Jesus as victim : the dynamics of violence in the Gospel of John
This thesis explores a previously unrecognized theme within the Gospel of John. The theme is violence and its expression through the victimization of the narrative's protagonist, Jesus. It suggests that he is presented as being, as well as perceiving himself to be, a victim. This offers an understanding of the Johannine Jesus which counters the traditional model of a serene and omniscient figure who exercises sovereign control over his environment. The first section aims to situate the research methodologically, theologically and historically. Some of the presuppositions underlying the study are best understood in the context of liberation theology, and the way in which a liberator is seen to function within an oppressed community. Drawing on theories about the historical origin of the Gospel, reasons why victimization might be expected to be a prominent theme in John are also suggested. The main body of the thesis comprises targeted exegesis of passages which reveal Jesus experiencing violence and manifesting the behaviour of a victim. This section is subdivided into six chapters which work their way chronologically through the narrative. The first two explore the public ministry from different perspectives
Orchard, Helen Claire
Philosophy
Jesus as victim : the dynamics of violence in the Gospel of John. This thesis explores a previously unrecognized theme within the Gospel of John. The theme is violence and its expression through the victimization of the narrative's protagonist, Jesus. It suggests that he is presented as being, as well as perceiving himself to be, a victim. This offers an understanding of the Johannine Jesus which counters the traditional model of a serene and omniscient figure who exercises sovereign control over his environment. The first section aims to situate the research methodologically, theologically and historically. Some of the presuppositions underlying the study are best understood in the context of liberation theology, and the way in which a liberator is seen to function within an oppressed community. Drawing on theories about the historical origin of the Gospel, reasons why victimization might be expected to be a prominent theme in John are also suggested. The main body of the thesis comprises targeted exegesis of passages which reveal Jesus experiencing violence and manifesting the behaviour of a victim. This section is subdivided into six chapters which work their way chronologically through the narrative. The first two explore the public ministry from different perspectives
jesus victim dynamic violence gospel_john explore previously unrecognized theme within gospel_john theme violence expression narrative protagonist jesus suggests present well perceive victim offer johannine jesus counter traditional_model figure exercise sovereign control environment first_section aim situate methodologically theologically historically presupposition underlie study best_understood context liberation_theology way see function_within oppress community drawing theory historical origin gospel reason might_expect prominent_theme john also_suggest main_body comprises target exegesis passage reveal jesus experience violence manifest behaviour victim section subdivide work way chronologically narrative first_two explore public ministry different_perspective