FRAMING HUMAN DIGNITY THROUGH DOMINATION AND SUBMISSION? NEGOTIATING BORDERS AND LOYALTIES (OF POWER) IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

Abstract

Networks of power characterised by domination and submission in a hierarchically and imperially inscribed context constituted the original context of the New Testament documents. This article in the first instance explores the extent to which domination and submission generated or contributed to specific loyalties as well as borders in NT texts. Secondly, the impact and lasting influence of fixed patterns of domination and submission on rhetorical, ideological and theological levels are considered – in connection with the extent to which NT documents interacted with and counteracted against such loyalties and possible border-crossings are eva-luated. Finally, strategies are suggested for using texts born from domination and submission, as normative scriptures in discussions of human dignity.