Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 76 No. 3, 2006.
Izvorni znanstveni članak
Abraham - God's Friend and a Man of Faith and Works According to the Letters of James
Mato Zovkić
; Vrhbosanska katolička teologija, Sarajevo, Bosna i Hercegovina
Sažetak
Modem exegetes are convinced that historical addressees of the Letter of James were converts of Greek culture who, before their baptism, listened to homilies in synagogues of Jewish Diaspora. Therefore, they had as »subtext«, the temptations of Abraham as they are depicted in canonical books of the Old Testament and in extra biblical works, such as The Book of Jubilees, the writings of Philo and other documents of Judaism. In these writings, among Abraham's works inspired by his faith are listed: his migrations for the sake of practicing his monotheistic faith, his hospitality of unknown visitors and of needy persons, his self-control in speech, his 'binding' of lsaac and his patient bearing of Sarah's death. Jacob's addressees could see allusions to Abraham's temptations in 1:1.2-8.19; 2:8.13.19-24; 3:13; 4:4-5; 5:1-6. When James 2:23 says that Abraham was »called the friend of God« because of his works based on his monotheistic faith he thinks of canonical books and different writings of Judaism according to which Abraham was God's favored one because he has answered God's call and remained faithful in all his temptations. In such a context »to be a lover of the world makes one an enemy of God« (James 4:4) involves a concept of the world which is not dualistic but ethical: a theoretical believer who in his or her conduct follows secular criteria and does not take seriously into account God's existence. Because of its teaching that personal faith and works of charity complement each other, James is important for Christian-Jewish dialogue, but also for inner Christian dialogue between Catholics and Evangelicals. In Islam Abraham is called the friend of God (Qur'an 4,125), the idol-breaker and one who migrates for the sake of free practicing of his monotheistic faith. Therefore, religious model of Abraham can inspire Christians and Muslims for a dialogue which would enable them to contribute toward building up a more humane world. James 2:15-16 points out: »If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them: 'Go in peace, keep warm and eat well', but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?« In 2:25 James presents as model of faith and works Rahab who, after opening for belief into the unique God, protected the spies of Joshua at the expense of her home town. In these two details Christian women look for inspiration while developing the role of women in the Church and in modem world.
Ključne riječi
Abraham; God's friend; man of faith; Jacob's Epistle
Hrčak ID:
23834
URI
Datum izdavanja:
18.1.2007.
Posjeta: 3.296 *