Doctoral Degrees (New Testament)
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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (New Testament) by Subject "Bible. N.T. John -- Criticism, interpretation, etc."
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Item Open Access Menein as key to a mystical reading of John 15(University of the Free State, 2016-11) Stander, Adriaan Johannes Jacobus; De Villiers, G. R.English: Amongst the most quoted verses in John is, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you” (John 15:4). The importance of the verb is highlighted by the fact that of the forty occurrences in the Gospel, eleven are found in John 15. Based on historical-critical exegesis it would refer to faithful fellowship with Jesus as the true vine. However, contemporary research provided methodological and theoretical insights for a spiritual and mystical reading of John's Gospel. The ultimate aim of this thesis is to utilize as key for a mystical reading of John 15. Waaijman’s description of spirituality as the ongoing and transformative divine-human relationship provided a fitting guide to analyse biblical texts. This model reveals disciples as representatives of the human pole transformed by the selfless love of Jesus in order to bear abundant and lasting fruit. The subsequent investigation into mysticism is based on seminal work by researchers such as Kanagaraj, Waaijman, DeConick, Schäfer. Some agreement exists that mysticism reflects the consciousness of an intimate relationship with God. Similarities between Merkabah mysticism and Johannine thought will be explored. The characteristics of mysticism identified by Waaijman and Kanagaraj turned out to be vital. The Johannine author confirms to be an independent thinker reworking mystical traditions in terms of his own theology. The literary build-up of in the Gospel as well as its usage in the Farewell discourse (John 13-17) aids readers in understanding its distinctive use in John 15. The first part of the expositional reading of in John 15 focusses on the divine. The intimate relationship with God is built on the firm belief that a life in union with God is not merely a possibility, but a reality. Jesus, as well as the Trinity, dwells in humanity. The role of Jesus reveals how John's own faith experience influenced his mystical understanding of movements like Merkabah Mysticism by pointing out similarities and major differences. Formerly concealed elements of mystical spirituality by the use of are illustrated. The second part of the mystical reading of focusses on the human side. Those who made their dwelling in Jesus came to be known as disciples, indicating their new identity in him. The mutual indwelling of John 15 implied drastic transformation and turned out to be crucial .Abundant and lasting fruit becomes visible through conduct in accordance with the new love commandment of Jesus. The effects of mutual indwelling are discussed with reference to concepts like the ensuing community of friendship, the words and love of Jesus, prayer, joy, witnessing on behalf of Jesus, pruning, faith and, finally, lasting impact. The counterpart of not dwelling in God leads to a life ending in destruction and hatred. For a more complete understanding of the comprehensiveness of some mystagogical elements in the Gospel are discussed. Jesus reminds one of a mystagogue by the way he accompanies some of the main characters in the Gospel. Through personal attention, he offers them a deeper spiritual relationship with the divine. Examples include the first disciples who left John the Baptist to follow Jesus, Nathanael, Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, Simon Peter, Thomas Didimus, and the Beloved Disciple. The results of utilising as key for a mystical reading of John 15 confirm the validity of this project. It is in line with contemporary research and opens up exiting new avenues for the mystical reading of biblical texts. The enriching effect of such readings is self-evident.