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Cultural Biases in New Testament Interpretation: Explaining Them Using Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
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TextPublication details: Johannesburg South Africa South African Theological Seminary March 2018Description: 376 pages PDF A4 Abstract, TOCDissertation note: Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (PhD) South African Theological Seminary March 2018 Summary: The overarching objective of this dissertation is to substantiate the idea that Hofstede’s cultural dimensions—power distance(PDI), individualism versus collectivism(IDV), masculinity versus femininity(MAS), uncertainty avoidance(UAI), long-term orientation (LTO) along with indulgence versus restraint (IVR)—can be used to explain most cultural biases in New Testament interpretations specifically between works intended for an Anglo world audience and those intended fora sub-Saharan Africa audience. This task is accomplished by statistically showing that IDV and PDI are the areas measured by Hofstede where significant cultural differences exist between these regions. Select criteria are developed and used in the choice of New Testament passages and corresponding literature. A modified deductive content analysis procedure is used to make comparisons with the selected passages and literature. The John 2:23-3:21comparison shows that PDI (seen in the importance of the teacher versus the learner) and IDV (expressed in postmodernity versus traditionalism) are very likely to explain the major cultural biases. The comparison in Acts 10:1-11:18reveals that the principal cultural differences are probably best delineated with IDV (in terms of in-group versus out-group distinction and honour/shame versus grace/guilt). The main cultural biases in the Romans 8:31-39comparisonare most likely described with PDI (seen via instabilities) and IDV (in terms of in-group versus out-group distinction). The James comparison reveals that IDV (expressed in oral/traditional literature versus modern genre) and PDI (via instabilities and GNP) seems to best account for the principal cultural biases. Across all comparisons IDV and PDI also account for the vast majority of other cultural differences along with Abstract works intended for an Anglo world audience using an average of 2.6 times more cross-references, which is a result of IDV (modern/postmodern genre versus oral/traditional literature). This study demonstrates that with Hofstede’s cultural model it is possible to compare biblical scholarship from two different parts of the globe and explain cultural biases.
| Item type | Current library | Collection | Call number | URL | Copy number | Status | Date due | Barcode | |
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Thesis
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South African Theological Seminary Online Resource | Electronic Holdings | Link to Resource | 1 | Available | 0000000010979 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Theology (PhD) South African Theological Seminary March 2018
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