Promoting proclamation: A study of the prominence, content, and rhetorical impact of the motif of proclamation in the Gospel of Mark

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Promoting proclamation: A study of the prominence, content, and rhetorical impact of the motif of proclamation in the Gospel of Mark

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title: Promoting proclamation: A study of the prominence, content, and rhetorical impact of the motif of proclamation in the Gospel of Mark

creator: Ryan, Peter

subject: Bible . Mark ;

description: Abstract reads : "The motif of proclamation has attracted relatively little attention in Markan studies to date. In response to this scholarly lacuna, this study offers a offers a detailed exploration of the motif of proclamation in the Gospel of Mark, arguing for its prominence, detailing its content and considering its potential rhetorical impact on the reader. This exploration in turn contributes more broadly to an understanding of the message and purpose of Mark’s Gospel.The starting point for the study is William Freedman’s two key criteria for establishing a motif in a literary work - frequency and avoidability. These are applied to demonstrate the existence of the motif of proclamation in Mark. The study then utilises six indicators of prominence to determine the prominence of the motif of proclamation in Mark.The approach taken throughout the study consists of a detailed synchronic motif analysis. Passages in Mark’s Gospel that contribute to the motif of proclamation are identified through a process based on qualitative content analysis. These passages are then examined through a close reading utilising the tools of narrative criticism, historical-grammatical exegesis, and rhetorical criticism. The focus of this close reading is to determine the contribution that these passages make to the prominence and content of the motif of proclamation, and to consider the potential rhetorical impact of this material on Mark’s readers.The study also considers possible reasons for the relative neglect of the motif to date, and engages with the work of William Wrede on the contrasting motif of secrecy.The result of this analysis is that the motif of proclamation is shown to be a prominent motif in Mark. References to proclamation pervade Mark’s Gospel from the Markan prologue (1:1–15) through to the conclusion (16:7–8), occurring at pivotal points in the narrative. The motif is shown to be associated with both major and minor characters in Mark’s narrative (1:4, 14, 3:14; cf. 1:45; 5:20; 7:36) and to be developed through both the words of the narrator and the dialogue of characters (1:38–39; 6:12; cf. 13:10; 14:9). The motif of proclamation is also shown to be developed through interaction with other significant Markan themes.The analysis also demonstrates the rich content of the motif. The passages considered highlight the importance of proclamation in God’s plan, expand the task of proclamation beyond the Twelve to other followers of Jesus, and present this task as a continuation of Jesus’s ministry of proclamation. The content of the motif also includes an anticipation of an ongoing worldwide proclamation of the gospel after the completion of the narrative and communicates both the urgency and potential cost of involvement in this task.Finally, the analysis proposes that the motif of proclamation in Mark serves a significant rhetorical purpose. As Mark develops the motif of proclamation, the reader is exhorted in various ways to take up the task of proclaiming the gospel. While the Gospel of Mark lacks an explicit commissioning statement (such as is found in Matthew and Luke), the call to involvement in the task of proclaiming the gospel throughout the world permeates the book."

publisher: Moore Theological College

date: 2021

type: text

source: Original file name: FINAL_10029455_PhDThesis_Promotingproclamation.pdf

language: English

coverage: 2021-01-01

coverage: 2021-12-31

rights: In copyright: Date of publication plus 70 yearsThis item may be used for the purposes of research and study. Please acknowledge Peter Ryan and that it is held by Moore Theological College.This digital item is accessible online to all.

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