Power Dynamics in the Preached Word: A Fourth Century Case Study
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Beatrice Victoria Ang
Abstract
Preaching is an important Christian practice where we see the Bible being used. This chapter explores the mechanics behind the proclamation of scripture by drawing on the thought and practice of the celebrated preacher and Church Father, John Chrysostom (ca. AD 349-406). The aim is to provide a Chrysostomian perspective into what it means to “preach with power.” Because preaching is always situational, a theological-historical methodology is employed. For this purpose, two sermons that Chrysostom delivered as bishop of Constantinople are analysed in the light of (1) insights from modern studies on his Christian appropriation of Hellenistic psychagogy; and (2) the controversy between pro-Nicenes and Arians regarding the implications of power in the essential relationship between the Father and the Son. The analysis shows that Chrysostom’s multifaceted discourse on power is situated in his social, political, and religious context. For Chrysostom, the divine authority and ability of the Son must be affirmed if preaching is to have a positive effect on human wellbeing. His reasons have been shaped by practical and political considerations, as well as scripture-based theo-anthropological assumptions.
Abstract
Preaching is an important Christian practice where we see the Bible being used. This chapter explores the mechanics behind the proclamation of scripture by drawing on the thought and practice of the celebrated preacher and Church Father, John Chrysostom (ca. AD 349-406). The aim is to provide a Chrysostomian perspective into what it means to “preach with power.” Because preaching is always situational, a theological-historical methodology is employed. For this purpose, two sermons that Chrysostom delivered as bishop of Constantinople are analysed in the light of (1) insights from modern studies on his Christian appropriation of Hellenistic psychagogy; and (2) the controversy between pro-Nicenes and Arians regarding the implications of power in the essential relationship between the Father and the Son. The analysis shows that Chrysostom’s multifaceted discourse on power is situated in his social, political, and religious context. For Chrysostom, the divine authority and ability of the Son must be affirmed if preaching is to have a positive effect on human wellbeing. His reasons have been shaped by practical and political considerations, as well as scripture-based theo-anthropological assumptions.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- Foreword VII
- Scripture and Theology in Context: An Introduction 1
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Part 1: Scripture and the Web of Meanings
- An Anthropological Analysis of Ezekiel 13:17–21 35
- Messiahs and Redeemer Figures in Postexilic Texts 57
- Early Divine Christology: Scripture, Narrativity and Confession in Luke-Acts 89
- Why is the New Testament Called “New Testament”? 119
- Disassembling Provenance: Origin Stories and Why They Matter for Scripture 149
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Part 2: The Bible at Work: Historical Case Studies
- Power Dynamics in the Preached Word: A Fourth Century Case Study 165
- Augustine without a Theodicy of a Condemning God 195
- Philosophy in Aquinas’ Exegetical Work and Its Meta-Theological Implications 235
- Hamann between Luther and Hume 261
- Let Everything that Hath Breath Praise the Lord 283
- The Divine Forwards: Karl Barth’s Early Exegesis of the Pauline Epistles 305
- Karl Rahner’s Use of the Bible 327
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Part 3: Informing Theological Discourse: Systematic Perspectives
- Canonical Theology, Social Location and the Search for Global Theological Method 345
- Quadriga without Platonism 375
- Reinventing the Quadriga 397
- The Theological Art of Scriptural Interpretation: Lessons from von Balthasar 415
- The Holy Scriptures as a Recognition- and Witnessing-Authority 433
- The Relationship of Scripture and Tradition in the Light of God’s Revelation 453
- Deriving Theology from Scripture 473
- List of Contributors 487
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- Foreword VII
- Scripture and Theology in Context: An Introduction 1
-
Part 1: Scripture and the Web of Meanings
- An Anthropological Analysis of Ezekiel 13:17–21 35
- Messiahs and Redeemer Figures in Postexilic Texts 57
- Early Divine Christology: Scripture, Narrativity and Confession in Luke-Acts 89
- Why is the New Testament Called “New Testament”? 119
- Disassembling Provenance: Origin Stories and Why They Matter for Scripture 149
-
Part 2: The Bible at Work: Historical Case Studies
- Power Dynamics in the Preached Word: A Fourth Century Case Study 165
- Augustine without a Theodicy of a Condemning God 195
- Philosophy in Aquinas’ Exegetical Work and Its Meta-Theological Implications 235
- Hamann between Luther and Hume 261
- Let Everything that Hath Breath Praise the Lord 283
- The Divine Forwards: Karl Barth’s Early Exegesis of the Pauline Epistles 305
- Karl Rahner’s Use of the Bible 327
-
Part 3: Informing Theological Discourse: Systematic Perspectives
- Canonical Theology, Social Location and the Search for Global Theological Method 345
- Quadriga without Platonism 375
- Reinventing the Quadriga 397
- The Theological Art of Scriptural Interpretation: Lessons from von Balthasar 415
- The Holy Scriptures as a Recognition- and Witnessing-Authority 433
- The Relationship of Scripture and Tradition in the Light of God’s Revelation 453
- Deriving Theology from Scripture 473
- List of Contributors 487
