Hans Dieter Betz

Bio: Hans Dieter Betz is an academic researcher from University of Chicago. The author has contributed to research in topics: Stress (linguistics). The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 99 citations.

The Literary Composition and Function of Paul's Letter to the Galatians

Abstract: When discussing commentaries friends have repeatedly suggested to me that the commentary genre is at present not the most creative format within which to work. This may or may not be true, but the enterprise certainly provides for some strange experiences. It has been my experience that things go smoothly as long as one does not ask too many questions. The present paper, however, is the preliminary outcome of asking too many questions about how to arrive at an ‘outline’ of the letter to the Galatians. Nearly all commentaries and Introductions to the New Testament contain such an outline, table of contents, or paraphrase of the argument. However, despite an extensive search, I have not been able to find any consideration given to possible criteria and methods for determining such an outline.

The Concept of the ‘Inner Human Being’ ([omicron, accent][epsilon, accent]σω [alpha, accent]νθρωπ[omicron]σ) in the Anthropology of Paul

Abstract: The paper discusses one of the key concepts of Paul's anthropology, the concept of the ‘inner human being’ (όέσω άνθρωποσ). According to recent contributions by U. Duchrow, T. K. Heckel, C. Markschies and W. Burkert, Paul's concept originated in Plato. The questions still open are: How did the concept get into the hands of Paul? How does Paul interpret the concept in accordance with his own theological anthropology? Answering these two questions is the goal of the paper.

The analogical imagination:christian theology and the culture of pluralism

Abstract: An essential addition to any serious theological library. David Tracy introduces his influential concept of the "classic," as well as his idea of the difference between analogical and other ways of viewing the life of faith. He looks at the culture of pluralism, examining the main differences in the world's theological doctrines.

Galatians 2:20 as a Corrective to Selected Contemporary Views of Christian Spirituality

Abstract: GALATIANS 2:20 AS A CORRECTIVE TO SELECTED CONTEMPORARY VIEWS OF CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY Philip Adam McClendon, Ph.D. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2012 Chair: Dr. Robert L. Plummer This dissertation examines various contemporary Protestant views of Christian Spirituality in light of Galatians 2:20 in order to correct some common errors caused by the elevation of personal subjectivism and the misinterpretation of Scripture. The purpose is to demonstrate the continual necessity of the Scriptures as the normative grounds for evaluating and correcting the theological and practical expressions of Christian spirituality. Christian spirituality focuses on the way that one lives as led by the Spirit in light of one’s understanding of and experience with God. While the role of the Spirit in Christian spirituality is critical, direct emphasis on the necessity of grounding one’s spiritual understanding and experience within the context of Scripture is often an absent element. Without the governing standard of the Bible, and with the increased influences of ecumenicalism, mysticism, secularism, subjectivism, and relativism within Protestantism, Christian spirituality remains somewhat ambiguous and covers a substantial range of religious beliefs to include biblical as well as extra-biblical ideas. Thus, to demonstrate how the Scriptures can help govern limits within Christian spirituality, Galatians 2:20 will be examined. This dissertation, then, employs Galatians 2:20 as a guide for establishing essential concepts concerning the spiritual life and, in so doing, corrects some common misunderstandings of the spiritual life. Chapter 1 defines spirituality and provides a brief history of interpretation for Galatians 2:20. Chapter 2 demonstrates that the cross is central to the justification of the believer and results in a transformation of life. Chapter 3 reveals that the Spirit serves as Christ’s representative to the believer empowering them for Christian living. Chapter 4 emphasizes the reality that although the believer is to progress in sanctification, they will continually experience spiritual tension in this life between the Spirit and the desires of the flesh. Chapter 5 explains that personal faith is the means by which the believer lives out the indwelling presence of the Spirit. This lived faith is motivated by the sacrificial love of God. Chapter 6 provides a conclusion based on the preliminary thought regarding the necessity of biblical spirituality in light of some current trends within Christian spirituality.

Grace and Agency in Paul and Second Temple Judaism: Interpreting the Transformation of the Heart

Abstract: Following recent intertextual studies, Wells examines how descriptions of ‘heart-transformation’ in Deut 30, Jer 31–32 and Ezek 36 influenced Paul and his contemporaries' articulations about grace and agency.

Rhetorical Situation and Historical Reconstruction in 1 Corinthians

Abstract: In the past fifteen years or so New Testament scholars have sought to balance the predominantly historical orientation of biblical studies with insights and methods derived from literary studies and literary criticism. In addition, discussions of hermeneutics and pastoral ‘application’ have attempted to replace the overall framework of meaning that has been eroded by the eclipse of biblical theology understood as salvation history. Finally, the studies of the social world of early Christianity have focused anew on the social-political situation and economic-cultural conditions of the New Testament writers and their communities. However, these discussions have not yet led to the formulation of a new integrative paradigm in biblical interpretation. This paper seeks to contribute to this three-pronged discussion by utilizing rhetorical criticism for the interpretation of Paul's first extant letter to the community of Corinth. My main goal is thereby not to add a ‘new interpretation’ to the many variant readings of 1 Corinthians but to explore the questions, methods, and strategies involved in the interpretation of the letter.