Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
New Testament scholars have argued that Luke-Acts presents an apologetic historiography and political propaganda which portrayed Roman officials as saviours of the world. The problem with the discourse on the apologetic historiography and political propaganda in Luke-Acts is that the presence of various forms of oppression behind and in the text becomes hidden. Thus, it is pertinent to highlight the reality of oppression as well as the prophetic voice that responded to them, as illustrated by the text of Acts 27. In this article, Lucky Dube’s Mickey Mouse freedom song is employed as a hermeneutical tool to unlock the meaning of Acts 27, and to argue that whereas Acts 27 contains an apologetic narrative, Paul’s prophetic voice is equally evident in the chapter. From an African liberationist perspective, lessons are therefore drawn from Acts 27 regarding the liberationist prophetic voice of Paul. In the end, this article sees Paul’s prophetic voice as an embodiment of both resilience and resistance in the face of imperialism and chains (oppression).
Highlights
Biblical Hermeneutics and Black Theology in South Africa, Mosala argues for a liberationist reading of the Bible and of ancient texts: Texts that are against oppressed people may be coopted by the interlocutors of the liberation struggle ... the fact that these texts have their ideological roots in oppressive practices means that the texts are capable of undergirding the interests of the oppressors even when used by the oppressed
In Luke-Acts, Gilbert (2003:236–239) identifies apolitical propaganda which rhetorically portrayed the Roman officials as saviours of the world
The problem with the rhetorical strategy, that is, the political propaganda at the time of the Roman Empire in the context of early Christianity is that it distracts Luke-Acts readers from the harsh reality of the various forms of oppression in Luke-Acts
Summary
Biblical Hermeneutics and Black Theology in South Africa, Mosala argues for a liberationist reading of the Bible and of ancient texts: Texts that are against oppressed people may be coopted by the interlocutors of the liberation struggle ... the fact that these texts have their ideological roots in oppressive practices means that the texts are capable of undergirding the interests of the oppressors even when used by the oppressed. The liberation song, when considered in the light of the payment of taxes in the historiography of Luke in Acts confirms the imperialist influence of the Roman Empire on the early Christians and Christianity.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
