Social identity in Nahum : a theological-ethical enquiry

[摘要] In this study the very relevant theological-ethical question of social identity and intergroupconflict is looked at. This is done by reading the Book of Nahum multidimensionally as an'Oracles Concerning the Nations text, and as part of the Book of the Twelve. Themultidimensional methodology includes a combination of synchronic and diachronic readingstrategies, the implementation of social identity theory and self-categorization theory, thefocus on ideological-critical aspects and theological-ethical questioning. In the process ofresearch the underlying dynamic of social identity construction of ancient Israel is uncoveredand theological-ethically appropriated.In the first two chapters the problem of the global rise of extreme nationalism, racism andzenophobia is noted. The very diverse post-apartheid society of South Africa, as well as thepost-nazi and post-unification German society is mentioned. The Book of Nahum, an Oracle'Concerning the Nations text, is chosen as avenue for studying the dynamic underlying theconstruction of social identity in ancient Israel. It is suggested that while a one-dimensionalreading strategy may lead to an exclusivist intepretation of Nahum that fosters a theologicalethic of intolerance and hate, a multidimensional reading strategy leads to a theological ethicof liberation, responsibility and peace.Chapters 3 and 4 give a research overview of the study of ancient Israel's identity as well ashow the Book of Nahum is to be understood with regards to its dating, unity, stucture andhistorical situation. The research overview shows how incorporating social identity theory andself-categorization theory provides a better and more integrated perspective on social identitythan what has been done up to now. The social psychology theories are summarized into fiveworking premises. The background study of Nahum comes to the conclusion that Nahumshould be read synchronically in its diachronical development from the pre-exilic Assyriancrisis with its polarized political inter-group conflicts to the exilic/post-exilic situation with itsunique search for a new beginning, identity and hope.Chapters 5 and 6 contain the exegetical explication of the Book of Nahum. Nahum 1:9-14;2:2-3:19 is interpreted as a pre-exilic construction of social identity. Nahum 1:2-8;2:1 isread as an exilic/post-exilic text. The inter-group dynamic between the Yahweh-Alonemovement and the pro-Assyria party (pre-exilic) as well as the Deutero-Isaiah group with its theological opponents (exilic/post-exilic) are interpreted in terms of the five social identitypremises. Although social identity construction in Nahum does follow the main premises ofdiscrimination and prototypical ingroup favouring a surprising ambiguous undercurrent ofself-criticism as apposed to ethnocentrism is discovered in both historical situations. Apartfrom the social identity, a strong movement towards liberation from oppression is present inthe Book of Nahum.This underlying ambiguous dynamic of social identity construction and the liberatory rhetoricof Nahum is appropriated theolgical-ethically in Chapter 7. A theological-ethical model,which combines the role of identity in ethics, the concept of 'natural law, the responsibilityethics of Levinas and a focus on liberation, is suggested as a useful instrument for interpretingthe theological-ethically uncomfortable Oracles Concerning the Nations texts. Chapter 8summarizes the study and points out the research's contribution towards Old Testamentmethodology (exegetical and ethical), Nahum studies as well as providing a possibletheological-ethical solution to intergroup conflicts (religious, cultural, political etc.) from anOld Testament perspective.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University