Definitions of χρῖσμα in 1 John 2:20 and 27 have inadequately explained the term as physical ointment, rhetorical symbol, or simple alias for the Holy Spirit or Paraclete figure from the Fourth Gospel. This thesis employs a variety of... more
Definitions of χρῖσμα in 1 John 2:20 and 27 have inadequately explained the term as physical ointment, rhetorical symbol, or simple alias for the Holy Spirit or Paraclete figure from the Fourth Gospel. This thesis employs a variety of exegetical methods, including rhetorical-critical, socio-historical and grammatical analysis in order to respond to the need for a historically contextualized definition. Specifically, the models of limited good, patronage and brokerage are applied to the text, along with insights from group formation theory and memory studies. Comparisons with Philo, Xenophon, and other ancient authors lead to a rhetorically and culturally informed interpretation of chrisma, significant for understanding the community addressed in the text historically and theologically. The thesis contends that χρῖσμα is 1 John’s culturally symbolized term for a communally experienced instructive reality that establishes group ethos and enables a communal lifestyle in conformity to correct christology.
ii Acknowledgments iii Table of Contents iv Chapter 1 1 1 Introduction, Purpose, and Methods 1 1.1 Introduction to the Problem 1 1.2 Defining Terms Operationally 3 1.3 Methods 4 1.4 Social Context 7 1.4.1 Greco-Roman Culture 7 1.4.2... more
ii Acknowledgments iii Table of Contents iv Chapter 1 1 1 Introduction, Purpose, and Methods 1 1.1 Introduction to the Problem 1 1.2 Defining Terms Operationally 3 1.3 Methods 4 1.4 Social Context 7 1.4.1 Greco-Roman Culture 7 1.4.2 Honour, Shame, and Agonistic Culture 8 1.5 Group Formation and Identity 9 1.6 Polemics and Labelling 10 1.7 Main Issues in 1 John 2:18-27 11 Chapter 2 13 2 Literature Survey 13 2.1 Genre 14 2.2 Structure 15 2.3 Authorship 16 2.4 Date 18 2.5 Provenance 19 2.6 Relation of 1, 2, and 3 John to Each Other 20 2.7 Relationship of 1-3 John to the Fourth Gospel 21 2.8 The Johannine Community 22
This Dissertation/Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by Scholarship@Western. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository by an authorized administrator of
