The integration of postmodern values and rhetorical analysis: A case study

Both traditional preaching theory and the listening context of the hearers have undergone radical changes within the last thirty years. Contemporary preachers no longer can assume the authority inherent in their position or preaching methods, and postmodern listeners exhibit the desire for increased diversity and points of view in sermons. This thesis will address these challenges by advancing the notion that attention to rhetorical criticism in the exegesis of biblical texts sheds new light on the nature of preaching in terms of form and function. The resulting multi-vocal and non-hierarchical leadership orientation has application for postmodern audiences. The methodological structure of theological interpretation undergirding this thesis involves four tasks of the hermeneutical cycle adapted from Richard Osmer’s approach. This approach engages in the task of contextual interpretation that connects with both Christian tradition and Scripture, and furthermore leads to the construction of a pragmatic plan for future homiletics. Chapter 1 introduces the problem facing contemporary homileticians: the changed context of preacher and hearer. The chapter advocates that one way forward for preaching involves the use of rhetorical criticism as the exegetical basis for a values-based homiletic, and then finishes with an overview of the thesis chapters. Chapter 2 demonstrates the fourfold task of the hermeneutical cycle by establishing the provenance of the method, critiquing it and grounding the approach of the thesis in the contemporary postmodern setting. Chapter 3 engages in a contextual interpretation of historic shifts in the fields of rhetoric, biblical studies and homiletics, analyzing and evaluating these trends. The chapter concludes by constructing a pragmatic plan for future biblical studies, a rhetorical-critical-narratological methodology that will be applied to the text of Ezekiel. Chapter 4 demonstrates that a contextual interpretation, evaluation and analysis of the New Homiletic results in the formation of a values-based approach to preaching and leadership orientation that is appropriate to postmodernity. Chapter 5 builds upon a contextual interpretation of synchronic and diachronic methodologies and advances a complementary approach to exegesis. The chapter then applies the rhetorical-critical-narratological approach developed in Chapter 3 to the discourse of Ezekiel to establish its contextual and rhetorical situation. The chapter then engages in a close rhetorical-critical-narratological reading of the literary unit of Ezekiel 15. Chapter 6 engages in a contextual interpretation and evaluation of three Ezekiel commentaries and sermons from Ezekiel 15, locating them along the pendulum-like series of shifts identified within Chapter 3. Chapter 7 demonstrates the integration of biblical studies and homiletics with the production of a sample multiple point-of-view sermon based upon the exegesis of Ezekiel conducted in Chapter 5. The chapter critiques the sermon and provides an example of the rhetorical-critical method applied to a discursive genre from 1 Corinthians 4.18-5.13. Chapter 8 concludes the thesis by reviewing the contributions made by the study, proceeds to interpret contextually the challenge of postmodern homiletics, and finishes with recommendations for areas of future studies outside the scope of the thesis

The impact of social constructivism on ERP systems security: A critical social review

Little is understood about the effects of social constructivism that shapes conflicting concerns regarding Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) security and usability during implementation. This work looks at social constructivism as produced and reproduced by stakeholders in the ERP systems implementation phase. Social constructivism is characterised by the embedded trade-off for usability, espoused by end-user and security, espoused by developers. Social constructivism was conceptualised qualitatively from a selected case study. Critical Social Theory (CST) was used as the theoretical lens. Stakeholders concerned with ERP security aspects in the implementation phase were interviewed and data transcribed and interpreted. Hermeneutical interpretation was applied towards understanding social constructivism. Exegesis techniques used include textual criticism and reduction criticism. The contribution of the work is twofold: the work provides insights regarding ERP systems security by attempting to explain how social constructivism shapes outcomes of ERP security; the article also shows how hermeneutics could be applied in the discipline of information systems security. Findings for this case reveal that social constructivism does shape ERP security in insightful ways

Digital Humanities and Information Systems: Innovating Two Research Traditions

According to the philosopher Wilhelm Dilthey the scope of the humanities is the experience of the world, the expression of these experiences and the understanding of these expressions. The Information Systems (IS) discipline deals with human experiences of computer systems as much as with the expressions of the world in the digital media and, therefore, can be seen as the humanities of the digital realm. Hence, it appears to be very fruitful to promote a closer cooperation between the two evolving disciplines of IS and the Digital Humanities, which aims to include the digital world in the humanities. The only barrier to such a collaboration lies in the relative unawareness of each other. This paper wants to make a contribution to change this. It postulates that both research traditions can be innovated by moving closer to each other and by collaborating on an interdisciplinary level

Exegesis: Mark 6:30-44

Jesus’ feeding the five thousand is the only miracle that the four Gospels commonly recorded among the miracles Jesus Himself performed. The feeding miracle episode is like the gem, which changes light colors slightly depending on how people see it. However, some scholars try to approach it only in a particular direction and partially understand it. Based on the literary-historical-theological methodology, this thesis has a focal point to disclose the compressive and multi-dimensional implications. The exegesis of Mark 6:30-44 begins with the refinement of interpretive methodology. The methodology of this thesis prudently considers both the traditional perspective and recent research. Generally, this research is implemented in common exegetical areas: literature, history, and theology. Furthermore, literary research adopted a narrative criticism, considering Markan literary feature as a story. The feeding miracle can be seen as a well-designed dramatic episode that combines compressive scenes, and the sandwich structure gives an implied message related to true discipleship. Also, the diverse implied biblical imageries and symbols bring about the abundance of the message. The historical analysis offers new insight into the political situation related to the feeding miracle. Even though the crowd before Jesus and the readers of Mark might expect the Messiah to be the worldly king, Jesus had a different intention. Jesus had more compassion on their spirit, not the political situation. Theologically, two important Markan themes, Christology and discipleship, are well reflected in this miracle. The feeding miracle is the way to reveal Jesus as the Messiah. Mark presents discipleship by describing the interaction between Jesus and the disciples, giving an allusion via the immediate context. In conclusion, this episode converges in Christology and discipleship, being supported by literary connotations and compressive storytelling based on a certain historical background

Implementation of a Basic Exegetical and Hermeneutical Class for Students: To Interpret God’s Word Exegetically and Apply God’s Word Hermeneutically

A course to use in student ministries that addresses the capabilities of students in being able to interpret and apply the Bible for themselves. The rationale for choosing this topic is that students are aging out of the student ministry without a basic understanding of how to read, interpret, and apply God’s Word for themselves. All too often, while attending the student ministry, students understand topics that relate to what they are experiencing in high school; however, are they receiving the tools required to continue applying God’s Word to their lives? Tools are provided to students that will guide them in interpreting and applying the truths found within the biblical text. The potential value of this program is that it will provide students with the basic knowledge required to interpret exegetically and hermeneutically. The research approach was to design a course that could be used to help develop these skills

Between conviction and critique : A hermeneutical exploration of the nexus between academic and ecclesial praxis within the Australian Pentecostal community

Pentecostals have conventionally been defined as a group who avoid critical reflection on the biblical text in favour of Spirit-led experience. This weighting encourages a general anti-intellectual disposition often taken as representative or defining of the movement. While this description may well be a matter of stereotyping, it is a view that holds considerable force. This thesis explores the nexus between the practice of a Pentecostal academy and Pentecostal ecclesial praxis within the Australian context and their role in influencing or maintaining this view. An initial intuition of incompatibility between Pentecostal academia and Pentecostal ecclesial praxis inspired the design and distribution of a survey in an attempt to understand and explain the perceived incongruence. An analysis of the survey results highlights what I take to be the underlying issue, namely, a matter of hermeneutics. Accordingly, the thesis examined the discipline of hermeneutics and the philosophical issues that exert influence on the Pentecostal interpretation of the biblical text. This examination emphasised the importance of pre-conceptions, one’s contextual situatedness, along with the possibilities and desirability of multi-vocality in interpretation with respect to Australian Pentecostalism. Having canvased the development of Australian Pentecostalism with an eye to the pre-conceptions embedded in biblical interpretation, the tension between Pentecostal academics and ecclesial practice is shown to be a constant theme throughout the movement's history and something which contributes significantly to an anti-intellectual disposition. However, what has not, I suggest, been explored in sufficient detail elsewhere is the character of academic engagement with the biblical text that has occurred since the inception of Pentecostalism. Accordingly, the thesis considers the development of Pentecostal hermeneutics and establishes that while certain evangelical approaches to and perspectives on critical biblical scholarship may have helped Pentecostals establish academic credibility and acceptance, that same partnership downplayed the significance of spiritual experience in the overall hermeneutical process. This exploration emphasised the need for ongoing exploration of a distinct and distinctive Pentecostal hermeneutic. To contribute to this discussion, I explored the Catholic tradition’s approach to hermeneutical issues relating to the interpretation of the Bible to offer a counterpoint for Pentecostal reflection. Having explored the documents that led to the Second Vatican Council and those that emerged subsequently, the thesis does not propose a “framework” within which Pentecostal interpretation can be controlled. On the contrary, it looks to stimulate discussion on frameworks that might shed light on how specific and often unidentified hermeneutical issues can be identified and discussed. The principle analytical issue is one of hermeneutics, and the search for a hermeneutical framework that is appropriate to and defining of the Pentecostal community in Australia. The thesis, then, is not an attempt to resolve or dissolve a problem. It is instead a contribution to a rigorous definition of a problem and an invitation to a process of discernment in which the question is what remains to the fore and guides investigation and reflection

Speaking with God\u27s words : preaching training for a multi-site church

https://place.asburyseminary.edu/ecommonsatsdissertations/2419/thumbnail.jp