FUSBC

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http://62.84.176.49:4000/handle/123456789/184

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    A fresh look at βοσόρ: textual criticism in 2 peter 2:15
    (2004) Hays, Christopher M., [autor]
    Commentators have often been stymied by the idiosyncratic patronymic Boso&r assigned to Balaam of Beor by the best textual witnesses of 2 Peter 2:15. However, detailed investigation of the development of the Balaam traditions in tandem with the Edomite king-lists of Gen 36:32, 1 Chr 1:43, and Job 42:17d (LXX only) reveals a tightly intertwined history that paved the way for the unintentional replacement of Bew&r with Boso&r. The confusion of numerous other names and places associated with the two titles in the Septuagint and Targums witnesses to a trajectory which culminated in the textual variants of 2 Peter 2.15.
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    Beyond mint and rue: the implications of Luke's interpretive controversies for modern consumerism
    (2010-07) Hays, Christopher M., [autor]
    Luke's Gospel features repeated confrontations between Jesus and the socio-religious elite of his day, in which Jesus disputes with his opponents regarding how the Hebrew Bible bears upon social ethics. The present essay examines the character of Jesus' controversial interpretations in the accounts of Jesus' polemics against the Pharisees and lawyers in Lk. 11:37-52 and 16:14-31. Against the paradigms of his contemporaries, Luke's Jesus stands in the stream of the Hebrew prophets, calling for fulfillment of the Law especially in terms of justice and mercy. After describing the contours of Luke's ethical interpretation of Scripture, the investigation seeks to imitate prophetic and Lukan interpretation. Luke's message challenges modern consumerist practice, particularly what sociologists have referred to as idealist consumption of symbols and status. Idealist consumption drives the western consumer to insatiable, narcissistic expenditure and neglect of the poor, and is dissonant with the prophetic summons to justice and mercy.
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    By Almsgiving and Faith Sins Are Purged? A Critical Analysis of the Theological Underpinnings of Christian Almsgiving in the Second and Third Centuries.
    (Grand Rapids, Michigan : William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, [2009], ©2009, ©2009) Hays, Christopher M., [autor]
    The present essay aims to describe some of the most prominent theological tributaries in the development of early Christian almsgiving and briefly to assess to what degree we might assent to and endorse these ethical exhortations of the earliest churches. The themes considered will be appeals to charitable giving that are not based on warrants of self-interest and appeals that highlight the benefits accrued to the giver. This latter category examines how almsgiving (a) was construed as a mechanism of purging of the passions, (b) was highlighted as a mechanism for remitting sins, and (c) was encouraged under the threat of eschatological judgment.
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    Early Egyptian-Christian Wealth Ethics: Diverse Christian Moralities from the Apostolic Fathers to the Rise of Constantine
    (Leuven : Peeters, 2014, 2014) Hays, Christopher M., [autor]
    As the academy has come to appreciate the heterogeneity of early Christianities, it has become increasingly clear that the diversity of Christian theologies was matched by the great variety in Christian ethics. While any number of moral topics warrant attention, this essay focuses on the subject of wealth ethics in pre-Constantian Egypt, since one encounters staggering ideological diversity amongst early Christians in that time and place. The most-discussed figure from this period is of course Clement of Alexandria; Clement’s prominence, however, has obscured a variety of other figures and views. Consequently, this ‘whistle-stop tour’ will focus on a sequence of less-studied figures and texts. It begins with the rather tame teachings in the EpistleofBarnabas, and moves through the (allegedly) libertine/communal Carpocratians. It then gives brief attention to the rigorist SentencesofSextus and TestimonyofTruth, two Nag Hammadi texts in which a shared Christian skepticism about wealth is worked out in quite different ways. Finally, the article addresses three distinctive figures from the early fourth century: 1) Peter, bishop of Alexandria, who made dozens of strong exhortations to generosity; 2) Phileas, martyr and bishop of Thmuis, whose beneficence was so great that even his judge wanted to spare his life; and 3) Antony the Great, whose well-known asceticism did not prevent him from earnest care for the poor. The essay illustrates the diversity in Christian practices, which ranged from generosity to communalism to asceticism to euergetism; thus the investigation helps remedy a lacuna in modern research on early Christian ethics.
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    New Testament Wealth Ethics in the Twenty-First Century : Some Constructive Considerations on Personal Piety and Public Progress.
    (2016-04-01) Hays, Christopher M., [autor]
    This article is a work of New Testament ethics which asks how to take seriously Jesus's teachings on wealth and poverty in a global economy, where markets and finance might considerably aid the flourishing of the poor. It begins with a summation of the wealth-ethical teachings of the Third Gospel, encapsulating Luke's teaching on wealth in the notion that disciples must commit all their resources to the Kingdom. The article then asks how constructively to appropriate this New Testament ethic for contemporary society. Finally, some comments are ventured on how one might transpose this biblical ethic onto the public sphere. It is the thesis of the present essay that recourse to the organizing concepts of repentance, sanctification, the double love command, and vocational diversity can enable the people of God faithfully to pursue the New Testament's wealth ethical imperative that …