Journal: Trinity Journal
Volume: TRINJ 30:2 (Fall 2009)
Article: Recent Ph.D. Dissertation At Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Author: Anonymous

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Recent Ph.D. Dissertation At Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Doctoral Student: Calin A. Pop

Dissertation Mentor: K. L. Younger Jr.

Dissertation Title:

The Function And Appeal Of The Cultic Places In 1 Kings 1-11: A Rhetorical Approach

Many of the studies of the Solomonic Narrative have been dominated by a single methodology. These studies investigate the way in which King Solomon is portrayed in a positive light in the beginning of the narrative, and negative towards the end. The tensions in the Solomonic Narrative are explained by way of appealing to single, multiple redactions, or other sophisticated literary techniques. In this study I argue the need for an appropriate methodology that might profit from the strengths of these other approaches in order to put forward an alternative reading of the Solomonic Narrative.

It is the thesis of this study of the Solomonic Narrative that the construal of the narrative around the cultic places intends to illustrate the subtle tension between sacred and profane, between divine and human kingship, which ultimately offers understanding into the fundamental reality of cosmos.

This dissertation examines how the author shapes the Solomonic Narrative around the interchange between his ideological components in order to communicate meaning that will affect response in the audience. Demonstrating concern for the cultural context in which the Solomonic Narrative was formulated, it investigates the structural arrangement of the narrative, in order to determine how both structure and style are significant in communicating the ideological meaning and rhetorical force of the discourse.

In analyzing the function and appeal of cultic places in the Solomonic narrative this dissertation demonstrates how 1 Kings 1-11 is a more complex and sophisticated discourse that communicates through the dynamic interaction between the ideological tones and the unsettling undercurrents. It brings to the forefront the importance of cultural and ideological shaping of communication. The function and appeal of cultic structures provide a deeper

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understanding of reality with all its metaphysical complexities, as they demonstrate concern for the interaction between the divine and human agent. This study also identifies the deity as a character in the drama. Lastly, this study is distinguished from others because it is fundamentally theological. The communication of the Solomonic Narrative is allowed to persuade not only an ancient audience, but to be heard anew by the interpretive community of faith throughou...