Eastern Great Lakes Biblical Society

2007 Annual Meeting

ABSTRACTS

Bader, Mary. The College of Wooster

“Dinah in the Targumim”

            This paper will explore the various ways in which the HB character Dinah is referred to in the Targumim. She is named in Targum Neofiti, Targum Onqelos, Targum Pseudo-Jonathan, and Targum Job. I will investigate the various details the narrators/writers give about her, the kind of rhetoric used to speak of her defilement and the incident at Shechem, and how knowledge of those details may build sympathy or antipathy for those involved. This paper is currently a developing chapter in a manuscript for a book with Peter Lang Publishing Company entitled Tracing the Evidence.

Boesenberg, Dulcinea. The University of Notre Dame

“End Times Expectation in 4Q521 and Matthew 11:2–6"

            The 1992 publication of 4Q521, the ‘Messianic Apocalypse,’ enlivened the search for similarities between the Scrolls and the early Christian writings. Three parallels (opening the eyes of the blind, making the dead alive, and proclaiming good news to the poor) between 4Q521 and Matt 11:5 have not gone unnoticed. Revisiting this observation, I suggest that 4Q521, whose main source is Psalm 146, proclaims these deeds as signs of the messianic age, while Matt 11:2–6, by contrast, relies primarily on Isaiah and uses these mighty deeds as signs that explicitly identify Jesus as the messiah.

Bordjadze, Bacho. Ashland Theological Seminary

“Theology of the Book of Ruth”

            Recent discussion of Ruth is dominated by the issue of dating this book either in the early Monarchic period or the days of the Ezra-Nehemiah reforms. Both camps seem to have an underlying agreement that it is polemical literature, either defending the claims of Davidic dynasty or protesting the ethnic cleansing produced by the post-exilic revival of nationalism. In this paper I provide an alternative entry point into discussion about the book of Ruth. I see the purpose of this book as a theological reflection on the dynamics of the covenant life. The author of Ruth drives home his dominant theological thought that the spacious wings of YHWH are wide open to all who come in humility and trust in order to experience his abundant heed חשד.

Boyd, Dacy. Temple University

“Representational Technique in Acts of Xanthippe and Polyxena”

            AXP relocates temporally disparate characters to the same time, a temporal universalism. Simultaneously, various representational techniques give meaning to individual characters: symbolism, archetyping, and epitomization. Rebecca represents the Jewish nation when she converts and is baptized. The author makes intertextual choices. Socrates’ wife, Xanthippe, is the novel’s primary heroine, and Socrates’ words in Phaedo teach the reader how to understand the pain of ascetic choices while waiting for the pleasure of Christian salvation. Ovid’s depiction of chaste, modest and brave Polyxena in Metamorphosis is the prototype for the AXP Polyxena.

Brooks, E. Bruce. University of Massachusetts at Amherst

“The Twelve in Mark and Acts”

            To the eye of the philologist, mentions of the Twelve in Mark are exiguous; indeed, interpolated. They thus refer to a late layer of whatever span of history was known to Mark; probably its first Post-Crucifixion or Galilee phase. In Acts, that phase has been obliterated, and any recollections of it have been incorporated into a Jerusalemized picture of the early Church. It follows that neither Mark, which is anticipatory, nor Acts, which is revisionist, tells us directly about the Twelve. This paper is an effort to extract the history of the Twelve from these distinctly recalcitrant sources.

Burlew, Matthew S. Cincinnati Christian University

“Matthean Controversy: A (Re)evaluation in Light of Point of View”

            One of the larger debates in Matthean studies revolves around the relationship between the community to which the author of the Gospel of Matthew wrote and formative Judaism. Specifically, it is debated whether the conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leadership is indicative of an intra-muros or extra-muros conflict. This study reevaluates the controversy narratives, recently examined by Boris Repschinski. Here, the construction and manipulation of point-of-view in the narrative is investigated, and it is argued that this conflict is best seen—contrary to Repschinski—as a conflict extra-muros.

Byron, John. Ashland Theological Seminary

“Slaughter, Fratricide and Sacrilege: Cain and Abel traditions in 1 John”

            In 1 John 3:11-18 Cain symbolizes the antithesis of brotherly love. Cain took another’s life; Christ laid down his life for others. But an examination of how Cain was portrayed in contemporaneous Jewish literature suggests that there may be more to the illustration than has previously been appreciated. Fratricide was sometimes considered to be a more heinous crime than homicide and could be regarded as a form of sacrilege. This paper will demonstrate that the description of Cain in 1 John reflects the common conviction that fratricide was an act of sacrilege. By linking those who “hate their brothers” with Cain, the author of 1 John accused them of an act that stood in contrast to the self-sacrificial act of Christ. Hatred of others meant they were guilty of communal fratricide.

Cleaver-Bartholomew, David. Eastern Ohio Association, United Church of Christ

“An Additional Perspective on Habakkuk 1:7"

            In this short paper, the author suggests a re-reading of Hab 1:7 which asserts that the verse harbors a double entendre. While Hab 1:7 may certainly be interpreted to refer to the Chaldeans, it may also be understood to refer to Yhwh’s deed and Yhwh. Undergirding this re-reading is the well accepted observation that texts are not univalent, but multivalent; that is, they are susceptible to more than one meaning. To make his case for an implied understanding, the author examines Hab 1:7’s vocabulary, its broader literary context, and the prophet’s theological background.

Cohen, Margaret. Lycoming College

“Ashdod Revisited Again”

            Excavated primarily in the 1960s, the results of the expeditions at Ashdod were published in a series of articles by the excavators, but have only been reassessed by a few scholars since their publication. In particular, Finkelstein and Singer-Avitz have evaluated the stratigraphic material from Ashdod and disagree with the findings of Dothan and Freedman presented in the excavation reports. Ben-Shlomo, in a rebuttal to Finkelstein and Singer-Avitz, has defended the original excavators’ interpretations. This paper seeks to address the complications of the LB/Iron I transition at Ashdod by assessing the original excavation data from the appropriate strata. Parallel material from Tel Miqne-Ekron will also be considered, particularly regarding the interpretation of Stratum VIIIA from that site. Information from Tel Sera is also incorporated, specifically for the purpose of evaluating the presence or absence of the so-called “terminal LB” phase at these sites.

Cook, Joan, S.C. Georgetown University

“Mothers and Wives, Sons and Sacrifices: A Reading of Genesis 21–22"

            The juxtaposed stories of the banishment of Hagar and Ishmael and the near-sacrifice of Isaac depict acute tensions in the family of Abraham. They offer, as well, insights and challenges for today’s struggles across families, genders, and cultures.

Crowell, Brad. University of Toledo

“A Literary Ostracon from Horvat ‘Uzza and the Edomite Wisdom Hypothesis”

            An ostracon discovered at Horvat ‘Uzza in the eastern Negev was published in 1993 and initially considered a Hebrew poetic text. Recently, this ostracon was interpreted as an Edomite parallel to the biblical book of Job. This interpretation will be critiqued along with the popular scholarly construction of Edom as the location of a major ancient wisdom school.

Dennis, Phillip W. Fordham University

“Catchwords in Mark 9:33–50? A Holistic Reading”

            Commentators often affirm that Mark 9:33–50 is comprised of independent ethical instructions joined by a redactor on the basis of catchwords. This paper relates observations about this specific text to the narrative thrust of Mark’s gospel, and, in conjunction with ideas about semantic cohesion drawn from the field of text linguistics, evaluates whether there are good reasons to believe the catchwords hypothesis. A holistic interpretation of the text, coherent with the larger narrative context, is offered in lieu of the catchwords hypothesis.

Dewey, Arthur J. Xavier University

“Paul and the ‘Bawdy Politic’”

            This presentation considers the question of “the body” in 1 Corinthians from the perspectives of rhetorical and performance criticism. While philological and socio-critical studies have contributed significantly to the question of the “Anointed’s Body,” more recent criticism points to the creative moves that Paul made in his correspondence. Metaphor, mask and mortality are clues to how Paul attempts to involve his listeners in becoming actors in the creation of the world. This paper attempts to underscore how Paul would embody this surprising revolution.

Dodson, Jacob D. Regent University

“Interpretation of Isaiah 11:2–3 in Early Christian and Patristic Literature”

            Among the many passages from the book of Isaiah mentioned in early Christian and Patristic literature, Isa 11:2–3 enjoys an exceptionally rich exegetical history. The purpose of this study is to provide a survey of the multiple perspectives of early Christian and Patristic interpretations of the passage from the early Greek apologists to Augustine. This study suggests that a gradual interpretive shift occurred in the Patristic readings of the passage from a messianic framework to a pneumatological one and finally to a context of moral theology. Challenges exist in relating Patristic readings of Isa 11:2–3 to modern biblical scholarship yet this survey proposes that some interaction between the two is possible.

Duran, Nicole W. Trinity Presbyterian Church, Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania

“How Can Satan Cast Out Satan? Colonial Realities and Mark 3:20–30"

            This paper examines the rhetorical tangle that is Mark 3:20–30, including especially the parable of the strong man, keeping in mind the post-colonial realities of the Roman occupation of Palestine. The binding of the strong man leaves his house (a loaded term) open to exploitation by the invader. In my reading, the passage reflects the extreme tension between those who collaborate with the imperial power and those who resist, as well as the reality that those tensions are often more immediate and more readily expressed than the tension between the colonized and colonizer.

Everson, David L. Xavier University

“Comparing Rabbinic and Origenian Theodicy”

            The relationship between Origen and Judaism has long been a matter of interest. As has been established by many (e.g. Crouzel, Urbach, Bietenhard, and de Lange), it is undeniable that a relationship existed between the two. However, it is uncertain as to what extent Origen interacted with and was knowledgeable of his neighboring rabbis. To an even lesser extent, it is uncertain as to how much Origen drew upon or borrowed from contemporary rabbinic theology. In order to better understand the relationship between the two, I will compare their respective theodicies. In particular, how each used or did not use angels in explaining the problem of evil will be of special interest. Within the Palestinian Midrashim, angels are virtually ubiquitous and are often featured in expositions which address matters of judgment and sin. Likewise, angels figure prominently in the writings of Origen where they are explicitly employed in discussions of in theodicy.

Frame, John Christopher. Anderson University School of Theology

“Images of a Hospitable Learning Community: Moving Toward Transformation in the Academic Milieu”

            How can hospitality promote learning in an educational environment? This paper explores the benefits of hospitable learning communities and how the university can be a hospitable environment. Consideration is given to hospitality in relation to various aspects of post-secondary education. The author coalesces personal illustrations from an internship in an Introduction to the Bible course, developing the idea that hospitality is fundamental to an enriching and transformative educational experience.

Hanges, James Constantine. Miami University of Ohio

“Κτίσις: A Note on the Sociology of Gal 6:15"

            This paper challenges the scholarly consensus that interprets the phrase καίνη κτίσις in Gal 6:15 by its use in 2 Cor 5:17, translating both as “new creation/creature.” Focusing on Jewish apocalyptic, often influenced by some form of existentialism, scholars have ignored the most common function of κτίσις as the technical term for πόλις-foundation and for the genre of myths/legends that celebrate them. This paper argues that Paul firmly establishes sociological categories in his argumentative context that make this Greek semantic background inescapable for residents of Hellenized Asia Minor, and rhetorically useful in reinforcing Paul's authority as founder of the new community.

Stephen Huebscher

“When the gods Worship God: Divine Council Participation in Celestial Cult”

            Recent NT commentators have pointed out that the heavenly elders in Revelation 4—5 have a divine council background. None have really explored this background in depth, however. The purpose of my paper, therefore, will be to study the divine council’s participation in the celestial cult in the Hebrew Bible. Key texts include Psalms 29:1; 89:5; 97:7; 148:2; and Job 38:7; with Isaiah 6; Ezekiel 1—3; and perhaps Daniel 7 also being considered. My working thesis is that the celestial cult, and specifically the council, may have functioned at times as a paradigm for earthly cult.

Hofecker, Terry. Tel Gezer Project

“Results of the 2006 Inaugural Season of Excavations at Tel Gezer: The ‘Solomonic’ Fortifications”

            In June and July of 2006, Dr. Steven Ortiz of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Dr. Samuel Wolff of the Israel Antiquities Authority co-directed the first season of renewed archaeological excavations at Tel Gezer in Israel. This first season the project cooperated with the Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority to clear key portions of previously excavated structures for the inauguration of the new national park on the site. Additionally, the expedition excavated the casemate wall west of and associated with the six-chambered gate previously exposed by R. A. S. Macalister at the beginning of the last century. This paper shall review the biblical significance of Gezer in the Iron Age and give a brief overview of the first season field experience and findings.

Hutton, Rod. Trinity Lutheran Seminary
“Are the Parents Still Eating Sour Grapes? The Use of the Mashal in Jeremiah and Ezekiel”

            On the surface, it seems that Jeremiah 31 and Ezekiel 18 both cite a common proverb for identical effect: “The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge” (NRSV). This paper will consider the specific syntax and grammar utilized by Jeremiah on one hand and Ezekiel on the other to establish that, in fact, the two prophets have considerably different interests at heart, and that the proverb is employed in widely divergent ways in order to support their larger programs. Ezekiel’s concern is to develop the theme of individual responsibility. Jeremiah’s concern, however, is to undermine the safe certainties of the past (plucking up and breaking down) in order to clear the ground for a renewed future (building and planting).

Jackson, Glenna. Otterbein College

“Religious Diversity: a Recipe for Peace or Violence?”

            According to the new Encyclopedia of Religious Freedom, “Religion is a human conundrum: We have both loved and hated in the name of God, have both waged peace and inflicted torture. Governments throughout the ages have feared religion’s disorderly and disparate energies, and its voice for the oppressed of every society. Yet societal law and good order depend upon the discipline and virtue of its citizenry, traits fostered by the world’s religions.” This paper reviews scriptures from several religious traditions that, if so chosen, can be viewed as prescriptions for war and violence. Certain historical Jesus parables suggest the opposite.

Jencks, Lynn B. E. Xavier University

“Refusing the Syrophoenician Woman: The Disparate Agendas of Jesus and Mark”

            In Mark 7:24–30, Jesus engages in a confrontation with a Syrophoenician woman. This paper explores the textual and historical evidence, and argues that the gospel writer and the historical Jesus had very different grounds for the refusal. The gospel writer carefully crafted the incident as the refusal of a gentile, in order to uphold his theology of Jewish prerogative. However, the historical Jesus refused the woman’s request because his ministry was to the dispossessed, while she was a rich and privileged woman.

Johnson, Lee. Methodist Theological School in Ohio

“Orality and Power in Ancient Culture: Examining Paul’s Successful Corinthian Letter Campaign”

            Pauline studies have recently benefited from the light that rhetorical criticism has shed upon his letters. However, letters differ from rhetorical addresses in several significant ways. This paper will bring sociological studies of oral cultures to the collection of Paul’s letters to the Corinthians to examine the commonly-held assumption in ancient written correspondence. A cross-cultural comparison of the Corinthian communities with modern oral-based cultures will reveal that Paul’s letter-writing campaign in absentia from Corinth was key to his status restoration within that community.

Kaltner, John. Rhodes College

“People and Their Books: Recent Comparative Study of the Bible and the Qur‘an”

            Since 9/11 a number of books have appeared that attempt to engage in comparative study of the Bible and the Qur‘an. This paper will provide an overview and critical examination of these works with particular attention paid to questions of ideology, methodology, and the implications for interfaith relations.

Karshner, Edward. Lorain County Community College

“‘Come and See’: The Searching out of Gnostic Epistemology”

            Based on the assumption that the Gospel of John contains and clarifies Gnostic epistemological concepts, this paper will examine Gnostic epistemology through a rhetorical analysis of the cosmology and ontology of the primary Gnostic texts: The Gnostic Gospel of Mary, The Gnostic Gospel of Thomas, and The Gospel of Judas. In giving a Gnostic reading of John and a Johannine reading of Gnostic texts, this paper will triangulate the essence of how Gnostics approached the process of knowing. Ultimately, this paper will assert that the basic methodology of Gnostic discovery is based on a dualistic view of language that stresses individual effort to contextualize language in order to reveal meaning.

Kennel, Elliot B. West Virginia University

“Enochic Symbolism and the Sixth Chapter of Revelation”

            It is suggested that the description of the Four Horsemen of the sixth chapter of the Revelation to John borrows extensively from the description of the Four Archangels described in the non-canonical book of I Enoch. The four horsemen are traditionally identified as symbolic representations of war, international strife, famine and death. Yet, the imagery used to describe these four figures is strikingly reminiscent of the imagery used to describe the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Phanuel in I Enoch.

Kim, Jinkyu. Nyack College

“Background on the Composition of Ps 144 in Light of its Strategic Arrangement in the Psalter”

            Because of its mixed form, Ps 144 has puzzled many form-critical commentators (Gunkel treated it as two separate psalms). In this paper, however, I suggest that the present form of the psalm was heavily influenced by the eschatological idea of Zechariah 14. Just as Zech 14 contains imagery of both warfare and eschatological blessings, so also does Ps 144. Re-using much of Ps 18, Ps 144 is the last royal psalm in the Psalter and was strategically arranged in its present position (near the end of the subgroup of Pss 135–145, followed by a doxology) in order to impart an eschatological message concerning the Messiah’s eschatological warfare, victory, and blessings, following the model of Zech 14.

Kozar, Joseph, S.M. University of Dayton

“Eating at the House of a Leper: Jesus’ Social Enhancement During a Luxury Meal at the Hands of a Non-status Woman as a Preparation for Jesus’ Betrayal at the Supper with His Disciples Which Follows It (Mark 14:1–11)”

            In a compositional scene of Mark’s making (the redactional technique of intercalation), the Markan Jesus’ true identity (Messiah) and its tragic consequences (death) are showcased in the context of a luxury meal at the house of Simon the leper. While meals usually function as regular events in which status and societal roles are both affirmed and legitimated, this paper investigates how supper at Simon’s house functions more like a ritual which confirms multiple changes of status. The paper examines the narrative role and social positioning of this scene for the following final meal of Jesus with his disciples. It articulates how Simon’s meal offers affirmation and witness while the Last Supper offers betrayal and abandonment. How does the woman’s recognition of Jesus’ impending death function as an appreciation of Jesus’ true status as both ‘king’ and ‘victim’ in the Passion Narrative which Mark 14:1–11 introduces.

Kraut, Judah. University of Pennsylvania

“The Birds and the Babes: The Structure and Meaning of Psalm 8"

            Psalm 8 poses a number of notoriously difficult exegetical challenges. In their interpretations, scholars have often resorted to speculative exegesis more so than to compelling textual argument—suggesting, for example, various emendations or tenuous parallels. Yet, the efforts to interpret Psalm 8 in the light of more accessible (or hypothetical) texts have obscured the fact that the psalm possesses a particular structural and rhetorical logic. An appreciation of the psalm’s structure elucidates three key elements of its meaning: (a) the role of 3a (“From the mouths of infants and sucklings”); (b) the identity of the “Elohim” in 6a; and (c) the overarching message of the psalm.

Lawrence, Jonathan. Canisius College

“Many Waters–Jewish Ritual Bathing and Christian Baptism in India”

            Recent discussions of the origins and development of Jewish ritual bathing and Christian baptism have focused on practices in Israel. However, their connections to Greco-Roman bathing practices have often been overlooked despite significant general interest in Greco-Roman interactions with Judaism and Christianity. This paper examines the effect of Greco-Roman influence on early Jewish and Christian bathing practices through an investigation of bathing in Southern India, where Jews and Christians were surrounded by a different dominant culture. It will also consider the challenges and possibilities presented by such a cross-cultural approach.

McCabe, Beth.

“The Legend of Ra and Isis: A Historical Background Behind 1 Timothy 2.12–14?”

            This presentation will explore the intersection of the biblical text with the Egyptian cult of Isis. To arrive at this juncture, brief discussion will be given to the existence of the Isis cult in Ephesus prior to Christianity and the nature of the false teaching throughout the epistle. Of particular interest are the comparisons and contrasts that can be drawn with the creation account in Genesis, especially the correlations between Eve and Isis.

McMahon, Adam. The Athenaeum of Ohio

“The Intertextuality of Testament of Moses 9–10 and Revelation 6:9–16"

            While the Testament of Moses has recently received scholarly attention, there has been little study of its relationship to the Book of Revelation. This paper will investigate the intertextuality between these apocalyptic texts and will compare their common terminology, symbols, and themes. The density and uniqueness of certain parallels reveals that John was highly influenced by the Testament of Moses while constructing the eschatological descriptions in Revelation 6:9–16.

Monighan-Schaefer, Johanna. Dickinson College

“Apocalypse Series in 20^th Century Art”

            This article briefly surveys Apocalypse series by Redon (1899), Corinth (1916), Beckmann (1941/42), Falken (1961), Proksch (1984) and Doll (2000). These 20^th century artists translate the visions of John into their own visual vocabulary. Three observations become evident: 1) the correlation between the biblical text, theological commentaries and the artist’s visual interpretation marked by earlier centuries is broken, 2) artists start their images on Revelation by reading the biblical text and taking it literally, 3) each series of the Apocalypse differs immensely in iconography, style and use of the medium.

Mulzac, Kenneth. Andrews University Theological Seminary

“The Theological Significance of ‘Ebed-Melech the Cushite’ in Jeremiah 38 & 39.”

            The black presence in the Bible has been given wide attention. However, the discussion has generally focused on issues such as character identity, geography, and historical significance but not on theology. In this paper I explore how the author’s use and placement of the unnamed “Ebed-Melech the Cushite” is a conscious and deliberate device to spotlight a dynamic theological factor. This is significant because it is literally related to life and death. It is a matter of faith or fate.

Phillips, Victoria. West Virginia Wesleyan College

“Blessing the First Birth: A Feminist Critical Reading of Luke 11:27–28"

            Luke 11:27–28 creates a false dichotomy between blessing the female body that gave birth to Jesus (the womb and the breasts) and blessing obedience to the word of God. Mary, mother of Jesus, obeyed and “did the word of God” by undertaking the reproductive labor of giving birth to and of raising Jesus. Enabling the false dichotomy is the notion that reproductive labor is an instinctual or non-cognitive aspect of human consciousness. Political philosopher Mary O’Brien offers a framework for disputing the patriarchal preference for the second birth—the acquisition of human nature—over the first birth, the acquisition of physical life. At the same time, many women and men have welcomed a text that emphasizes women’s ability to “do the will of God.” This paper will offer a critique of current scholarship and then propose a reading of the exchange between Jesus and the woman; she is to be understood as Wisdom calling to those in the crowd who do not recognize Jesus as God’s servant.

Riley, Andrew J. Hebrew Union College

“God’s Covenantal Hatred of Esau in Malachi 1:3"

            Scholars frequently note the covenant background of ‘āhēb (to love). Subsequently, they identify ‘āhēb in Malachi 1:2d, “I have loved (‘āhēb) Jacob,” as a term communicating an intact covenant between Yahweh and Israel. This paper argues that the use of ‘āhēb’s counterpart, śānē’ (to hate), in a treaty context indicates a fractured covenant. Using both the Hebrew Bible and treaty texts from the Ancient Near East, this study considers this issue specifically in Malachi 1:3a, “I have hated (śānē’) Esau.”

Seibert, Eric A. Messiah College

“Dealing with Divine Violence in the Hebrew Bible: Some Pedagogical Considerations for Undergraduates (and Others)”

            This paper explores the vexing problem of how to handle responsibly passages in the Hebrew Bible containing portrayals of divine violence. I argue that neither ignoring the problem nor doing descriptive analysis alone is adequate. Instead, students should 1) be encouraged to experience the troubling nature of divine violence by carefully reading selected passages, 2) be aware of the negative impact these texts have had upon readers, 3) be introduced to a broad range of interpretive options, and 4) be given a hermeneutical method that enables them to be discerning readers, rejecting certain portrayals of God without rejecting the text.

Smith, Richard G. Taylor University

“Reflections on Moral Pedagogy in Light of the Hebrew Bible’s Wisdom Literature”

            In the realm of moral education, the educator must consider to what extent and how s/he should acquaint students with the very vices that they are trying to help the student avoid. Should the student be isolated from the threatening vices, left to his own devices, or should the student be inoculated in preparation for an encounter with the vices? This pedagogical decision will have significant ramifications and potential pitfalls. This paper will suggest that the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible witnesses to a pedagogical perspective which seeks to inoculate the student with respect to various vices and that this is the least risky and most effective approach to take towards character formation.

Sowers, Brian. University of Cincinnati

“Homeric Centos and Creative Evangelism in Late Antiquity”

            Homeric centos, poems constructed by borrowing lines from Homer, played an important role in Late Antiquity and were influential enough to be incorporated into Libanius’ classroom. This study begins from the theoretical position that periphrastic literature, of which the cento was part, sought to reconstitute the Biblical text into a product relevant to a skeptical audience. As is made explicit in the programmatic preface to her work, Eudocia’s cento represents an attempt to extend the Christian message to the literary elites, that final bastion of paganism. The aim of this study is to reevaluate the religious as well as cultural function of literature from Late Antiquity.

Stulman, Louis. University of Findlay

“‘But the Word of our God Endures Forever’: The Literarization of Prophecy”

            The “literarization” of prophecy, or prophetic scroll production, involves seismic shifts in social worlds: from (factual) oral performance to a tapestry of textual constructions “refracted through scribal interpretive intentionality” (Walter Brueggemann). This artful re-performance departs from a safe homeland for a dangerous diaspora. Along the way it traffics in symbolic transformations for war-torn communities. Written prophecy, this paper argues, is a resilient script, a meaning-making map of hope, for disoriented and dislocated people at risk of losing their bearings.

Von Thaden, Robert H., Jr. Mercyhurst College

“The Use and Abuse of the Pauline Whore: Ideological Texture and the Ethics of Reading”

            This socio-rhetorical reading of Paul's argument in 1 Cor 6:12–7:7 provides a space to explore the ethically problematic exploitation of the “whore” in Paul's rhetoric. Central to Paul's rhetorical strategy is achieving what cognitive scientists refer to as “human scale” in his teaching. In order to make his argument easier to grasp, Paul moves from the abstract sexual sin of porneia to the concrete body of the pornē (6:15-17). This paper explicates the central conceptual role of the “whore” in Paul's argument and analyzes his use of this dangerous character through an examination of the pericope's ideological texture.

Wiechel, Rebecca L. Methodist Theological School in Ohio

“The Face of True Discipleship: Women, ἀkolouqέw and diakonέw in Mark”

            Abstract not available.

Zents, Tiffany. Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

“Naboth’s Vineyard: A Discussion of Barter, Exchange & Alienability of Immobiles in the Hebrew Bible and Akkadian Like-kind Exchange Contracts”

            I Kings 21 records an unsuccessful barter between King Ahab and Naboth. Ahab, determined to obtain the neighboring vineyard, first offers a more valuable vineyard in exchange. When that offer is rejected, he offers to buy the vineyard above its market value. Despite Naboth’s refusal, the question of Naboth’s right to alienate his ancestral property remains unanswered. This paper will investigate the constraints on family and clan-controlled land in the Bible in light of Akkadian contracts which record like- or similar-kind exchange of immobiles; and discuss the difficulty surrounding the nature of land tenure in the ancient Near East.