PROPHETIC DISCOURSE: DIALOGUE, DISASTER OR OPPORTUNITY?

  • Ferdinand Deist University of Stellenbosch
Keywords: Prophetic discourse, Theological Dialogue, Prophetic writings

Abstract

Christian tradition has always idealized the ‘writing prophets’.  That view has, however, been undermined over the past two decades.  We know very little about the origins of these books and even less about the origins of prophetic tradition.  The article discusses the difficulties of assigning a social location to prophetic speech and assessing its effect.  Perhaps the prophets were mere upper class ‘public health physicians’ who saw the coming downfall of their society and tried, without much success, to convince other of their views.  Finally, a few suggestions are made for an imaginative reading of these texts that could enhance the present-day between theologians and society.

Author Biography

Ferdinand Deist, University of Stellenbosch
University of Stellenbosch
Published
2019-09-10
Section
Articles