experience of being under sin. Similarly, ...
Research Interests:
Macquarie University ResearchOnline.
Research Interests:
In recent years, the notion of Jesus’ denition of Himself as the New Temple in the Gospels, and particularly in the Gospel of John, has received signicant scholarly attention. Not only does Jesus appear to declare Himself to be a temple,... more
In recent years, the notion of Jesus’ denition of Himself as the New Temple in the Gospels, and particularly in the Gospel of John, has received signicant scholarly attention. Not only does Jesus appear to declare Himself to be a temple, but He also foreshadows the replacement of the Jerusalem Temple as being founded in His own person in an eschato- logical context (e.g. Jn 2,19-21.) Furthermore, this concept is more fully developed in the epistles of Paul, in which the new temple is founded on the person of Christ, and is in fact the body of Christ, that is, His church.
is article explores and develops the concept of Jesus Christ as the New Temple with a particular focus on Jn 4,7-26. e main thesis of this paper is that Jesus’ declaration of Himself as the Temple, and Paul’s subsequent development of this concept, must be given due weight. It has signicant implications for the self-understanding of the church today, and for understanding the very nature of Christian worship, illuminating many New Testament themes from a Christological perspective.
is article explores and develops the concept of Jesus Christ as the New Temple with a particular focus on Jn 4,7-26. e main thesis of this paper is that Jesus’ declaration of Himself as the Temple, and Paul’s subsequent development of this concept, must be given due weight. It has signicant implications for the self-understanding of the church today, and for understanding the very nature of Christian worship, illuminating many New Testament themes from a Christological perspective.
Research Interests:
Description This paper will examine the Pauline restrictions on women within the context of the honor–shame culture prevalent in the first century, with a particular focus on 1 Cor 11, 14, 7. Suggestions will then be made about... more
Description This paper will examine the Pauline restrictions on women within the context of the honor–shame culture prevalent in the first century, with a particular focus on 1 Cor 11, 14, 7. Suggestions will then be made about Paul's possible theological-cultural agenda. Some concluding observations will also be made in terms of the relevance of these issues for the church today.
Revelation 11,18 is a verse that is commonly cited specifically in connection with caring for the earth and its natural resources. This paper will argue that in its appropriate context, the destruction of the earth to which Rev 11,18... more
Revelation 11,18 is a verse that is commonly cited specifically in connection with caring for the earth and its natural resources. This paper will argue that in its appropriate context, the destruction of the earth to which Rev 11,18 refers is not the degradation of the natural environment of the earth. Rather, it refers to the outpouring of the seven plagues, for which ultimate responsibility, although it is God’s action, is attributed to the nations under the leadership of the beast. It is therefore exegetically inappropriate to use Rev 11,18 as a de-contextualized proof- text to urge environmental responsibility.
Research Interests:
This essay demonstrates that the account of the two witnesses in the eleventh chapter of the Apocalypse of John is carefully structured in a chiastic structure. Furthermore, it will demonstrate that the account of the two witnesses... more
This essay demonstrates that the account of the two witnesses in the eleventh chapter of the Apocalypse of John is carefully structured in a chiastic structure. Furthermore, it will demonstrate that the account of the two witnesses occupies a central role in the broader structure of the broader Apocalypse of John. In particular, the account of the two witnesses foreshadows both the themes and the structure of the second half of the Apocalypse of John. These perspectives open up new lenses through which the message of the Apocalypse may be analysed and understood.
Research Interests:
This essay demonstrates that the account of the two witnesses in the eleventh chapter of the Apocalypse of John is carefully structured in a chiastic structure. Furthermore, it will demonstrate that the account of the two witnesses... more
This essay demonstrates that the account of the two witnesses in the eleventh chapter of the Apocalypse of John is carefully structured in a chiastic structure. Furthermore, it will demonstrate that the account of the two witnesses occupies a central role in the broader structure of the broader Apocalypse of John. In particular, the account of the two witnes- ses foreshadows both the themes and the structure of the second half of the Apocalypse of John. These perspectives open up new lenses through which the message of the Apocalypse may be analyzed and understood.
Research Interests:
There have been few serious attempts to develop theologies of ordination. This essay considers whether ordination lies within or outside the boundaries of Biblical theology. It analyses the topic of ordination from the perspective of... more
There have been few serious attempts to develop theologies of ordination. This essay considers whether ordination lies within or outside the boundaries of Biblical theology. It analyses the topic of ordination from the perspective of Biblical theology. This essay demonstrates that it is not possible to argue for our contemporary concept of ordination from the Old Testament, that the Old Testament concepts of priesthood do not transfer to the New Testament (unless one adopts a sacramental theology), and that the term and the concept of ordination do not appear in the New Testament at all as we might recognize them in our contemporary setting. While arguments may be made for ordination from administrative necessity, tradition, and other theological systems, ordination must be understood as lying entirely outside the boundaries of Biblical theology.
Research Interests:
In many different ways, the concept of change, which is a “fundamental philosophical problem” in ancient Greek thought,1 is also a central idea in the writings of Paul. The Apostle would not only have been familiar with the constructs of... more
In many different ways, the concept of change, which is a “fundamental philosophical problem” in ancient Greek thought,1 is also a central idea in the writings of Paul. The Apostle would not only have been familiar with the constructs of change within Graeco - Roman culture, since Paul would have also been familiar with related ideas within his own Jewish culture. In this context, this paper will specifically explore how Paul used the idea of “metamorphosis” in ways that were understandable within both the Jewish and Hellenistic cultures of his time, and how he subordinated the contemporary understandings of metamorphosis to the gospel that he preached.
Research Interests:
Despite the greater antiquity of Egyptian civilisation, when we refer to Egyptian and Graeco-Roman cultures, we are generally referring to cultures that were contiguous, and the profound impact that Egyptian ideas had upon the... more
Despite the greater antiquity of Egyptian civilisation, when we refer to Egyptian and Graeco-Roman cultures, we are generally referring to cultures that were contiguous, and the profound impact that Egyptian ideas had upon the Graeco-Roman world cannot be denied. In key respects, Egyptian views of the afterlife foreshadowed Graeco-Roman, Jewish, and early Christian conceptions, particularly in terms of the motif of post- mortem ascent. Although the channels of transmission have been lost in antiquity, the motif may still be sketched clearly enough in both cultures to suggest that Egypt was an important source for its expression. After some methodological considerations, this essay will trace the motif of ascent as it was manifested in Graeco-Roman culture, and then analyze the nature of the ancient Egyptian evidence in order to suggest the existence of key elements of this same motif from the earliest times in ancient Egypt.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Earliest Christianity, after the closing of the canon, continued to affirm the doctrine of creation as a fundamental tenet in its beliefs. This is evident in those writings that have been traditionally classed as the “Apostolic Fathers”... more
Earliest Christianity, after the closing of the canon, continued to affirm the doctrine of creation as a fundamental tenet in its beliefs. This is evident in those writings that have been traditionally classed as the “Apostolic Fathers” of the late first century and second century.1 However, a problem exists in the contemporary understanding of the way the “Apostolic Fathers” interpreted the account of the Genesis creation, concerning whether the Fathers interpreted the Genesis creation account literally or fundamentally in some other fashion. Misunderstandings of the hermeneutic method of the Fathers can lead to the perception that they simply “spiritualize away” creation. The purpose of this essay is to seek to help solve this problem by discovering, through a close reading of the texts of the “Apostolic Fathers,” the way in which these Fathers understood the factual and temporal aspects of the Genesis creation account.
Research Interests:
The importance of the physical body in early Christianity did not always imply bodily resurrection was the means of achieving continuity after death. Much recent scholarship in this area has been influenced by modern categories and by the... more
The importance of the physical body in early Christianity did not always imply bodily resurrection was the means of achieving continuity after death. Much recent scholarship in this area has been influenced by modern categories and by the resurgence of the significance of the body in ancient anthropological discourse and of resurrection in early Christianity. However, modern categories neither reflect the anthropological constructs of antiquity, nor a sufficiently variegated spectrum of views espoused by early Christians. The present article corrects prevailing generalizing tendencies in scholarship and presents a more nuanced picture. This is achieved via an analysis of key texts from third-century North Africa: the writings of Tertullian and the Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas. Important though it was, bodily resurrection was only one view of how material continuity could be achieved, even within texts traditionally denominated as “orthodox.”
Gonzalez, E., “Temas Centrales en las Respuestas Patrísticas a las Críticas de los Siglos II y III a la Historicidad de Jesús” (“Central Themes in the Patristic Responses in the Critiques of the 2nd and 3rd Centuries Against the... more
Gonzalez, E., “Temas Centrales en las Respuestas Patrísticas a las Críticas de los Siglos II y III a la Historicidad de Jesús” (“Central Themes in the Patristic Responses in the Critiques of the 2nd and 3rd Centuries Against the Historicity of Jesus”), Actas del I Congreso Internacional de Estudios Patrísticos: "La identidad de Jesús: unidad y diversidad en la época de la patrística", compiladas por Ángel Hernández, Susana Villalonga, Patricia Ciner, 1a ed., San Juan: Universidad Católica de Cuyo, 2013. ISBN 978-950-559-295-1. Fecha de catalogación: 11/12/2012.
Research Interests:
The resonances of the language and imagery of the Passion of Perpetua with Jewish apocalyptic literature has long been recognized. A comparison of the morphological features of the Passion of Perpetua with those of apocalyptic literature... more
The resonances of the language and imagery of the Passion of Perpetua with Jewish apocalyptic literature has long been recognized. A comparison of the morphological features of the Passion of Perpetua with those of apocalyptic literature reveals that they share the same features. Even more fundamentally, key aspects of the social roles which the Passion of Perpetua played within the Carthaginian and North African Christian communities are analogous with the social roles that have been postulated for Jewish apocalyptic literature. The Passion of Perpetua therefore displays the signs of having been written as an adaptation and application of the Jewish apocalyptic texts to the specific challenges faced by the early North African Christian communities.
Research Interests:
Los ataques contra la realidad de la vida y los hechos históricos de Jesucristo comenzaron desde los mismos principios de la época Cristiana, en la forma de las ideas Docéticas, de las cuales encontramos rasgos, en forma de refutaciones,... more
Los ataques contra la realidad de la vida y los hechos históricos de Jesucristo comenzaron desde los mismos principios de la época Cristiana, en la forma de las ideas Docéticas, de las cuales encontramos rasgos, en forma de refutaciones, en el mismo Nuevo Testamento. Los escritores del Nuevo Testamento y los Padres Apostólicos contestaron estas ideas con el mismo testimonio ocular, y con argumentos teológicos. Aunque el desafío del Docetismo continuo, el ataque de Celso (c. A.D. 178) contra la persona de Jesucristo, nos abre una ventana a otra clase de ataque más popular y no teológico. Además, las acusaciones de Celso parecen reflejar ideas que circulaban anteriormente. Esta ponencia examinara estos desafíos contra la historicidad de Jesucristo, juntamente con otros ataques contra la historicidad de Su resurrección. En este contexto consideraremos las respuestas de Ignacio, Ireneo, Tertuliano, e Orígenes, reconociendo la diversidad de los varios contextos de estos escritores; sin embargo con el fin de discernir la unidad de la respuesta patrística. En nuestra época moderna, cuando la realidad e identidad de Jesucristo es sujeta a una multiplicidad de ataques, ¿qué podemos aprender de los primeros defensores de la historicidad de Jesucristo?
Research Interests:
The possible relationship between the Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas, and Tertullian is one that that has intrigued scholars for many generations. It hardly seems possible that Tertullian would not have known of the dramatic martyrdom... more
The possible relationship between the Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas, and Tertullian is one that that has intrigued scholars for many generations. It hardly seems possible that Tertullian would not have known of the dramatic martyrdom of Perpetua and her companions in his own city. However, this paper argues that the authors of the Passion and Tertullian represent different early Christian traditions about the afterlife; indeed traditions that were in polemical conflict with each other. The writings of Tertullian themselves provide evidence that suggests that his relationship between his own views of the afterlife and those of the authors of the Passion of Perpetua were in polemical opposition in Carthage. The two writings appear to represent either two different communities or two streams of tradition within the same community. Another way of characterising the two writings is by considering Tertullian as representing “official, ecclesiastical Christianity,” while the Passion of Perpetua represents a more popular version of Christianity. This study particularly considers Tertullian’s statements in Scorpiace 10 and De Anima 55 within the context of this polemic within the Carthaginian Christian community. The reading of the Passion of Perpetua and the writings of Tertullian suggested here helps to point towards some clearer answers for questions that have long vexed scholars, such as why it is that Tertullian seems to ignore Perpetua, and whether or not Tertullian was the editor of the Passion of Perpetua.
Research Interests:
Are we able to attribute a modern concept such as universalism (in the sense of the opposite to particularism) to Paul in the formation of his communities, or is such an idea hopelessly anachronistic? This paper suggests that although... more
Are we able to attribute a modern concept such as universalism (in the sense of the opposite to particularism) to Paul in the formation of his communities, or is such an idea hopelessly anachronistic? This paper suggests that although Paul’s universalism does not fully conform to modern definitions, there is a universalistic dimension to his formation of the ἐκκλησία that was radical within his own culture in both Jewish and Hellenistic terms. Nevertheless, there were some first-century social and philosophical currents that would have provided some implicit support for his application of universalistic principles. However, the roots of Paul’s approach are to be found not so much in Hellenistic philosophical currents, but rather in his understanding of divine convenantal condescension. These considerations allow us some insights to understanding the status of different genders, ethnicities, and socio-economic classes in the Pauline communities.
Research Interests: Diversity, Gender, Egalitarianism, Equality, Ethnicity, and 4 moreSocial Class, Paul, Universalism, and Particularism
Research Interests:
Many scholars have often considered the concept of ascent in the New Testament to be closely related to and drawn from the models available in the Hellenistic world. This article argues for... more
Many scholars have often considered the concept of ascent in the New Testament to be closely related to and drawn from the models available in the Hellenistic world. This article argues for fundamental morphological differences between the concept of ascent in the New Testament and the pervasive and popular motif of ascent in the Graeco-‐‑Roman world. At the core of the differences lies a completely different anthropological understanding. Sources and influences other than the contemporary models must therefore be found. The article concludes by suggesting that the most appropriate antecedents of ascent in the New Testament should be sought in the Old Testament itself and mediated by Second Temple
apocalyptic thought.
apocalyptic thought.