Reader clues in the text of Galatians∗
Year: 1987
Type: article
Abstract: Summary The article argues that the Epistle to the Galatians offers clues to its readers on various levels of the text. After some general methodological remarks, the rhetorical situation of the letter is analysed. Paul finds himself in a totally disadvantaged position with regard both to the Jerusalem leaders and to the Galatians believers. He meets this challenge by employing rhetorical devices on at least four levels. Firstly, on the syntacto‐rhetorical level he uses pronomina to increase or decrease textual space between him and his readers. A skilful use of rhetorical questions enables him to retain the upper hand in the argument while he avoids the problems posed by the phenomenon of the double reader. Secondly, on the level of cultural codes, he uses the common presuppositions shared by his readers to turn their arguments concerning the priority of the law around and to present irrefutable evidence for his viewpoint. Thirdly, on the level of the semantic universe of the text, the author creates a new set of social values and interrelations with which his readers can identify and which make a shift in perspective possible. Fourthly, the text of Galatians offers examples of how gaps are created, which invite the participation of the reader and which represent a shift from a casuistic to a participatory style of ethics.
Source: Journal of Literary Studies
Author: Bernard Lategan
Language: English
Subfield: Religious studies
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $388
OpenAlex ID: W1984593336