Open AccessRe-thinking the dynamics of a pluralistic society in Acts 15:1-35 and contemporary Zimbabwean society: A Narratological Approach
Author(s) -
Tobias Marevesa
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pharos journal of theology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2414-3324
DOI - 10.46222/pharosjot.102.027
Subject(s) - narrative , diversity (politics) , sociology , dynamics (music) , new testament , ethnic group , old testament , social science , history , literature , anthropology , philosophy , theology , classics , art , pedagogy
From time immemorial, ethnic diversity in society often resulted in conflict instead of cooperation. Religion played a pivotal role in uniting or dividing people. In the New Testament world, James Dunn (2006) describes the dynamics of a pluralistic society as that of unity in diversity. Furthermore, other prominent scholars in the New Testament studies such as Haenchen (1985:467) and Witherington (1998:439) aptly describe Acts 15:1-35 as a “turning point” and a “watershed”, respectively, in relation to the dynamics of ethnic conflict resolution. The main thrust of this paper to interrogate a conflict-resolution in the pluralistic environment of Acts 15. This paper will be informed by insights and the lens of narrative method. The coming of this method into the New Testament studies was not well received by traditional scholars who viewed it as taking the Bible as fictional as work. Nevertheless, this paper maintains that the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 (50 CE) can be examined and analysed using narratological insights.