Rhetoric Reconsidered

Beschreibung

In this groundbreaking study, the author introduces and applies "Christ Rhetoric" (CR), a systematic framework for analyzing Paul's distinctive argumentative strategies in 1 Corinthians. Building upon Greco-Roman rhetorical foundations, this work demonstrates how Paul's approach both draws from and strategically deviates from classical rhetoric to create a distinctively Christian form of persuasion. This work demonstrates how Paul employs a Christ-centered approach to persuade his readers through specialized Christian topoi, narrative elements, and "mediate rhetoric." The author identifies a constellation of Christ-centered topoi including the authority of Christ's words and tradition, the salvific works of Christ, union with Christ, affiliation to the Christ community, sin against Christ, the triumphant rule of Christ, hope in Christ for the afterlife, and the Lordship of Christ as a threat. Through detailed analysis of 1 Corinthians 15:1-34, the study reveals how Paul consistently appeals to these topoi in his attempt to change the behavior and belief of the Corinthian Christians. Employing interdisciplinary approaches including historical criticism, empire criticism, social identity theory, and narrative analysis, the work demonstrates how Paul replaces imperial imagery with Christ-centered alternatives, constructs community boundaries, and portrays death as Christ's personal enemy. The work defines the framework and then applies it to 1 Corinthians, providing valuable new insights into Paul's argumentative strategy, theological reasoning, and ethical exhortation, while establishing a framework applicable to other Pauline texts. By demonstrating that Christ was central not only to Paul's theology but also to his argumentative strategy, this work makes a significant contribution to our understanding of New Testament rhetoric and Pauline studies.

In this groundbreaking study, the author introduces and applies "Christ Rhetoric" (CR), a systematic framework for analyzing Paul's distinctive argumentative strategies in 1 Corinthians. Building upon Greco-Roman rhetorical foundations, this work demonstrates how Paul's approach both draws from and strategically deviates from classical rhetoric to create a distinctively Christian form of persuasion. This work demonstrates how Paul employs a Christ-centered approach to persuade his readers through specialized Christian topoi, narrative elements, and "mediate rhetoric." The author identifies a constellation of Christ-centered topoi including the authority of Christ's words and tradition, the salvific works of Christ, union with Christ, affiliation to the Christ community, sin against Christ, the triumphant rule of Christ, hope in Christ for the afterlife, and the Lordship of Christ as a threat. Through detailed analysis of 1 Corinthians 15:1-34, the study reveals how Paul consistently appeals to these topoi in his attempt to change the behavior and belief of the Corinthian Christians. Employing interdisciplinary approaches including historical criticism, empire criticism, social identity theory, and narrative analysis, the work demonstrates how Paul replaces imperial imagery with Christ-centered alternatives, constructs community boundaries, and portrays death as Christ's personal enemy. The work defines the framework and then applies it to 1 Corinthians, providing valuable new insights into Paul's argumentative strategy, theological reasoning, and ethical exhortation, while establishing a framework applicable to other Pauline texts. By demonstrating that Christ was central not only to Paul's theology but also to his argumentative strategy, this work makes a significant contribution to our understanding of New Testament rhetoric and Pauline studies.

Autor*in

M. Alroy Mascrenghe

Themen in »Rhetoric Reconsidered«

Rhetorical analysis of the New Testament Interpretive Methods Paul’s argumentative methods Greeco Roman rhetoric and Paul Paul

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“Reading the study by Alroy Mascrenghe is highly rewarding as he critically engages with entrenched approach of scholarship. His focus on the content of Paul's argument and thus on Jesus Christ is both necessary and critically helpful when we read Paul's 1 Corinthians.” (Eckhard J. Schnabel, Mary F. Rockefeller Distinguished Professor of New Testament Emeritus)

“This monograph integrates Greco-Roman rhetoric, Christ rhetoric, and epistolary artistry to highlight Paul’s exegetical, Christological, and persuasive strategy in First Corinthians, especially chapter 15. Dr. M. Alroy Mascrenghe proposes viewing the Pauline epistles through a reconsidered rhetoric focusing on their discourse developments. He explains that the Pauline narrator uses a distinctive style and innovative rhetoric to express his hermeneutical artistry, emphasising a Christ-centred theological perspective. As a thoroughly researched and well-crafted work, I believe this monograph will serve as a valuable resource in Pauline studies.” (Johnson Thomaskutty, Professor and Chairperson of Biblical Studies, The United Theological College, Bengaluru, India)

“The detailed exploration of Christ rhetoric in 1 Corinthians 15:1–34 alone is well-worth owning this volume.  At every turn, the genius of Paul’s persuasive address to the Corinthians becomes clear.  Dr. Mascrenghe has served us well in advancing our understanding of how Paul adapted and molded his rhetoric to persuade his hearers to conform to the proclamation about Christ.” (Duane F. Watson, Professor Emeritus of New Testament Studies, Malone University)

“This volume offers a significant contribution to Pauline studies and rhetorical criticism by challenging the prevailing assumption that Paul merely adopts and adapts Greco-Roman rhetorical conventions. Instead, Mascrenghe argues persuasively that Paul articulates a distinctive mode of rhetoric—what he terms “Christ rhetoric.” Through a meticulous reading of 1 Corinthians, particularly chapter 15, the book proposes a fresh conceptual framework for understanding Pauline rhetoric. This work is essential reading for scholars and students engaged in rhetorical, theological, and exegetical analysis of the Pauline epistles.” (Ekaputra Tupamahu, Associate Professor of New Testament at Portland Seminary)

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