title:
Truthing in love: the theological nature, purpose and practice of 'one-another edifying speech' in the Christian community
creator:
Payne, Tony, 1962-
subject:
Christian ethics
subject:
Speech acts (Linguistics) - Religious aspects - Christianity
subject:
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich - Theology
description:
Abstract reads :"This thesis examines a form of action that is observed in 25 separate passages in the NT but has received virtually no significant theological attention in the Christian tradition: the ‘one-another edifying speech’ (OES) of the Christian community. This form of speech-act is defined as one in which the speaker is a general member of the Christian community (not a recognized or authorized teacher or leader), the hearer is a fellow member (or members) of the community, the content concerns some aspect or application of Christian revelation, and the purpose is to bring spiritual benefit or growth to the hearer.Ethics is an appropriate discipline of thought within which to examine OES, since it entails exploring the theological nature, purposes and practice of morally significant forms of action in the world (of which OES is one, according to the way that it is portrayed in the NT). The method followed is firstly to trace key apostolic trains of thought regarding OES in 1 Corinthians, Ephesians and Hebrews; then to synthesize and explore three significant theological themes that emerge from this exegetical analysis (the relation of OES to the word of God, to the moral transformation of believers, and to the nature of Christian community); and finally, to construct a coherent theological framework to inform the deliberation of contemporary Christian communities.The main findings are threefold. Firstly, OES shares with more recognized forms of congregational teaching and preaching (CTP) a close relation to the apostolic gospel, in source, content and purpose. OES and CTP are, in this sense, different species of the one genus of speech-act—one which by the power of the Spirit seeks to bring the christocentric word of God to bear on the lives of its hearers.Secondly, the key differences between OES and CTP are to be found in the particular functions they serve in the Christian community, in relation to the moral learning and growth of believers. OES is both itself a form of sanctified human speech, and also a means by which moral transformation and growth proceeds in the lives of believers. OES plays a particularly important role in speaking with practical immediacy to the moral deliberations and actions of fellow believers. Thirdly, the Christian community is not only created and constituted by Christ’s word and Spirit, but continues to live and grow as its members encounter one as ‘bringers of the message of salvation’ (in Bonhoeffer’s words). Bonhoeffer’s Life Together provides a theologically compelling picture of OES as the highest form of Christian service.The thesis concludes with an integrated theological understanding of OES, to serve as a framework for the practical deliberation of contemporary Christian communities."Part I: One-another edifyingspeech (OES) as a subject fortheological investigationPart II: Apostolic trains of thoughtPart III: Synthesis and interactionPart IV: Conclusions
description:
A thesis submitted at Moore Theological College in fulfillment of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
publisher:
Moore Theological College
date:
2019-04-01
type:
Text
language:
English
relation:
Print version available in the Moore College Library at R 226.066 PAY
rights:
In copyright: Life of creator plus 70 years
rights:
This item may be used for the purposes of research and study. Please acknowledge that it is held by Moore Theological College.
rights:
This digital item is accessible online to all.
format:
pdf
coverage:
390 pages
