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Abstract not available. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2000.

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This study is uses reader-response methodology in order to argue: 1) that it is possible through a right understanding and application of this methodology to use it to discover how ordinary readers interpret the Epistle to the Romans and to present a reading of the text by two groups of ordinary readers in Pietermaritzburg. 2) that it is possible to collect the data necessary for the presentation of the interpretation of Romans by ordinary readers using the techniques .that have been developed in ethnographic research. 3) that the interpretation of the letter by ordinary readers shows that they read the text of Romans with a mixture of acceptance and resistance to the rhetoric of the text. 4) that a discussion of the debate on the authorial i intention in Romans can be used to posit the reactions of the original readers/hearers of the letter and that this reaction can then be compared with that of the readers in Pietermaritzburg. To reach the conclusion that in the case of Romans, and by extension in any other text, it is the ordinary readers of the text who, by accepting or rejecting it, determine the success or failure of the author in communicating her intention through the text . / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1996.

"From Shame to Honour: Mediterranean Women in Romans 16" breaks new ground in the field of social-scientific criticism. This work focuses on one specific area, the role of women in the New Testament, particularly the women of Romans 16. In order to understand the ancient Mediterranean world this thesis lays a foundation of current anthropological studies of that region. By focusing on women in these cultures and looking for cultural patterns, various societal values rise to the surface. Honour and Shame, Public and Private, Power, Relationships, Death and Religion all are shown to follow specific cultural norms in regards to women. However, one cannot simply take modern anthropological findings, apply them to the ancient world and expect there to be an automatic correlation. This thesis parallels but also critiques the model Bruce Malina outlines in his work. However, this work, unlike others before it, goes to the individual cultures - Greek, Jewish and Roman - that impact the milieu of the New Testament world and studies their patterns. From the research gathered a new model has been formed that is nuanced to reflect its focus on women in the ancient world. New questions are formulated and insights gained that help us to understand better New Testament women, specifically the women of Romans 16. This thesis does not stop at this model but goes on to look at Romans 16 from a historical-critical and biblical feminist critique. It asks traditional questions of the text but also seeks to hear Romans 16 with a sensitivity to the women in the text and to the story they tell. Romans 16 provides an excellent case study for the cultural context model because it does have so much to teach us about women in the first-century world and women in the very earliest Christian groups. The women of Romans 16 appear to be as equally active in ministry as their male counterparts. This list of greetings reveals women outside of their expected gender roles, women who lead churches, who are apostles, co-workers, labourers in the gospel, patrons and ministers.

This dissertation explores the hardening mentioned in Romans 11:25 and its role in Israel's rejection of the gospel. Chapter 1 describes the difficulties faced when addressing the issue of hardening. Additionally, the thesis states that in the case with the Jewish people, the partial hardening has divine origins and serves a glorious purpose. Chapter 2 provides three arguments from Romans 9-11 explaining Israel's rejection of Jesus. These three arguments underline the belief that although vast numbers of Jewish people have rejected Jesus, God's word has not failed. The chapter concludes with the primary argument offered in that Israel's rejection is due to a partial hardening. Chapter 3 presents the argument that God is the primary cause of Israel's hardening. After exploring Scriptures where man seems responsible for his own hardening, the chapter argues that based on Romans 9-11, and especially the statement that God has mercy on whom he wills and he hardens whom he wills, the hardening Israel is experiencing has God rather than man as it cause. Chapter 4 explores the various reasons Paul gave in Romans 11 for the divine hardening. After refuting the idea that the hardening is a demonstration of God's rejection of Israel, that chapter examines three reasons why Israel is experiencing this hardening. Chapter 5 looks at Israel's future once the hardening is removed. The chapter focuses specifically on what the phrase "all Israel will be saved" means. Examined in this chapter are the three traditional interpretations regarding this statement. Strengthens and weaknesses are provided for each position. Chapter 6 discusses the implications for evangelism for SBC entities in light of this divine hardening. After examining the history of the SBC's efforts to evangelize the Jewish people, discussion surrounds future strategies for the SBC at the national, state and local levels. Chapter 7 provides a brief summary of the work and restates the thesis and major issues discussed within the context of the paper. It also offers some suggestions and unanswered questions for further study on this topic. / This item is only available to students and faculty of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. If you are not associated with SBTS, this dissertation may be purchased from <a href="http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb">http://disexpress.umi.com/dxweb</a> or downloaded through ProQuest's Dissertation and Theses database if your institution subscribes to that service.

No abstract available / New Testament / M.Th. (New Testament)

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