D.Litt. et Phil. / In this study James 3:13:4:12 is examined by applying the basic premises presented by a semiotic as well as a hermeneutic inter textual theory in order to (a) understand the specific functioning of the text in its socio-historic context and (b) investigate the possibilities of reading this text from a post-modern perspective. The application of these basic aims delivers some surprising and exciting results: The basic argument presented in 3:13-4:12 is clarified, namely the writer's concern about the competing wisdom teachers in the Christian community. Criteria for identifying wise and unwise teachers are given. The investigation into the literal relationships reflected in James 3:13-4:12, contibutes to solve sintactical and semantical problems functioning on the structural surface of the text. Questions concerning the transactional aspects of the text, namely the pragmatic function of inter texts in this specific pericope is answered. The context implied by James 3:13-4:12 is clarified, namely the extra-textual situation (teachers competing since the positions of wisdom teacher in holds financial advantages and status in the community), the dating of James (written around the second quarter of the second century), the theme of wisdom in James, the mythological framework supposed, Hellenistic topics reflected in this writing, James' usage of the Old Testament and the eschatological theme. The text is reread in a post-modern context. The text reveals ideological interests and explains the author's views on the place of females in the church structure. It is argued that the social categories and the hierarchal system of leadership found in this writing are relative to its time and should be re-evaluated against the needs and circumstances of our own time. It is concluded that a intertextual approach to reading, interpreting and understanding New Testament texts may render a significant contribution to New Testament studies.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:9913 |
| Date | 10 September 2012 |
| Creators | Van Zyl, Susanna Maria |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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