The structure of the theology and ethics in the Pastoral Epistles
A summary of the salient points of this thesis appears in chapter 5, sect. 1, pp. 506-515, to which the reader is referred for further detail. The main points may be itemized in the following manner. Since Martin Dibelius, the ethical teaching of the Pastoral Epistles has been interpreted increasingly as evincing a conception of Christian existence that seeks above all a peaceful home in the world. Christliche Burgerlichkeit, as it is called, was supposedly the unavoidable development from an earlier Pauline conception of the Christian life caused largely by dissapointment over the delay of the parousia. To test this interpretation and indeed to assess positively the teaching of the Pastorals, we examined three essential elements. First, it turns out that the heretical movement(s) evident in all three letters, the essential aspect of background, was having quite a dramatic effect upon the communities in terms of both theology and ethics. In fact the author's presentation could not be appreciated apart from an tinder-standing of the nature and effects of the false teaching. Second, the theological structure of the letters revealed an undiminished eschatology, an emphasis on an already---not yet conception of
Towner, Philip H.
Philosophy
The structure of the theology and ethics in the Pastoral Epistles. A summary of the salient points of this thesis appears in chapter 5, sect. 1, pp. 506-515, to which the reader is referred for further detail. The main points may be itemized in the following manner. Since Martin Dibelius, the ethical teaching of the Pastoral Epistles has been interpreted increasingly as evincing a conception of Christian existence that seeks above all a peaceful home in the world. Christliche Burgerlichkeit, as it is called, was supposedly the unavoidable development from an earlier Pauline conception of the Christian life caused largely by dissapointment over the delay of the parousia. To test this interpretation and indeed to assess positively the teaching of the Pastorals, we examined three essential elements. First, it turns out that the heretical movement(s) evident in all three letters, the essential aspect of background, was having quite a dramatic effect upon the communities in terms of both theology and ethics. In fact the author's presentation could not be appreciated apart from an tinder-standing of the nature and effects of the false teaching. Second, the theological structure of the letters revealed an undiminished eschatology, an emphasis on an already---not yet conception of
structure theology_ethic pastoral_epistles summary salient point appear sect reader refer detail main_point may follow manner since martin ethical teaching pastoral_epistles interpret increasingly evince conception christian existence seek peaceful home world call supposedly development earlier pauline conception christian_life cause largely delay test interpretation indeed assess positively teach examine essential_element first turn heretical movement evident letter essential_aspect background quite dramatic effect_upon community term theology_ethic fact author presentation could appreciate apart standing nature effect false teaching second theological structure letter reveal eschatology emphasis already not yet conception