Showing posts with label Dissertation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dissertation. Show all posts
Sunday, July 5, 2015
My Dissertation Is Available Online
I see that my dissertation is now available online:
Small, Brian Christopher. "The Characterization of Jesus in the Book of Hebrews." Ph.D. diss., Baylor University, 2012.
(I apologize in advance for any typos you may find. I cleaned them up before my book went into print).
Small, Brian Christopher. "The Characterization of Jesus in the Book of Hebrews." Ph.D. diss., Baylor University, 2012.
(I apologize in advance for any typos you may find. I cleaned them up before my book went into print).
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Abstract of My Dissertation
The Characterization of Jesus in the Book of
Hebrews
This dissertation accomplishes three things. First, it identifies the literary and
rhetorical devices that the author of Hebrews uses to construct his characterization
of Jesus. Second, it reconstructs the
portrait that emerges from the author’s characterization of Jesus. Third, it indicates how the author’s
characterization of Jesus is important for his overall argument.
This dissertation lays the methodological groundwork through
an examination of characterization in both modern literary and ancient
rhetorical theory and practice. The
analysis reveals that characterization in ancient rhetoric demonstrates many
affinities with modern literary theory and practice.
The author of Hebrews employs a variety of techniques to construct
his characterization of Jesus. First,
the author uses encomiastic topics, which are categories by which the
attributes of persons were conceived in the ancient world. Second, the author utilizes a variety of
devices such as amplification, synkrisis, vivid description, attributed speech,
and literary tropes to develop his portrait of Jesus. Finally, the author appeals to divine testimony
to give authoritative support to his portrayal of Jesus’ character. The author depicts Jesus as a person of
exemplary character who exhibits the highest of human virtues but also divine
attributes as well. These traits reveal
both Jesus’ greatness and moral excellence.
The author’s characterization of Jesus is significant for
his overall argument. First, Jesus’
character produces many benefits for his followers. Believers in some sense share in the same
status and privileges that Jesus possesses.
Jesus’ exemplary character also produces many soteriological benefits
for his followers. Second, his character
entails certain obligations from his followers.
Jesus’ exemplary
character is a model of imitation for his followers. The author frequently urges his audience to
exemplify virtues that are also characteristic of Jesus. Jesus’ character also serves as a warning for
his followers to avoid disobedience and unbelief. Finally, Jesus’ character serves as
encouragement for his followers to persevere and mature in their faith, and to
approach God boldly in worship.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Dissertation Successfully Defended!
Today I successfully defended my dissertation entitled, "The Characterization of Jesus in the Book of Hebrews."
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