Chapter 9, interpreted in terms of its macro-micro structure, fits into the
overall literary and theological framework of the Book of Signs. The controversy
between Jesus and the Jewish leaders depicted in chapters 7-10 is taken up by
Chapter 9 in a particular manner.
This study employs the socio-rhetorical perspective to critically investigate
the notion of discipleship. It differs from previous studies as they were undertaken
from the historical, socio-scientific and narrative perspectives, and Robbins' sociorhetorical
methodology is applied to the Chapter 9 in order to dissect the notion of
discipleship as a theological problem. In Chapter 9, the blind man emerges as the
paradigm of the disciple as he exemplifies the principle of John 8.12.
The `Jews', concerned with their need both for self-definition and the
survival of Judaism, attempt to contain the growth of Christianity. The conflict is
conceived as a `conflict between darkness and light' and the healed man emerges as
a hero of the community. His triumph over darkness contrasts him with the Pharisees
who misguidedly follow the way of darkness and reject God's self-revelation. To
summarize, by applying for the first time a multidimensional and comprehensive
approach to John 9, three important characteristics of discipleship in the Fourth
Gospel emerge: (1) it is not just simple enthusiasm and zeal, but rather a firm
commitment, and strong and courageous determination to bear witness based upon
an experience of the divine. Disciples are required to maintain their readiness for
struggles, even death, for the sake of their faith; (2) discipleship is conceived as
redefining the believer's covenant relationship with God which takes place through
Jesus' identity and work. Therefore, the notion of `disciples of Moses' is no longer
defensible; (3) discipleship is nothing less than a `discipleship into light' since it
implies a duty to plead everywhere and always the cause of the Light in the sphere of
darkness and in the world dominated by many kinds of ideologies (religious, cultural,
political, etc.). The disciple must be prepared to be marginalized, not only by the
dominant society, but also by his/her own family and familiar world. / NEW TESTAMENT / DTH (NEW TESTAMENT)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/2537 |
| Date | 31 May 2008 |
| Creators | Muderhwa, Barhatulirhwa Vincent |
| Contributors | Dettwiler, A. (Prof.), Van Der Merwe, D. G. (Prof.), djagegjj@unisa.ac.za |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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