Having root in the self. Human fruition and self-in-relation in the Gospel of Mark

Steele, Denise (2004) Having root in the self. Human fruition and self-in-relation in the Gospel of Mark. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This thesis presents a literary-theological exegetical study of the gospel of Mark, focusing on the thematic of selfhood. True human identity, the divinely-intended fruition of the human person, is found in loving orientation towards the divine Other and the human other; the self is self-in-relation. Mark presents a developmental model of identity formation wherein the individual responding to the divine call to relationship must move out of initial easy dependency on the divine to actively, desirously and sacrificially orient himself towards steadfast ex-centric relationship with God and with human beings. Such self-determination may only be enacted from within a condition of 'having root in the self (Mark 4.17); from within a mature and centred subjectivity which is motivated by love towards the Other and the other. The thematic of selfhood is first examined in the person of Jesus, in his response to and relationship with God and God's project towards humanity, and then in the case of the other gospel characters as they respond to Jesus' person and mission. Attention is paid to the presentation of the characters in their interrelationships and in their personal existential experience. Differing modes of self-in-relation are observed, providing a context which highlights the mode of self-in-relation in which the human person finds his salvation. The model for such human fruition, for 'gospel selfhood', is Jesus. The thesis seeks to bring out the affective dimensions of the gospel as a story of persons, highlighting the affective impact on the reader who is summoned to enact and realise his own gospel selfhood.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Biblical studies.
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > Theology and Religious Studies
• Supervisor's Name: Riches, Prof. John
• Date of Award: 2004
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2004-70983
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 09 May 2019 14:28
• Last Modified: 14 Jun 2021 13:38
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/70983