The focus of this thesis is centrobaric in that it gravitates toward the theory and application of the Haustafeln form, with reference to the relationship between husbands and wives as specified in the exhortation to wives in 1 Peter 3:1-7. The two-fold approach utilized in this thesis is represented as follows: Firstly, the reader is introduced to the Graeco-Roman Haustafeln genre in broad terms, which are then narrowed down to focus on Classical references to, and occurrences of, the husband/wife code. The link is then made to the development of the "embelished" or "Christianised" form of the Haustafeln. The research clearly shows the relationship between the two types of Haustafeln. Flowing out of this investigation is the contrast between the approach by the Classical Graeco-Roman authors towards women and that of Christian New Testament authors. Secondly, the findings already seen are applied to 1 Peter 3:1-7 in order to establish how the first readers/hearers of this paraenetic exhortation may have received the message. This idea is then transposed to the twenty-first century where it is then applied to women in South African churches. The findings of this research demand that the reader, irrespective of gender bear cognisance of the challenge that confronts them. In an active and explicit sense males whether engaged in matrimony or celibate, are given the mandate to treat their wives considerately and with honor. Surely, it follows that in an applicable manner men in general are to conduct themselves toward women in the same way? In a passive sense women too are faced with an exhortation to be submissive to their husbands whether the men concerned are regenerate or unregenerate. In this regard, the submission of the wife is seen as being an act of willing obedience, which is two-fold in its' application. On the first level 1 Peter 3:1-4 requires this behavior of wives married to unbelieving husbands so as to win them over to Christ. The second level represented by 1 Peter 3:5-6 expresses to Christian wives of Christian husbands their need to be submissive as Sarah was to Abraham in order that they may be holy with their hope placed in God. The idea of submission at this juncture is an expression of homage to one's husband which befits the woman of God. The implied meaning of submission in the context of 1 Peter 3: 1-7 is seen to be diametrically opposed to the Graeco-Roman understanding of the word, which lent itself to be enforced in a dominant sexist manner, which allowed husbands and men in general to autocratically lord it over women. As a direct result of the imposed domination of women by men, women were not generally regarded by a male dominant society as being equals. The primary challenge which is borne by this thesis then, is the challenge to South African society and church to erradicate behavioral practices which thrive upon incorrect, unjust and especially un-Biblical views of the relationships between men and women married or unmarried. / Thesis (M.A.)--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2000
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/15641 |
| Date | January 2000 |
| Creators | Connock, Evan Brent |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
Page generated in 0.5333 seconds