Language:
English
Year of publication:
2020
Titel der Quelle:
Journal for the Study of the New Testament
Angaben zur Quelle:
43,3 (2021) 389-410
Keywords:
New Testament. Criticism, interpretation, etc.
;
Synagogues New Testament teaching
;
Group identity
;
Identity (Psychology) Religious aspects
;
Christianity
Abstract:
Since J. Louis Martyn proposed that John reflected a two-level drama, there has been much criticism of his (anachronistic?) use of the Birkat Ha-Minim to explain the expulsion of Christians from the synagogue. Adele Reinhartz maintains that this is really a case of anti-synagogue propaganda on the part of the evangelist. Yet, in all the exegetical discussion, one aspect which is rarely examined is the nominal form of ἀποσυνάγωγος (Jn 9.22; 12.42; 16.2a), a strange term which Bible translations have to turn into a verb. This label appears to come from a Greek-speaking Jewish milieu, and its negativity is re-appropriated by the author of this Christian text. Social identity research provides an insight into how a positive approach to stigmatizing labels can allow a community to thrive. This can be applied to ἀποσυνάγωγος in John, an insult which actually demonstrates the validity of one’s faith and identity. It is good to be a reject.
DOI:
10.1177%2F0142064X20973905
URL:
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