ABSTRACT (deutsch) Das Lukasevangelium ist ein literarisches Werk in Form einer Erzählung. Die Pharisäer spielen darin eine zentrale Rolle als wichtigste Gruppe der Gegenspieler Jesu. Die Methode der narrativen Exegese ist daher geeignet, die Darstellung der Pharisäer zu analysieren und eine literarische Charakterisierung vorzunehmen. Eine Untersuchung aller Texte des Lukasevangeliums, in denen Pharisäer erwähnt werden, ergibt ein komplexes und facettenreiches Pharisäerporträt. Die Pharisäer werden primär negativ dargestellt, als religiöse Führer, die die göttliche Sendung Jesu, seine Vollmacht und seinen Auftrag, nicht erkennen und ablehnen. Die Pharisäer haben eine Kontrastfunktion innerhalb der Gesamterzählung des Lukasevangeliums. Sie dienen als Negativfolie, auf der die Bedeutung der Hauptfigur Jesus umso heller aufleuchtet. Ein Merkmal des Lukasevangeliums ist jedoch, dass dieses primär negative Bild durch die erzählerische Darstellung mehrfach abgeschwächt wird. Der Erzähler zeichnet kein einseitiges Pharisäerbild (flat character), sondern differenziert deutlich (mehr als die anderen Synoptiker). Er verzichtet bei der Präsentation ihres Verhaltens und ihrer Worte weitgehend auf explizit feindliche Aspekte. Er deutet eine relative Nähe zwischen Jesus und den Pharisäern an. Eine abschließende negative Wertung oder Verurteilung der Pharisäer unterbleibt. Auffällig ist die komplette Auslassung der Rolle der Pharisäer beim Prozess gegen Jesus. Die Reaktion Jesu auf die Pharisäer ist geprägt von Milde und Hoffnung, trotz vereinzelter scharfer Auseinandersetzungen. Jesus ist bei allen Begegnungen mit den Pharisäern bemüht, ihnen zur Erkenntnis seiner Person als göttlichem Gesandten zu verhelfen und sie zur Umkehr zu bewegen. ABSTRACT (english) The Gospel of Luke is a literary work in narrative form in which the Pharisees play a central role as the most important group in opposition to Jesus. Thus narrative exegesis is an appropriate method to analyse the presentation of the Pharisees and to undertake a literary characterisation of their role. An examination of all the texts in Luke's Gospel which mention the Pharisees yields a complex, multi-facetted portrait of the Pharisees. The Pharisees, characterised primarily negatively as religious leaders, neither recognise nor acknowledge the divine mission of Jesus, nor his authority nor mandate. Rather the Pharisees function in juxtaposition to Christ and his ministry within the overall narrative of Luke's Gospel. They serve as a negative backdrop against which the central figure of Jesus appears all the more significant, indeed even radiant. However, it is one trait of Luke's Gospel that this primarily negative picture is repeatedly softened by the narrative presentation. The narrator does not paint a one-sided picture of the Pharisees (flat character) but differentiates clearly in his presentation (more than the other Synoptic Gospels do). In his presentation of the Pharisees' behaviour and words the author to a large extent forgoes mentioning explicitly hostile aspects, but rather intimates the relative proximity between Jesus and the Pharisees. There is no final negative evaluation or judgement passed on the Pharisees. It is noteworthy that there is a complete omission of the role of the Pharisees in the legal proceedings and court trials against Jesus. Jesus' reaction to the Pharisees is nevertheless one of gentleness and hope, despite a few acrimonious conflicts recounted in the narrative. In all of his encounters with Pharisees Jesus endeavours to help them recognise himself as divine envoy and to move them to repentance. / New Testament / M.Th.

The Joseph narrative (Gn 37-50) has fascinated scholars since the discovery of sources in the Pentateuch. However, it was Gerhard von Rad (1901-1971) who opened scholars’ eyes to the wisdom current in the narrative. In recent years, narrative criticism became an important exegetical toll to analyze biblical stories. The dissertation makes use of the “quinary scheme” which narrative critics identified in some story plots since this scheme fits the plot of the Joseph narrative like a glove. There is an “initial situation”, a “complication”, a “transforming action”, a “denouement” and a “final situation”. However, the dissertation also takes the Israelite understanding of wisdom into account in assessing whether the different characters acted in a responsible or irresponsible way. Each of the sections of the plot is scrutinized to see how the different characters behave and to judge whether that behaviour can be classified as responsible in a wisdom sense. / Biblical and Ancient studies / M. Th. (Old Testament)

The Mystery of the Woman and the Beast Rhetorical-Narrative Analysis of Revelation 17:1-18 This diploma thesis called "The Mystery of the Woman and the Beast" seeks to unveil the mysterious message of Revelation 17:1-18 by applying the rhetorical-narrative analysis to the text. This analysis entails a specific methodology drawn from the synthesis of both rhetorical and narrative criticism with special regard to persuasive features. The conception of the thesis is based on understanding the message of the text in its own right communicated primarily to its own implicit audience distancing itself from premature theologizing often done especially when dealing with the book of Revelation. Due to the narrative focus of the thesis, considerable space is devoted to analyzing apocalyptic literary tradition and literary aspects of the book itself. Attention is paid to the origin of the apocalyptic tradition as well as the nature of its genre together with its specific motifs and function. The book of Revelation is seen as a part of long-developing apocalyptic tradition sharing some common traits while still being original in its own right. The unique qualities of Revelation are then fully explored in the following chapter. Of particular importance are the genre, imagery, intertextuality, and structure of the book....

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With the invention of the printing press, fairy tales became limited by the idea of an "original" (Pettitt, 2009; Blamires, 2003). However, in the past century, the retelling and changing of fairy tales has become incredibly popular in all forms of media, such as print, film, ballet, musicals, etc. Despite Western populations' familiarity with these tales, the demand for such retellings continues to rise, with the storytellers finding great financial success with each "new" version they provide. Researchers have many varying opinions on the reasons for such intense responses to retold fairy tales, but there is a gap of research on the actual changes made to the retold tales and what they mean. Through the use of Narrative Criticism, three of the most popularly retold fairy tales (Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Snow White) were analyzed for the biggest alterations, and what those alterations are meant to convey to consumers. Findings revealed that the biggest changes across all three retellings were those of character, narrator, audience, and setting. These changes indicate a switch from the authoritative nature of the first printed versions to an inferential nature with the subsequent retellings, with authors leaning into the Narrative Paradigm and forcing audiences to instead ruminate on the changes made in the familiar tales, and to decide for themselves what those changes mean for their personal lives.

This thesis concerns the issues of leadership in the African context, but it derives its emphasis from the stories in Daniel 1–6 in the Old Testament, in order to comment on leadership styles, competencies, skills and the state of leadership in Africa. It is a reading from a specific context, that of someone living in present times in the Republic of Chad. The research focused mainly on the following issues: What can we learn from the stories concerning leadership in Daniel 1–6? Who are the leaders in these chapters? What is the quality of their leadership? In trying to answer these questions, the researcher had to consider the following: How was the book read and interpreted in the past? How is it currently interpreted? Looking at past research, the focus fell on: (1) the pre-critical period, (2) the historical-critical period, and (3) the period in which modern literary studies abound. Following the research history a personal reading and interpretation of the stories in Daniel 1–6 are presented. A narrative analysis is carried out and the plots of the different stories are analysed according to the quinary scheme (the initial situation, the complication, transforming action, the denouement and the final situation). The focus falls on the narrator’s presentation of the main characters and what readers can learn from these stories about leadership. Although there is attention to how scholars in the past and present have interpreted the Book of Daniel, the researcher tries to present a new interpretation by carrying out a contextual reading focusing on leadership. This aspect did not receive much attention in previous research. What is gained by this reading is then applied to the situation in the modern Republic of Chad. First, there is a detailed study of current writing by scholars as well as what they are saying about leadership. Following this, the African and Chadian contexts are considered. The final chapter synthesises all the issues that have been discussed. / Old Testament & Ancient Near Eastern Studies / D.Th. (Old Testament)

John 21 tells of the “miraculous draught of fishes.” The disciples fish all night and catch nothing. In the morning, they fail to recognize Jesus on the shore, instructing them to cast their net again. After an amazing catch and subsequent breakfast, Jesus thrice questions Peter’s love and commissions him to “feed my sheep.” Using Narrative Criticism, this study examines this recognition scene, specifically in light of recognition scenes in Genesis. Previous work used primarily Greco-Roman texts to analyze Johannine recognition. This study adds the Hebraic perspective, asking, “How would a reader, well acquainted with Genesis, understand recognition in John 21?” This study labels characters who withhold recognition from others as “manipulators,” and argues that biblical recognition can be understood within a context of “manipulation.” It proposes a taxonomy of manipulation with six narrative kernels. This yields four patterns gleaned from Genesis: 1) Manipulation narratives are focused around chosen leaders—manipulators—undergoing a character development process; 2) These manipulators disempower others while empowering themselves for gain; 3) Genesis manipulation stories often contain evocative déjà vu motifs: repetitive words and themes connecting the units, reinforcing the story, and sometimes haunting manipulators; 4) Manipulators are often “counter-manipulated” in a reciprocal manner ironically similar to their own previous behavior. This may correct and transform the manipulator. The taxonomy and patterns are applied to John 21:1-19 as a lens for a new reading. The study also examines Greek diminutives in John 21, which enhances the reading. This reading characterizes Peter’s earlier behavior in John 18 as manipulative, when he withheld his identity three times. When the disciples go aimlessly fishing in John 21, Jesus actively withholds his identity in ironic counter-manipulation, mirroring Peter’s earlier denials. The disciples’ lack of recognition underscores their dullness, especially Peter’s. Jesus’ three questions to Peter continue the ironic counter-manipulation, paralleling Peter’s earlier three denials. Finally, Jesus predicts Peter will glorify God in his death, indicating his future turn toward ideal discipleship. / New Testament / D. Th. (New Testament)

This thesis concerns the issues of leadership in the African context, but it derives its emphasis from the stories in Daniel 1–6 in the Old Testament, in order to comment on leadership styles, competencies, skills and the state of leadership in Africa. It is a reading from a specific context, that of someone living in present times in the Republic of Chad. The research focused mainly on the following issues: What can we learn from the stories concerning leadership in Daniel 1–6? Who are the leaders in these chapters? What is the quality of their leadership? In trying to answer these questions, the researcher had to consider the following: How was the book read and interpreted in the past? How is it currently interpreted? Looking at past research, the focus fell on: (1) the pre-critical period, (2) the historical-critical period, and (3) the period in which modern literary studies abound. Following the research history a personal reading and interpretation of the stories in Daniel 1–6 are presented. A narrative analysis is carried out and the plots of the different stories are analysed according to the quinary scheme (the initial situation, the complication, transforming action, the denouement and the final situation). The focus falls on the narrator’s presentation of the main characters and what readers can learn from these stories about leadership. Although there is attention to how scholars in the past and present have interpreted the Book of Daniel, the researcher tries to present a new interpretation by carrying out a contextual reading focusing on leadership. This aspect did not receive much attention in previous research. What is gained by this reading is then applied to the situation in the modern Republic of Chad. First, there is a detailed study of current writing by scholars as well as what they are saying about leadership. Following this, the African and Chadian contexts are considered. The final chapter synthesises all the issues that have been discussed. / Biblical and Ancient Studies / D. Th. (Old Testament)

John 21 tells of the “miraculous draught of fishes.” The disciples fish all night and catch nothing. In the morning, they fail to recognize Jesus on the shore, instructing them to cast their net again. After an amazing catch and subsequent breakfast, Jesus thrice questions Peter’s love and commissions him to “feed my sheep.” Using Narrative Criticism, this study examines this recognition scene, specifically in light of recognition scenes in Genesis. Previous work used primarily Greco-Roman texts to analyze Johannine recognition. This study adds the Hebraic perspective, asking, “How would a reader, well acquainted with Genesis, understand recognition in John 21?” This study labels characters who withhold recognition from others as “manipulators,” and argues that biblical recognition can be understood within a context of “manipulation.” It proposes a taxonomy of manipulation with six narrative kernels. This yields four patterns gleaned from Genesis: 1) Manipulation narratives are focused around chosen leaders—manipulators—undergoing a character development process; 2) These manipulators disempower others while empowering themselves for gain; 3) Genesis manipulation stories often contain evocative déjà vu motifs: repetitive words and themes connecting the units, reinforcing the story, and sometimes haunting manipulators; 4) Manipulators are often “counter-manipulated” in a reciprocal manner ironically similar to their own previous behavior. This may correct and transform the manipulator. The taxonomy and patterns are applied to John 21:1-19 as a lens for a new reading. The study also examines Greek diminutives in John 21, which enhances the reading. This reading characterizes Peter’s earlier behavior in John 18 as manipulative, when he withheld his identity three times. When the disciples go aimlessly fishing in John 21, Jesus actively withholds his identity in ironic counter-manipulation, mirroring Peter’s earlier denials. The disciples’ lack of recognition underscores their dullness, especially Peter’s. Jesus’ three questions to Peter continue the ironic counter-manipulation, paralleling Peter’s earlier three denials. Finally, Jesus predicts Peter will glorify God in his death, indicating his future turn toward ideal discipleship. / New Testament / D. Th. (New Testament)

The characterization of the Markan disciples has been and continues to be the object of much scholarly reflection and speculation. For many, the Markan author's presentation of Jesus' disciples holds a key, if not the key, to unlocking the purpose and function of the gospel as a whole. Commentators differ as to whether the Markan disciples ultimately serve a pedagogical or polemical function, yet they are generally agreed that the disciples in Mark come off rather badly, especially when compared to their literary counterparts in Matthew, Luke, and John. This narrative-critical study considers the characterization of the Markan disciples within the Sea Crossing movement (Mark 4:1-8:30). While commentators have, on the whole, interpreted the disciples' negative characterization in this movement in terms of lack of faith and/or incomprehension, neither of these, nor a combination of the two, fully accounts for the severity of language leveled against the disciples by the narrator (6:52) and Jesus (8:17-18). Taking as its starting point an argument by Jeffrey B. Gibson (1986) that the harshness of Jesus' rebuke in Mark 8:14-21 is occasioned not by the disciples' lack of faith or incomprehension but by their active resistance to his Gentile mission, this investigation uncovers additional examples of the disciples' resistance to Gentile mission, offering a better account of their negative portrayal within the Sea Crossing movement and helping explain many of their other failures. In short, this study argues that in Mark 4:1-8:26, the disciples are characterized as resistant to Jesus' Gentile mission and to their participation in that mission, the chief consequence being that they are rendered incapable of recognizing Jesus' vocational identity as Israel's Messiah (Thesis A). This leads to a secondary thesis, namely, that in Mark 8:27-30, Peter's recognition of Jesus' messianic identity indicates that the disciples have finally come to accept Jesus' Gentile mission and their participation in it (Thesis B). Chapter One: Introduction: offers a selective review of scholarly treatments of the Markan disciples, which shows that few scholars attribute resistance, let alone purposeful resistance, to the disciples. Chapter Two: The Rhetoric of Repetition: introduces the methodological tools, concepts, and perspectives employed in the study. It includes a section on narrative criticism, which focuses upon the story-as-discoursed and the implied author and reader, and a section on Construction Grammar, a branch of cognitive linguistics founded by Charles Fillmore and further developed by Paul Danove, which focuses upon semantic and narrative frames and case frame analysis. Chapter Three: The Sea Crossing Movement, Mark 4:1-8:30: addresses the question of Markan structure and argues that Mark 4:1-8:30 comprises a single, unified, narrative movement, whose action and plot is oriented to the Sea of Galilee and whose most distinctive feature is the network of sea crossings that transport Jesus and his disciples back and forth between Jewish and Gentile geopolitical spaces. Following William Freedman, Chapter Four: The Literary Motif: introduces two criteria (frequency and avoidability) for determining objectively what constitutes a literary motif and provides the methodological basis and starting point for the analyses performed in chapters five and six. Chapter Five: The Sea Crossing Motif: establishes and then carries out a lengthy narrative analysis of the Sea Crossing motif, which is oriented around Mark's use of ‎θάλασσα (thalassa) and πλοῖον (ploion), and Chapter Six: The Loaves Motif: does the same for The Loaves motif, oriented around Mark's use of ἄρτος (artos). Finally, Chapter Seven: The Narrative Logic of the Disciples (In)comprehension: draws together all narrative, linguistic, and exegetical insights of the previous chapters and offers a single coherent reading of the Sea Crossing movement that establishes Theses A and B.