Date of Award
Summer 1995
Document Type
Dissertation - Restricted
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Theology
First Advisor
Hills, Julian V.
Second Advisor
Edwards, Richard A.
Third Advisor
Stockhausen, Carol L.
Abstract
Serious concern about the topic of peace and active involvement in the peace movement originated for me in 1979-81 while engaged in theological studies in Chicago. The Cold War raged, stockpiles of nuclear weapons swelled, and protestations against the arms race grew more strident. Urban Chicago offered a charged, and often intimidating, atmosphere in which to converse about peace and to participate in activities aimed at raising public consciousness about the need to promote nonviolent human relations and strategies of problem solving. Two years later, while continuing studies in Berkeley, CA, my interest in peace took on a more theological and academic bent. In 1982-83 I pursued further reading and writing about (peace) in scripture, working particularly to sharpen my exegetical skills. During the next several years of teaching, I continued to ponder issues related to biblical peace. In 1989 I began doctoral studies in NT at Marquette University. Occasionally in courses I would "test the waters" of more critical research. It was during that time that the idea for this project germinated. Selection of the mission charge in Matt 10: 1-15 as a focus of study is based on three criteria. First, I have done some previous work on the Gospel of Matthew and have been intrigued by it. Second, the concepts of healing and peace occur together in the mission discourse (vv 1, 7, 13). And, third, modem scholarship has left several questions about this pericope unanswered...