Reading a New Testament Document Ethically (Academia Biblica)

This text is concerned with the integrity of biblical studies and its relevance for forming moral people, transforming a moral society and informing moral decision-making and action. It focuses on the dynamic, yet complex, nature of the moral discourse of Paul's letter to the Ephesians by exploring its literary, historical and rhetorical dimensions, and concludes by describing its potential to facilitate change as the ability to disclose a radically new perspective on reality. Mouton demonstrates the dynamic interaction between exegesis and ethics, and between theory and praxis, that is present in Paul's theology. Ephesians invites present-day Christian communities to reorient themselves continuously to its liberating, healing vision of God in and through the exalted Christ and the Spirit, and to creatively appropriate this vision in changing circumstances.