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This study combines an analysis of the argumentative complexities of Romans 1-8 with the presentation of modern theories of how meaning arises and functions. These theories (especially as represented by Umberto Eco) shed important light on two central questions raised by Paul's method: why does he reason so persistently about matters that depend ultimately on supernatural enlightenment, and why, where he does, are his arguments often so unclear and so hard to reduce to logical consistency? This book seeks to answer both questions.
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This study combines an analysis of the argumentative complexities of Romans 1-8 with the presentation of modern theories of how meaning arises and functions. These theories (especially as represented by the semiotics of Umberto Eco) shed important light on two central questions raised by Paul's method: why does he reason so persistently about matters which depend ultimately on supernatural enlightenment, and why, where he does, are his arguments often so unclear and so hard to reduce to logical consistency? To both questions new answers emerge. SOCIETY FOR NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES MONOGRAPH SERIES General Editor: Margaret E. Thrall 82 WRESTLING WITH RATIONALITY IN PAUL Wrestling with rationality in Paul Romans 1-8 in a new perspective JOHN D. MOORES Formerly Lecturer in Italian, University College London CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS Cambridge, New York, Melbourne, Madrid, Cape Town, Singapore, Sao Paulo Cambridge University Press The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge CB2 2RU, UK Published in the United States of America by Cambridge University Press, New York www.cambridge.org Information on this title: www.cambridge.org/9780521472234 © Cambridge University Press 1995 This publication is in copyright. Subject to statutory exception and to the provisions of relevant collective licensing agreements, no reproduction of any part may take place without the written permission of Cambridge University Press. First published 1995 This digitally printed first paperback version 2005 A catalogue record for this publication is available from the British Library Library of Congress Cataloguing in Publication data Moores, John D. Wrestling with rationality in Paul: Romans 1-8 in anew perspective / John D. Moores. p. cm. - (Monograph series / Society for New Testament Studies: 82) Includes bibliographical references and indexes. ISBN 0 521 47223 7 1. Bible. N.T. Romans I-VIII - Criticism, interpretation, etc. 2. Faith and reason - Christianity. 3. Enthymeme (Logic). I Title. II. Series: Monograph series (Society for New Testament Studies): 82 BS2665.2.M66 1995 227'.1066-dc20 94-15199 CIP ISBN-13 978-0-521-47223-4 hardback ISBN-10 0-521-47223-7 hardback ISBN-13 978-0-521-01883-8 paperback ISBN-10 0-521-01883-8 paperback To the memory ofmy mother and father Nothing can credibly be proposed as the language of faith which cannot honestly be defended by the person who speaks. Harmony comes into being through love mediated by language. G. Ebeling Pauline theology . . . circles round in ever new attempts to bring out the saving significance of the Cross. It is a theology of the Word because it is only through the word of the Cross that Jesus's death remains present, remains grace, remains promise and covenant; and it is the work of the one who is risen to let this word manifest itself in preaching, in the sacraments and in the Christian life. E. Kasemann CONTENTS Acknowledgements page List of abbreviations Introduction: The layout of this study and the approach behind it 1 Enthymematic semiosis in Paul 1.1 A semiotic perspective for the study of Pauline argument. Umberto Eco's 'typology of modes of signproduction'. 1.2 Pauline argument and the rhetorical dimension of his discourse. Two l