Enochic (apocalyptic) and Christian perspectives on relationships
With the general relational context revealed in 1 Enoch as a background, this paper focuses the attention on two (reciprocal) relationships in particular: God and men, and men and their fellow-men. Striking aspects of these relationships, as revealed in 1 Enoch 1-36 and 73-108, are outlined. Inferen...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
NTWSA
1983
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| In: |
Neotestamentica
Year: 1983, Volume: 17, Issue: 1, Pages: 84-96 |
| Further subjects: | B
1 Enoch
B Theology B Apocalypticism B New Testament interpretation B Relationship between God and men B Christianity |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (JSTOR) Volltext (kostenfrei) Volltext (kostenfrei) |
| Summary: | With the general relational context revealed in 1 Enoch as a background, this paper focuses the attention on two (reciprocal) relationships in particular: God and men, and men and their fellow-men. Striking aspects of these relationships, as revealed in 1 Enoch 1-36 and 73-108, are outlined. Inferences are then drawn about ways of thinking implied in what is said about these relationships. Thinking about the God-men relationship in 1 Enoch seems to be doubly dualistic and rigidly deterministic. Crucial importance is apparently assigned to law and order. This kind of thinking is static and exclusivistic. About the relationships between men and their fellow-men the thinking seems to be based upon a speculative aloofness from sin and a superficial categorizing of words, deeds and men. The resulting view of interpersonal relationships is therefore very limited. It is accordingly suggested that New Testament interpretation should be purged from Enochic (apocalyptic) ways of thinking. In a Christian view of the God-man relationship, exclusivism, legalism and rewardism are to be avoided. 1 Enoch provides a significant contrast, encouraging us to take God's grace and life-renewal seriously. Regarding the relationships between men and their fellow- men, the Christian interpreter should avoid the Enochic separatism and effortism, placing the emphasis rather on unselfishness and truth. Throughout the field of relationships the Christian good news should be interpreted in ways which are free of all foreign isms and extras. |
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| ISSN: | 2518-4628 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Neotestamentica
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.10520/AJA2548356_211 |