Worship that Makes Sense to Paul: A New Approach to the Theology and Ethics of Paul's Cultic Metaphors

Nijay K. Gupta

Published by De Gruyter 2010

Worship that Makes Sense to Paul

A New Approach to the Theology and Ethics of Paul's Cultic Metaphors

Nijay K. Gupta

Volume 175 in the series Beihefte zur Zeitschrift für die neutestamentliche Wissenschaft

https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110228908

Overview
Contents

About this book

This book examines Paul’s use of temple, priesthood, and sacrificial metaphors from a cognitive and socio-literary perspective. The final conclusion of a number of scholars in this area of research is that Paul’s cultic metaphors have the theological and rhetorical purpose of encouraging community formation and moral living. Such evaluations, however, often take place without paying sufficient attention to the complexity of Paul’s cultic imagery as well as, from a methodological standpoint, what metaphors are and how they are used in thinking and communicating.
Utilizing the tools and insights of conceptual metaphor theory, this study seeks to approach this topic afresh by attending to how metaphors constitute a necessary platform of cognition. Thus, they have world-constructing and perception-transforming utility. In this study, we conclude that, far from being merely about ethics or ecclesiology, Paul’s cultic metaphors act as vehicles for communicating his ineffable theology and ethical perspective. By anchoring his converts’ new experiences in Christ to the world of ancient cult, and its familiar set of terms and concepts, he was attempting to re-describe reality and develop a like-minded community of faith by articulating logikē latreia – 'worship that makes sense'.

Author / Editor information

Nijay K. Gupta, Seattle Pacific University, Washington, USA.

Topics

Frontmatter Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	I
Table of Contents Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	IX
Introduction Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	1
Part I: Issues and Approaches
Chapter One. The Theology of Paul’s Cultic Metaphors: A History of Research Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	9
Chapter Two. Methodology and Terminology Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	27
Part II: Exegesis of Cultic Metaphors
Chapter Three. 1 Thessalonians and 1 Corinthians Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	55
Chapter Four. 2 Corinthians Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	87
Chapter Five. Romans Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	107
Chapter Six. Philippians Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	137
Part III: Synthesis of Key Correlations
Chapter Seven. New Life and Service to God Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	155
Chapter Eight. From Body of Death to Temple of Life Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	173
Chapter Nine. Transformed Perception Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	191
Chapter Ten. Metaphor, Cult and Identity: Exploring Coherence Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	205
Chapter Eleven. Conclusion and Final Reflections Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	213
Backmatter Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	223

(Deutsch)

Language: English
Publisher: De Gruyter
Audience: Academics, Institutes, Libraries
Pages
- Front matter: 10
- Main content: 263
Keywords: Paul; Temple; Priesthood; Sacrifice; Metaphor

eBook

Published: July 19, 2010
ISBN: 9783110228908

Hardcover

Published: July 16, 2010
ISBN: 9783110228892