Paul’s concept of freedom has been grossly misunderstood and misinterpreted over the centuries. This book attempts to find the sources that influence the Apostle in his writings, especially few selected texts on the concept of freedom in order to bring the true meaning of freedom to its original conception. It also assesses few biblical scholars’ views and employs primarily literary criticism or grammatical and exegetical approach to selected passages of Pauline letters to bring to light the true intention of the author and the clear meaning of the texts.This will help readers to find true interpretation of the biblical texts which concern with freedom. The book also underscores that Paul’s concept of freedom when understood in its true meaning can be revolutionary in people’s thinking, relationship, concept of coexisting together, regional or world peace,and will strengthen their social ethics as well.
Rev. Dr. Borsha Ngoruw Moyon is from Manipur, India belonging to Moyon Community. He worked previously at Kapaam Baptist Church as Staff (July 2013-2017). He pastored Manipur Christian Fellowship Delhi (MCFD) for two years (March 2018-May 2020). Currently he is pastoring Delhi Neighbour Church (DNC) in Delhi. He is editor of DNC monthly Journal as well.
He did his MDIV study at Asia Evangelical College & Seminary (AECS), Bangalore in 2008; MTh (NT) from Hindustan Bible Institute & College, Chennai in 2013; and has completed his DMin at Wellspring International Christian University, Bangalore on 20th August 2022.
This book is the edited and revised researched paper titled "An investigation into the Hellenistic influence on Paul's Teaching on Freedom and its Relevance in Understanding Pauline Social Ethics", which I wrote in 2013 as requirement to complete my MTh course at Hindustan Bible Institute & College, Chennai, India.
Paul's concept of freedom has been grossly misunderstood and misinterpreted over the centuries. One possible reason for this is lack of understanding of the text and the social and cultural background behind the text. Thus, to understand the text one must look for the source of the text or social and cultural ideas of the time, which may have influenced the author of the text. This I will bring to light the true intention of the author and the clear meaning of the text. So, this book will investigate and attempt to find the source that influences the author of the selected texts on the concept of freedom, thereby bringing the true meaning of freedom to its original conception. It will also assess few biblical scholars' views and employ primarily literary criticism (which emphasizes on grammatical structure, vocabulary and contexts) or grammatical and exegetical approach in assessing Paul's concept of freedom. In addition, social-scientific method (which emphasizes studying the biblical text in its social context) will be incorporated to arrive at the meaning of the concept of freedom to its true essence. The scope of investigation will be restricted to selected passages of the letters of Paul: Gal 5:1, 2-6, 13-15; 1 Cor 9:19-23: Rom 15:1-6.
From first century to the Middle Ages, Christianity had tolerated slavery system as part of an established feature of economy in the society with different forms and regional differences. However, in the 18th and 19th century, the ages of colonies and slave trades, there were debates between pro-slavery and anti- slavery advocates on the abolition of slavery system in Europe and America. Both parties put up their arguments by using Bible passages to abolish or to justify the practice. Preachers, theologians and parliamentarians would quote from the Bible to voice their support for or against the movement. For instance, while many churches were against the system and were in support of the abolition, the great evangelist of the Great Awakening of American evangelicalism, George Whitefield campaigned for the legalization of slavery.' Some Christians went further by arguing that slavery was actually justified by the words and doctrines of the Bible. Jefferson Davis, President, Confederate States of America was quoted saying, "[Slavery] was established by decree of Almighty God... it is sanctioned in the Bible, in both Testaments, from Genesis to Revelation...it has existed in all ages, has been found among the people of the highest civilization, and in nations of the highest proficiency in the arts." Another President, South Carolina Baptist Convention, Richard Furman, also voiced against anti-slavery movement,..the right of holding slaves is clearly established in the Holy Scriptures, both by precept and example.
When these Bible passages were quoted, especially the Pauline letters, in support of the slavery system, many thought that Paul was endorsing slavery and injustices meted to the downtrodden section of the society. Therefore, the Apostle becomes the object of ridicule among modern critics from various schools of scholars and human right groups round the world. However, questions arise on the truth of Paul's endorsement on the system: is he to be blamed for the slavery system and slave trade unions in the Roman empire or the European and American colonial period in the 19 century? Is he truly against freedom for bonded slaves? Or is Paul totally misunderstood and misinterpreted in the matter of freedom and slavery? For better understanding of Paul and his views on the subject, the background of Paul's thought, biblical concept of freedom, different biblical scholars' views will be examined extensively.
**Contents and Sample Pages**
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