This thesis examines Paul's use of temple, priesthood, and (non-atonement) 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. Utilising 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. Indeed, his use f such tropes illuminate such broad areas as his anthropology, pneumatology, and epistemology, as well as his understanding of holiness, purity, judgment, suffering, death, and obedience to God. 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 logike latreia - 'worship that makes sense' (Romans 12.1).
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:502079 |
| Date | January 2009 |
| Creators | Gupta, Nijay K. |
| Publisher | Durham University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/1351/ |
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