Semeia 12: The Poetics of Faith, Part 1: Rhetoric, Eschatology, and Ethics in the New Testament

by William A. Beardslee

Publisher:

Society of Biblical Literature (SBL)

, 1978

Overview

Semeia is an experimental journal devoted to the exploration of new and emergent areas and methods of biblical criticism. Studies employing the methods, models, and findings of linguistics, folklore studies, contemporary literary criticism, structuralism, social anthropology, and other such disciplines and approaches, are invited. Although experimental in both form and content, Semeia proposes to publish work that reflects a well defined methodology that is appropriate to the material being interpreted.

Key Features

• Key perspectives on biblical criticism
• Includes bibliographies and index

Contents

Top Highlights

“more traditional form of this cosmic temple symbolism is illustrated in Josephus” (Page 184)

“Apocalyptic literature envisioned a complete temple in heaven (TLevi 5:1), perhaps a development of the idea of the divine ‘pattern’ (Exod 25:9). In Hellenistic Judaism we find the imagery of a temple-structured universe, the outer courts representing sea and earth, the inner court, heaven (Josephus); Philo also distinguished between the sense-perceptible world (the outer courts) and the intelligible world (the sanctuary). Both views are present in Hebrews: the apocalyptic in 8:1–5, 9:23, 9:11–12; the Hellenistic in 9:24, 10:19–20, and perhaps 6:19–20.” (Pages 178–179)

“preacher exhorting the people to perseverance (λόγος παρακλήσεως, 13:22). To do so, he develops a theology of hope” (Page 190)

“apocalyptic eschatological scheme is that of his audience. What they need is a strengthening of their hope” (Page 190)

“heaven is itself the sanctuary of a temple-structured universe” (Page 184)

Contributors

• William A. Beardslee
• Earl Breech
• John Dominic Crossan
• Nils A. Dahl
• Robert W. Funk
• Robert M. Grant
• George MacRae, S.J.
• Paul S. Minear
• Norman R. Petersen
• Dan O. Via, Jr.

Product Details

• Title: Semeia 12: The Poetics of Faith, Part 1: Rhetoric, Eschatology, and Ethics in the New Testament
• Editor: William A. Beardslee
• Publisher: Society of Biblical Literature
• Publication Date: 1978
• Pages: 277

About William A. Beardslee

William A. Beardslee (March 25, 1916 – January 25, 2001) was a professional theologian who made major contributions to the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. He was professor of religion at Emory University until his retirement in 1984.