Pursuing Vernon Robbin's methodology on the Jericho Road : a socio-rhetorical analysis of Luke 10:25-37
Master Thesis
1999
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
This study analyses the nature and basis of Vernon Robbins' socio-rhetorical criticism and its applicability to Luke 10:25-37. The main purpose of the study is to highlight the usefulness of socio-rhetorical criticism to parabolic interpretation through an assessment of its implications for the analysis of Luke 10:25-37. A comprehensive study of Robbins' approach and its applicability to the parable of the Good Samaritan (10:25-37) is conducted in three parts, in an attempt to derive a more precise understanding of the nature of the approach, and the manner in which Robbins grounds his thought in this interpretative process. Part I elucidates the theoretical basis of the study and its assumptions. Also included is a discussion of previous major trends in parabolic interpretation. This survey is important because it is not possible to commence a study of a parabolic text without presenting a brief chronological orientation of methodological approaches employed by scholars over the years. This section concludes with a consideration of Robbins' socio-rhetorical criticism as a significant innovation by moving boundaries and calling for dialogue among diverse disciplines. Part II gives a demonstration of socio-rhetorical criticism as it explores Luke 10:25- 37. Using tools of analysis from different disciplines as suggested in socio-rhetorical criticism, this study attempts to detect and emphasise a relationship between various approaches that have been applied to the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25- 37) in an interdisciplinary manner. In the first section, attention is drawn to the relationship of various segments of Luke 10:25-37 to other texts, culture and history. It has been concluded that Luke set out to write his own version of a story which is not found elsewhere in the Synoptic Gospels, though a possible relationship exists between Luke 10:25-28 and Mark 12:28-34 (parallel Matthew 22:34-40) and parts of the Old Testament. In the second section, the language in Luke 10:25-37 is described covering the frequency of items, characterisation and voices, structure of the passage, and argumentation. The language employed contrasts the care of the needy and oppressed shown by the Samaritan with the negligence of the leaders of Israel. In the third section, the question of ideology as portrayed in Luke 10:25-37 is discussed in order to understand the political forces, personalities and institutions that shaped the lives and common destiny of the people in the first-century. In the fourth section, Luke 10:25-37 is analysed in the light of eastern Mediterranean cultural values by highlighting the concept of 'hospitality' which is closely related to the social value of 'honour-shame.' It is argued that Luke underscores the honourable position of Jesus as against that of the lawyer and the Temple hierarchy who are depicted as people who possessed great honour but lacked compassion. In the fifth and final section, the concept of the sacred in Luke 10:25-37 is discussed in order to explain the manner in which readers employ texts to convey the relationship between the sacred and the human. Thus, by exploring different methods of reading Luke 10:25-37, this study is concerned with the challenge of developing an integrated, relevant approach towards the understanding of Gospel texts in general and parables in particular. Part III covers the evaluation of the approach and the conclusions that can be drawn. The issues discussed in the evaluation include a critique of socio-rhetorical analysis in the context of its application to Luke 10:25-37, showing its strengths and weaknesses. On the basis of these findings, it has been concluded that, while some weaknesses may be detected in the approach, on the whole the useful insights it provides may be of great value in the understanding of Gospels in general and parables in particular. A final chapter draws some of the themes together from the three parts in formulating a conclusion.
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Bibliography: pages 136-147.
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Kalongo, T. 1999. Pursuing Vernon Robbin's methodology on the Jericho Road : a socio-rhetorical analysis of Luke 10:25-37. University of Cape Town.