Abstract
In an effort to revive the ancient Christian practice of hospitality, scholars often appeal to the Old Testament as a model to be emulated. This article examined and described the practice of hospitality in the Old Testament and evaluated its relevancy for the recent discussions surrounding hospitality. Throughout the history of discussions on hospitality, Abraham has served as the exemplar of biblical hospitality. Therefore, the Old Testament practice of hospitality was evaluated through Abraham�s story found in Genesis 18. It was concluded that the Old Testament practice of hospitality is not sufficient as a contemporary model for hospitality, but that the following elements of Old Testament thought might serve as theological underpinnings for a renewed and revisioned Christian practice of hospitality in today�s multi-faith environment, in that, (1) all humans bear the image of God, (2) all humans are relational creatures, (3) all humans are dependent upon each other and (4) all humans are travellers hosted by God.
Highlights
The practice of hospitality has been a valuable part of Christian tradition throughout the centuries and efforts are underway to recapture hospitality as a vital and effective means of manifesting the love of Christ in the world (e.g. Bretherton 2006; Jenkins 2007; Pohl 1999; Yong 2008)
I would argue that any attempt to construct a Christian theology of hospitality must utilise a variety of resources, including theology, Christian tradition, political realities, social customs and the biblical witness
As a small contribution towards the re-appropriation of hospitality as a Christian virtue, this study addresses the question of how the Old Testament might support a contemporary theology of hospitality within a pluralistic context
Summary
The practice of hospitality has been a valuable part of Christian tradition throughout the centuries and efforts are underway to recapture hospitality as a vital and effective means of manifesting the love of Christ in the world (e.g. Bretherton 2006; Jenkins 2007; Pohl 1999; Yong 2008). In the Old Testament, there is no case where hospitality is extended to a stranger (ger) (Hobbs 2001:20–21).
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