.M. C. A. Korpel, A Rift in the Clouds: Ugarit and Hebrew Descriptions of the Divine (original) (raw)
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In 2016, Erhard Gerstenberger published a pointed thesis. Being aware that “exegetical work with ancient texts implies a conciousness of historical and mental differences”, he uses his studies about Sumerian hymns for his interpretation of “righteousness”, “lovingkindness”, “anger”, “vengeance” and further Hebrew terms. He understands these terms as semi- autonomous numinous energies operating in some distance from YHWH. The present article critically discusses this thesis by stressing the paradoxical character of metaphorical formulations. In addition, the far-reaching consequences of Gerstenberger’s spiritual view for Christian faith are presented and rejected by exegetical and ideological arguments.
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The purpose of this article is to put in comparison the image of the cloud as used by Exodus (19-24), Gregory of Nyssa, Dionysius the Areopagite and the anonymous author of the Medieval English text "the Cloud of Unknowing". This fascinating metaphor has been used by these four authors to express God's ineffability, His tracendence, but even the unique possibility of meeting him in the deepest state of contemplation. The paper briefly summarises the first stages of the Dionysian tradition of mystical theology, then, by an adequate use of the original texts, draws the path of the cloud's use in these's authors thought, expecially of the anonymous writer of "The Cloud of Unknowing".
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In this engaging and detailed study, ancient near eastern tendencies concerning the conception of the nature of a god's body as corporeal, fluid and multiple are situated in conversation with biblical sources, rabbinic thought, mystical speculation and Christian reflection. In doing so, the work explores the inadequacy of the monotheist-polytheist dichotomy by exploring the legacy and impact of the conception of divine fluidity in Judaism and Christianity. Given the extent to which the work raises critical issues concerning how contemporary scholars read ancient texts, especially when considering whether a text is to be read literally or metaphorically, this highly readable tour de force of biblical scholarship deserves to have a significant impact on many aspects of the study of religion. In accomplishing this, Sommer's works meets all the criteria for the AAR book award in textual studies: well organized, clear writing style, engaging to the reader, and with a clear demonstration of the significance of the work undertaken.
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The aim of this contribution is to show why prophetic divine visions are so rare in the Hebrew Bible. How can that which cannot be represented – which it is forbidden even to represent – be spoken? We must thus confront the prohibition of divine representation, which develops the first commandment found in the decalogue (Ex 20:2‑6; Dt 5:6‑10), and analyze it within its broader historical and literary context. The conclusions of this study will enable us to refine our understanding of this prohibition and to grasp the biblical via negativa of divine representation from a historical and also social and cultural point of view.