The author of dissertation considers that dependence of behavior of people on their attitude toward God the Creator is perhaps the first and the most important topic that comes to mind during the study of the present passage of the most fundamental Paul's epistle. We believe it is necessary to explore "false foundations" as we see as Paul opposes to them his ideology - ideology of worship to God the Creator. We affirm that Paul sees the main reason of immoral behavior in such area of man's activity as thinking that, in its tum, denies the Creator of every living thing of Earth and because of its incapability to rule over human passions is forced to look for an ideological basis for its acts. This thesis has also practical meaning because it demonstrates Paul's methodology of disproval of false theories of that time revealing their illogicality and senselessness. / Biblical and Ancient studies / M. Th (New Testament)

The letter to the Romans conveys a message of God's love and how through his grace, he has prepared a way to liberate mankind from a life of sin to a life of righteousness. But the way the message is presented, this grace may easily be misunderstood as an encouragement for people to live in sin. In Chapter 6:1-14, a concise but detailed outline of the message of the epistle unfolds into two main sections, namely, the Indicative and the Imperative. Key statements in these sections are: 'How can we who have died to sin, continue to live in it?' (6:2), and 'Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God' (6:11). Failure to distinguish the separate meanings of these statements may lead to the conclusion that the pericope encourages libertinism. In outlining the:meaning of this expression, 'We have died to sin ... ', I hope to make a contribution for a better understanding of the message of this pericope, namely: The grace of God that enables believers to live a righteous / Biblical and Ancient Studies / M.A. (Theology)

Esse trabalho consiste numa abordagem analítica do tema subjacente ao texto de Romanos 1.26-27, em consonância com as perspectivas dos principais pressupostos hermenêuticos elaborados na contemporaneidade. No desenvolvimento dessa análise, há um encontro inevitável com os elementos filosóficos da linguagem, os quais sugerem novos rumos para as teorias de interpretação, sobretudo no tocante a temas complexos que emergem das sociedades ocidentais. Em contato com vias de mãos duplas, interpõe-se a visão interpretativa de Kevin Vanhoozer, que realça o aspecto canônico-linguístico das Escrituras, por um lado; mas ressalta, por outro lado, a relevância da dialogicidade das vozes que reverberam na interpretação dos textos bíblicos. Busca-se entender como a filosofia contribuiu para o avanço de questões da vida social e religiosa; bem como saber lidar com as situações novas. Diante de um cenário cultural cada vez mais plural, a homossexualidade é uma questão que suscita leituras desafiadoras do texto de Rm 1.26-27 e, nesse quesito, estuda-se a correlação entre os Testamentos da Bíblia; a realidade do contexto do autor de Romanos com as situações que se apresentam na atualidade. Vanhoozer sugere que os temas bíblicos sejam inseridos nas disposições do teodrama, mediante o qual as condições humanas possam ser melhor compreendidas e clarificadas de modo dialógico. Pretende-se, assim, estabelecer uma condição de ajustes de mundo às palavras, conforme a ação comunicativa do enunciado indique a direção de um andar em continuidade com as Escrituras. / This work consists of an analytical approach of the underlying theme of the text from Romans 1.26-27, in line with the prospects of significant assumptions made hermeneutical in the contemporary world. In developing this analysis, there is a meeting inevitable with the philosophical elements of language, which suggest new directions for the theories of interpretation, particularly with regard to complex issues that emerge from western societies. Contact tracks of hands, takes the view of interpretative Kevin Vanhoozer, which emphasizes the aspect, canon-language of Scripture, on the one hand; but points out, on the other hand, the relevance of the dialogical voices that reverberate in the interpretation of biblical texts. We seek to understand how the philosophy has contributed to the advancement of life issues - social and religious; as well as to know how to deal with new situations. In the face of a cultural setting ever more plural, homosexuality is an issue that raises challenging readings of the text of Romans 1.26-27 and, in this sense, the correlation between the Testaments of the Bible; the reality of the context of the author of Romans with the situations that present themselves today. Vanhoozer suggests that the biblical themes are included in the provisions of the teodrama, upon which the human condition can be better understood and clarified such dialogical. The aim is to establish a condition of world adjustments to the words, as the communicative action of the wording indicates the direction of a cycling in continuity with the Scriptures.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-01T18:14:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 edivaldo_ferreira_arruda.pdf: 831462 bytes, checksum: cf56e16eca66dc53e9e6f22f2195149c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-01-13 / This work consists of an analytical approach of the underlying theme of the text from Romans 1.26-27, in line with the prospects of significant assumptions made hermeneutical in the contemporary world. In developing this analysis, there is a meeting inevitable with the philosophical elements of language, which suggest new directions for the theories of interpretation, particularly with regard to complex issues that emerge from western societies. Contact tracks of hands, takes the view of interpretative Kevin Vanhoozer, which emphasizes the aspect, canon-language of Scripture, on the one hand; but points out, on the other hand, the relevance of the dialogical voices that reverberate in the interpretation of biblical texts. We seek to understand how the philosophy has contributed to the advancement of life issues - social and religious; as well as to know how to deal with new situations. In the face of a cultural setting ever more plural, homosexuality is an issue that raises challenging readings of the text of Romans 1.26-27 and, in this sense, the correlation between the Testaments of the Bible; the reality of the context of the author of Romans with the situations that present themselves today. Vanhoozer suggests that the biblical themes are included in the provisions of the teodrama, upon which the human condition can be better understood and clarified such dialogical. The aim is to establish a condition of world adjustments to the words, as the communicative action of the wording indicates the direction of a cycling in continuity with the Scriptures. / Esse trabalho consiste numa abordagem analítica do tema subjacente ao texto de Romanos 1.26-27, em consonância com as perspectivas dos principais pressupostos hermenêuticos elaborados na contemporaneidade. No desenvolvimento dessa análise, há um encontro inevitável com os elementos filosóficos da linguagem, os quais sugerem novos rumos para as teorias de interpretação, sobretudo no tocante a temas complexos que emergem das sociedades ocidentais. Em contato com vias de mãos duplas, interpõe-se a visão interpretativa de Kevin Vanhoozer, que realça o aspecto canônico-linguístico das Escrituras, por um lado; mas ressalta, por outro lado, a relevância da dialogicidade das vozes que reverberam na interpretação dos textos bíblicos. Busca-se entender como a filosofia contribuiu para o avanço de questões da vida social e religiosa; bem como saber lidar com as situações novas. Diante de um cenário cultural cada vez mais plural, a homossexualidade é uma questão que suscita leituras desafiadoras do texto de Rm 1.26-27 e, nesse quesito, estuda-se a correlação entre os Testamentos da Bíblia; a realidade do contexto do autor de Romanos com as situações que se apresentam na atualidade. Vanhoozer sugere que os temas bíblicos sejam inseridos nas disposições do teodrama, mediante o qual as condições humanas possam ser melhor compreendidas e clarificadas de modo dialógico. Pretende-se, assim, estabelecer uma condição de ajustes de mundo às palavras, conforme a ação comunicativa do enunciado indique a direção de um andar em continuidade com as Escrituras.

Text in German / An drei Stellen im Römerbrief verweist Paulus auf die Vergangenheit Israels: auf Abraham in Röm 4,1–25, auf Abrahams Nachkommen, Mose und Pharao in Röm 9,6–18 und auf Elija in Röm 11,1–10. Gegenstand der Untersuchung ist die Bedeutung dieser Verweise auf die Vergangenheit Israels für die Argumentation des Römerbriefs. Nach der Analyse der rhetorischen Situation und der Einordnung der relevanten Stellen in die rhetorische Makrostruktur des Briefs werden alttestamentlicher Kontext und frühjüdische Rezeption der rezipierten Ereignisse untersucht. Auf diesem Hintergrund werden die drei Passagen detailliert betrachtet, indem der Argumentationsgang untersucht und die mögliche rhetorische Wirkung auf die Adressaten aus sechs unterschiedlichen Perspektiven analysiert wird: mit hoher Schriftkenntnis, mit geringer Schriftkenntnis, aus jüdischer, nichtjüdischer, christlicher und stadtrömischer Perspektive. Auf diese Weise können unterschiedliche Aspekte der leserseitigen Rezeption differenziert wahrgenommen werden, bevor sie zu einem Gesamtbild zusammengeführt werden. / New Testament

Text in German / An drei Stellen im Römerbrief verweist Paulus auf die Vergangenheit Israels: auf Abraham in Röm 4,1–25, auf Abrahams Nachkommen, Mose und Pharao in Röm 9,6–18 und auf Elija in Röm 11,1–10. Gegenstand der Untersuchung ist die Bedeutung dieser Verweise auf die Vergangenheit Israels für die Argumentation des Römerbriefs. Nach der Analyse der rhetorischen Situation und der Einordnung der relevanten Stellen in die rhetorische Makrostruktur des Briefs werden alttestamentlicher Kontext und frühjüdische Rezeption der rezipierten Ereignisse untersucht. Auf diesem Hintergrund werden die drei Passagen detailliert betrachtet, indem der Argumentationsgang untersucht und die mögliche rhetorische Wirkung auf die Adressaten aus sechs unterschiedlichen Perspektiven analysiert wird: mit hoher Schriftkenntnis, mit geringer Schriftkenntnis, aus jüdischer, nichtjüdischer, christlicher und stadtrömischer Perspektive. Auf diese Weise können unterschiedliche Aspekte der leserseitigen Rezeption differenziert wahrgenommen werden, bevor sie zu einem Gesamtbild zusammengeführt werden. / New Testament

This study investigates the meaning of Paul's expression 'works of the law' ( tpycx vOμou) • A survey of representative scholars regarding Paul's attitude toward the Mosaic law demonstrates that confusion over this issue continues as a difficulty in Pauline studies. It is suggested that ascertaining the meaning of this expression will help alleviate that confusion. This study indicates that Paul's use of tpyov is ethically neutral: 'work' itself is neither positive nor negative for Paul. The ethical orientation of a given 'work' is determined by the descriptors Paul attaches to it. Paul speaks positively and negatively about the law itself, yet only negative descriptors are used with tpycxvOμou. This gives significant direction for the interpretation of 'works of the law.' The historical backgrounds of Galatians and Romans support this negative orientation for tpycx vOμou. These letters were written to confront separate crisis situations in different churches. Yet they share common situational elements. Paul was faced in both churches with a form of 'judaizing' opposition that insisted that Gentile converts become 'practical Jews' in order to 'complete' the Abrahamic covenant through the Mosaic. Paul addresses this threat to these churches by means of epistolographical and rhetorical mechanisms. He uses these persuasive communication devices powerfully, insisting that these converts recognize what it means to be 'in Christ,' and what it means and does not mean to be 'Jewish.' 'Works of the law' are not necessary for salvation, and were never intended for redemption. Likewise, identity as one who performs 'works of the law' does not provide any claim upon God. One does not have to become a 'practical Jew' to have a right relationship to God, and a Jew has no redemptive status before God on the basis of ethnicity. 'Works of the law,' then, serve as a factor in Paul's polemics because the continuing validity of the Mosaic law is the issue being addressed by Paul and his opponents. They are a feature in Paul's view of the law because he is both positive and negative toward the law, depending upon one's intended salvific orientation to God through it / Psychology of Education / D. Th. (New Testament)

Text in English / The purpose of this dissertation was to establish the rhetorical function of Romans 7 within the context of Romans 5-8. Chapter 1 involved a survey of the problem that led to the investigation and a discussion of a number of approaches offered as an interpretation for understanding Romans 7. Chapter 2 centred on an investigation into the nature of Paul's audience in Rome. Chapter 3 investigated the purpose of the letter as a help to understanding the rhetorical function of Romans 7. Chapter 4 dealt with the rhetorical function of Romans 7. The causa underlying Paul's rhetoric in Romans 7 was a tendency among Gentile Christians to want to return to the law. Paul set out strongly to counter this tendency because it was incompatible with their position in Christ and would foil his plans in respect of the Gentile Christians in Rome and of the Gospel to the West. / Biblical & Ancient Studies / M.A. (Biblical Studies)

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Modern society is plagued by an intense conflict of political ideologies. These conflicts in many instances reflect very serious religious overtones. Each person or group claims the right to react to socio-political issues on the basis of their own worldviews that are shaped by their cultural backgrounds, religious belief systems and political ideals. Human diversity serve to complicate matters even more and has in many instances found expression in political and religious intolerance, a fact testified to by the large-scale abuse of human rights that took place with increased intensity in the 20th century. Many Christians have failed to challenge the injustices that have resulted from these political ideologies and have instead opted to become 'apolitical' or simply hiding behind the argument that politics and religion does not mix. The author through a careful study of biblical political structures in the ancient Near East attempts to demonstrate the extent to which political ideologies of communities were influenced by the cultural milieu within which they existed. The feelings of ambivalence we experience in our faith are a direct result of these influences. An understanding of political ideology from a biblical perspective is essential to understand current world conflicts especially those that relate to the Middle East region. The author also argues for a reconciliation of politics and religion in the collective psyche of Christians. This would enhance a sense of sociopolitical responsibility in terms of the biblical mandate. The responsibility of government structures in terms of this mandate is also important and needs to be emphasised. The primary responsibility of any government is the welfare of its citizens and the management of public resources in an orderly, moral and efficient manner. A large percentage of government officials find it extremely difficult to face up to the challenge. The perspectives presented not only gives one insight into the historical development of biblical political worldviews. but presents us with challenges to pursue opportunities for peace and justice that would recognise and advance human dignity, human equality and human responsibility. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die moderne samelewing is oorweldig deur konflikte van politieke ideologies. Hierdie konflikte is in baie gevalle 'n weerspieëling van baie ernstige godsdienstige motiewe. Elke persoon of groep behou hom die reg voor om te reageer op socio-politiese aangeleenthede op grond van 'n eie wêreldsiening wat geskep word deur kulturele agtergronde, godsdienstige geloofsstelsels en politieke ideale. Menslike verskeidenheid maak hierdie aangeleenthede meer ingewikkeld en het in baie gevalle gelei na politieke en godsdienstige onverdraagsaamheid. Dit het verder aanleiding gegee tot die grootskaalse menseregte skendings wat plaasgevind het met groter intensiteit gedurende die 20ste eeu. Vele Christene het nie daarin geslaag om die uitdagings van ongeregtighede, wat voortspruit uit hierdie politieke ideologieë, die hoof te bied nie en het verkies om of hulself as 'apolities' te verklaar of om te argumenteer dat politiek en die godsdiens nie bymekaar hoort nie. Die skrywer, deur 'n indringende studie van bybelse politieke strukture van die ou Nabye Ooste te onderneem, poog om te demonstreer dat politiek ideologies gekleur was deur die kulturele samestelling van die gemeenskap. Gevoelens van ambivalensie wat ons ervaar in ons geloof is regstreeks as gevolg van hierdie omstandighede. Politieke ideologie vanuit 'n bybelse perspektief gee vir ons die geleentheid om huidige wêreldkonflikte beter te verstaan veral dit wat betrekking het op die Midde Ooste streek. Die skrywer stel ook voor die versoening van politiek en die godsdiens in die kollektiewe psige van Christene. As gevolg hiervan word die socio-politiese verantwoordelikheid van die Christen verhef in lyn met die bybelse mandaat. Die verantwoordelikheid van regerings strukture in terme van hierdie mandaat is ook belangrik en behoort beklemtoon word. Die primêre doel van enige regering is die welvaart van sy burgers sowel as die bestuur van sy openbare hulpbronne op 'n ordelike, sedelike en doeltreffende manier. 'n Groot aantal regeringsbeamptes vind dit moeilik om hierdie uitdaging die hoof te bied. Hierdie perspektiewe, wat hier aangebied word, gee nie net vir ons insig tot die historiese ontwikkeling van bybelse politieke wêreldsieninge nie, maar daag ons uit om geleenthede vir vrede en geregtigheid wat menslike waardigheid, menslike gelykheid en menslike verantwoordelikheid erken, na te jag.

This study investigates the meaning of Paul's expression 'works of the law' ( tpycx vOμou) • A survey of representative scholars regarding Paul's attitude toward the Mosaic law demonstrates that confusion over this issue continues as a difficulty in Pauline studies. It is suggested that ascertaining the meaning of this expression will help alleviate that confusion. This study indicates that Paul's use of tpyov is ethically neutral: 'work' itself is neither positive nor negative for Paul. The ethical orientation of a given 'work' is determined by the descriptors Paul attaches to it. Paul speaks positively and negatively about the law itself, yet only negative descriptors are used with tpycxvOμou. This gives significant direction for the interpretation of 'works of the law.' The historical backgrounds of Galatians and Romans support this negative orientation for tpycx vOμou. These letters were written to confront separate crisis situations in different churches. Yet they share common situational elements. Paul was faced in both churches with a form of 'judaizing' opposition that insisted that Gentile converts become 'practical Jews' in order to 'complete' the Abrahamic covenant through the Mosaic. Paul addresses this threat to these churches by means of epistolographical and rhetorical mechanisms. He uses these persuasive communication devices powerfully, insisting that these converts recognize what it means to be 'in Christ,' and what it means and does not mean to be 'Jewish.' 'Works of the law' are not necessary for salvation, and were never intended for redemption. Likewise, identity as one who performs 'works of the law' does not provide any claim upon God. One does not have to become a 'practical Jew' to have a right relationship to God, and a Jew has no redemptive status before God on the basis of ethnicity. 'Works of the law,' then, serve as a factor in Paul's polemics because the continuing validity of the Mosaic law is the issue being addressed by Paul and his opponents. They are a feature in Paul's view of the law because he is both positive and negative toward the law, depending upon one's intended salvific orientation to God through it / Psychology of Education / D. Th. (New Testament)