Subversion of Class Hierarchy in Lucan Theology- A Social- Scientific Redaction Reading

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About the Book The Roman Mediterranean world practised a rigid class hierarchy. This has created social inequality and antagonistic relationship between people. This has made a significant impact both on Jesus' teaching and Luke's theology. In the past, scholars who have studied the social issues in Luke concentrated more on rich and poor, role of women, and inclusiveness of outsiders. The first readers/hearers of Luke lived in a rigid class society.

Lucan Jesus adopts a subversive pedagogical approach throughout his ministry. He subverts the rigid and unequal class structure that held sway over the first century A.D. Roman Mediterranean world. For Luke, subversion of class hierarchy should not be seen in isolation, but rather in relation to God's saving activity in Jesus.

How would Luke approach the class hierarchy? How did class hierarchy shape his theology? Did he articulate a theology of subversion of class hierarchy? This monograph concentrates on these questions and meticulously studies the subversion of class hierarchy in Luke's Gospel.

About the Author R. John Vijayaraj earned his Doctor of Theology in New Testament from Senate of Serampore College [University] and teaches New Testament in Concordia Theological Seminary, Nagercoil. He writes extensively both in the academic journals as well as popular journals. He is an ordained presbyter and lives with his wife and children in Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu, India

Preface This monograph examines subversion of class hierarchy in the Gospel of Luke, It is based on my doctoral dissertation submitted to the Senate of Serampore College [University) entitled Subversion of Class Hierarchy in the Gospel of Luke: A Study in Lucan Theology, with some modifications and additions. The Roman Mediterranean world practised a rigid class hierarchy. This has created social inequality and antagonistic relationship between people. This has made a significant impact both on Jesus' teaching and Luke's theology. The first readers/ hearers of Luke lived in a rigid class society. Lucan Jesus adopts a subversive pedagogical approach throughout his ministry. He subverts the rigid and unequal class structure that held sway over the first century Mediterranean world. For Luke, subversion of class hierarchy should not be seen in isolation, but rather in relation to God's saving activity in Jesus.

There are many people who deserve special thanks for making this study and its publication possible. First and foremost, I acknowledge the Triune God's guidance and leading throughout my research. I am deeply grateful to Revd Dr M. V. Abraham, my mentor, whose gentle supervision, insightful guidance, extreme patience and persistent encouragement guided this dissertation to completion. His meticulous reading of the drafts and significant remarks saved me from many errors. I am likewise grateful to Rt Revd Dr Yuhanon Mar Demetrios for his critical comments and suggestions. He also permitted me to use his personal library. I am also grateful to the faculty and staff at the Federated Faculty for Research in Religion and Culture (FFRRC), Kottayam. I owe special thanks to the faculty, staff and students of Marthoma Syrian Theological Seminary, Kottayam, who made my stay enjoyable that enabled the smooth- running of my research.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages