Exclusionary and inclusionary tendencies: An African relook at Paul’s use of religious texts in Romans 9:26–29

Hulisani Ramantswana

doi:10.4102/ve.v43i1.2394

Abstract

This article considers Paul’s use of Scripture in Romans 9:26–29 in dealing with exclusionary and inclusionary tendencies in view of the Jews-Gentiles dilemma. In his use of Scripture, Paul uses the concept of ‘seed’ as a link through which he draws various texts in developing his argument as to who is included or excluded within Israel. While it is crucial to observe how Paul utilises Scripture and exegetical traditions in developing his argument, it is argued that the Jews-Gentiles dilemma cannot be solved simply by paying attention to the biblical texts as the voices of the Gentile others also need to be considered. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article is an intersection of Second Temple interpretation and contextual reading of texts, thereby pointing to the importance of readers’ social location in reading of the biblical texts.

Highlights

During European colonialism, racism and ethnicity were the key pillars that governed the relationship between Europeans and the rest of the world’s populations
The colonial policies of exclusion and discrimination operated on racial hierarchy
The colonial dynamics of exclusion have not evaporated with the demise of colonialism proper – they continue to shape our lived experiences in the African context

Summary

Introduction

During European colonialism, racism and ethnicity were the key pillars that governed the relationship between Europeans and the rest of the world’s populations. In Roman 9:6–29, Paul addresses the Jews-Gentiles dilemma by evoking the concept of ‘seed’ by taking as the primary text of appeal as Genesis 21:12, which generates themes and propositions to draw other secondary texts (or quotations) including Isaiah 1:9.

Results

Conclusion