I am a graduate student in Biblical Studies, specifically New Testament and Early Christianity. My interests lay primarily in the second century development of early Christianity. I enjoy the challenge of applying contemporary literary theories such as deconstruction, structuralism, postcolonialism, feminism etc. to NT texts. One of my main arguments throughout my research is that the course of most history revolves around the negotiation of sociopolitical power. The constant struggle for hegemony and ideological domination defines humanity. Some people of note who have influenced my thought include Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, Pierre Bourdieu, Peter Berger, Karl Marx, Ludwig Feuerbach and Adolf von Harnack to name a few. Supervisors: L Michael White
Postcolonial criticism is a relatively new approach to New Testament studies. This methodology f... more Postcolonial criticism is a relatively new approach to New Testament studies. This methodology focuses on ideological power struggles between natives and imperial forces. In the first century CE the Roman empire exercised political authority over Jewish authorities such as the High Priest and the Pharisees. The gospel of Mark represents a form of resistant literature as the portrayal of Jesus is not an attempt to abolish the structure of "Empire," but to replace the emperor with the true Lord. Postcolonial criticism is attempts to explore how ancient authors negotiated power dynamics as members of a subjugated group. This thesis assesses the usefulness of postcolonial criticism using Tat-siong Benny Liew's model as its case study. The goal is to explore both the limitations and possibilities presented by this methodology.
Postcolonial criticism is a relatively new approach to New Testament studies. This methodology f... more Postcolonial criticism is a relatively new approach to New Testament studies. This methodology focuses on ideological power struggles between natives and imperial forces. In the first century CE the Roman empire exercised political authority over Jewish authorities such as the High Priest and the Pharisees. The gospel of Mark represents a form of resistant literature as the portrayal of Jesus is not an attempt to abolish the structure of "Empire," but to replace the emperor with the true Lord. Postcolonial criticism is attempts to explore how ancient authors negotiated power dynamics as members of a subjugated group. This thesis assesses the usefulness of postcolonial criticism using Tat-siong Benny Liew's model as its case study. The goal is to explore both the limitations and possibilities presented by this methodology.
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