Maccabean martyr theology : its genesis, antecedents and significance for the earliest soteriological interpretation of the death of Jesus
Seven beliefs comprise Maccabean martyr theology. First, though it could not explain suffering <i>in toto</i>, the retributive explanation was a theological foundation stone: Israel's sin resulted in God's judgement. Second, to avoid theodicean problems, this doctrine was galvanized to cosmic dualism; thus, the Antiochan persecution was interpreted as a manifestation of a heavenly war. Third, these persecutions were a sign that the divinely predetermined <i>Endzeit</i> was nigh and the eschatological kingdom imminent. Fourth, the suffering of the righteous was believed to precipitate divine eschatological vengeance. Fifth, the expression of this vengeance results in the exaltation of the righteous and humiliation of the wicked. Sixth, the righteous believed they could defeat evil with the highly effective weapons of obedience, suffering and witness. Finally, the sacrifice of the martyrs expiates the wrath of God. The antecedents of Maccabean martyr theology include: the Old Testament cultus, the death of Old Testament individuals, the prophet-martyr, the righteous sufferer, the Aqedah, the Suffering Servant, Hellenistic religion and prophetic eschatology. The Old Testament background <i>alone</i> was insufficient
Heard, Warren Joel
Martyrdom ; Salvation
Maccabean martyr theology : its genesis, antecedents and significance for the earliest soteriological interpretation of the death of Jesus. Seven beliefs comprise Maccabean martyr theology. First, though it could not explain suffering <i>in toto</i>, the retributive explanation was a theological foundation stone: Israel's sin resulted in God's judgement. Second, to avoid theodicean problems, this doctrine was galvanized to cosmic dualism; thus, the Antiochan persecution was interpreted as a manifestation of a heavenly war. Third, these persecutions were a sign that the divinely predetermined <i>Endzeit</i> was nigh and the eschatological kingdom imminent. Fourth, the suffering of the righteous was believed to precipitate divine eschatological vengeance. Fifth, the expression of this vengeance results in the exaltation of the righteous and humiliation of the wicked. Sixth, the righteous believed they could defeat evil with the highly effective weapons of obedience, suffering and witness. Finally, the sacrifice of the martyrs expiates the wrath of God. The antecedents of Maccabean martyr theology include: the Old Testament cultus, the death of Old Testament individuals, the prophet-martyr, the righteous sufferer, the Aqedah, the Suffering Servant, Hellenistic religion and prophetic eschatology. The Old Testament background <i>alone</i> was insufficient
martyr theology genesis antecedent significance early soteriological interpretation death_jesus belief comprise martyr theology first though could_explain suffer retributive explanation theological foundation stone israel sin result god judgement second avoid problem doctrine cosmic dualism thus persecution interpret manifestation heavenly war third persecution sign divinely eschatological kingdom fourth suffer righteous believe precipitate divine eschatological fifth expression righteous sixth righteous believe could defeat evil highly effective weapon obedience suffer witness finally sacrifice martyr god antecedent martyr theology include old_testament death old_testament individual prophet martyr righteous sufferer suffering servant hellenistic religion prophetic eschatology old_testament background alone insufficient