Subject: Re: Towner (NICNT) on background for Titus
inmanvk@sas.upenn.edu
Date: Tue Feb 20 2007 - 14:49:21 EST
Similar ideas have occurred to others. If these links come through you will see.
http://www.ibiblio.org/bgreek/test-archives/html4/2002-02/8995.html
http://www.thirdmill.org/paul/titus_apologia.asp
These don't verify specifically what Towner has said, but show that the
connection seems apparent.
I will have to look at Towner now and see what else he says.
V. K. Inman
Quoting "Perry L. Stepp" <plstepp@kcu.edu>:
>
> In his new commentary (NICNT), Philip Towner (who argues for Pauline
> authorship via a free amanuensis) introduces what is (at least to me) a new
> argument regarding the context of Titus. He points to local Cretan
> mythology regarding Zeus as a deified / ascended Cretan king (thus born on
> the island, NOT on Olympus), etc., and how Cretan portrayals of Zeus are of
> a long-haired young man, with all the impulsiveness and lusts of youth.
>
> These myths, Towner argues, provide the backdrop for reading Titus. And the
> first interpretive key to the letter is 1.2b, hO APSEDHS QEOS. From there,
> Towner reads the letter as polemically engaging the Cretan views of Zeus AND
> empire and emperor ("appearing," descriptions of God's character, etc.)
>
> Has anyone other than Towner read Titus on this basis? Has anyone critiqued
> this reading, beyond a brusque and reactionary "the PE are pseudonymous,
> Towner thinks they're Pauline" dismissal?
>
> Perry L. Stepp, Ph.D., Bh.D.
>
> Associate Professor, Biblical Studies and Theology
> Kentucky Christian University
>
> http://theophiluspunk.blogspot.com
> http://www.pastoralepistles.com
>
> Every once in a while, you can be shown the light
> In the strangest of places, if you look at it right.
> (Robert Hunter)
>
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