An examination of the problem of particularism and universalism within the writings of Deutero-Isaiah

Gordon, Robert Lind (1978) An examination of the problem of particularism and universalism within the writings of Deutero-Isaiah. MTh(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The thesis comprises five chapters in which an examination has boon carried out of the question as to whether we are presented with a particularist or universalist intention within the intonation of Deutero-Isaiah. The first two chapters are taken up with a summary of modern scholarship in relation to the question. Chapter One examines the views of the proponents of a universalist thrust and Chapter Two similarly considers the views of those scholars who take the opposite position. The result of this examination is to conclude that the linguistic analytic approach by itself does not provide clear enough ground. for definite conclusion and that this method of approach to the problem seems to have reached an impassae. The survey highlight the fact that many of the judgements; made An relation to translation and interpretation within the tort are coloured significantly by the presupposition with which the investigation is approached. Chapters Three to Five proceed with an examination of two major theological motifs which occur within the writings of the prophet, namely the theme of creation and the tradition of the renewal of Jerusalem coupled with the tradition of patriarchal promise through Abraham. This is carried out in an attaint to provide a wider backcloth against which discussion of the question in hand may be carried out and to nee if any direction is given within these strands which may assist towards a more helpful conciliation. The thesis; has boon, undertaken with two main objectives in mind. First, to present systematically the main views on both side of the disunion. This has boon undercook by reviewing the main streams of a pro-universalist position in Chapter One and by looking in particular at the work of eight specific scholars who take a different position in Chapter Two. The result of this has been to provide a summary in which the main points of discussion and dissension can be clearly perceived. The second objective has been, in the light of the obvious 1imitations of the linguistic analytic approach, to examine the two above-mentioned theological strands within the writings in the hope that further light may be on the problem. Such conclusion as can be drawn from this scorn to indicate that support is gained for these scholars who went to. see a universalism of a limited nature within the message of the prophet. However, outside of the more explicit references within the Servant Songs which, if they stood by themselves, Might load one to a more extrovert universality view, thin universalism falls short of an explicit call to missionary endeavour on the part of the renewed people of God.

• Item Type: Thesis (MTh(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Additional Information: Adviser: Robert Davidson
• Keywords: Biblical studies, Theology
• Date of Award: 1978
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1978-73773
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
• Last Modified: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/73773