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... 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.
