Presenting a prophet in debate : an investigation of the literary structure and the rhetoric of persuasion of the book of Amos
This thesis investigates the literary structure and the rhetoric of persuasion of the book of Amos arguing that it was not compiled simply to preserve the prophet's words. Moreover, the present work challenges the common redaction-critical view that regards the book as the result of a lengthy redactional process involving several generations of redactors who continually adapted it to guarantee its relevance for changing times and circumstances. Against this view, it is argued that the book was compiled shortly after the time of Amos, and that it was intended to capture or present the debate between Amos and his original eighth-century Israelite audience. Interpreting the book within a communication-theoretical framework, and employing the methodological tools provided by rhetorical criticism, it is claimed that it has been compiled for a specific persuasive purpose. That is to say, those responsible for the book in its present form presented the debate between Amos and the Israelites in order for it to function as a warning for a pre-exilic Judean audience. To be more specific, when read in the light of the catastrophic events of 722 BCE, the presentation of Amos struggling - and failing - to convince his
MĂ¶ller, Karl
BS The Bible
Presenting a prophet in debate : an investigation of the literary structure and the rhetoric of persuasion of the book of Amos. This thesis investigates the literary structure and the rhetoric of persuasion of the book of Amos arguing that it was not compiled simply to preserve the prophet's words. Moreover, the present work challenges the common redaction-critical view that regards the book as the result of a lengthy redactional process involving several generations of redactors who continually adapted it to guarantee its relevance for changing times and circumstances. Against this view, it is argued that the book was compiled shortly after the time of Amos, and that it was intended to capture or present the debate between Amos and his original eighth-century Israelite audience. Interpreting the book within a communication-theoretical framework, and employing the methodological tools provided by rhetorical criticism, it is claimed that it has been compiled for a specific persuasive purpose. That is to say, those responsible for the book in its present form presented the debate between Amos and the Israelites in order for it to function as a warning for a pre-exilic Judean audience. To be more specific, when read in the light of the catastrophic events of 722 BCE, the presentation of Amos struggling - and failing - to convince his
presenting prophet debate investigation literary structure rhetoric persuasion book investigates literary structure rhetoric persuasion book argue compile simply preserve prophet word moreover present_work challenge common redaction_critical view regard book lengthy redactional process_involve several_generation continually adapt guarantee relevance change_time circumstance view argue book compile shortly time intend capture present debate original eighth century israelite audience interpreting book within communication theoretical_framework employ methodological_tool provide rhetorical criticism claim compile specific persuasive purpose say responsible book present form present debate israelites order function warn pre exilic audience specific read light catastrophic event bce presentation struggle fail convince