The danger of apostasy in the parable of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Exegetical, historical and social considerations Cover Image

Pericolul apostaziei în pareneza Epistolei către Evrei. Consideraţii exegetice, istorice şi sociale
The danger of apostasy in the parable of the Epistle to the Hebrews. Exegetical, historical and social considerations

Author(s): Romeo Popa
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Jewish studies
Published by: Editura Doxologia
Keywords: apostasy; community; cult; forgiveness; repentance; sin;

Summary/Abstract: The call to penitence and the readiness of God to forgive the sins of the Christians who repent represent basic elements of a Christian spirituality. For this reason, it is surprising that some texts, such as Hebr. 6, 1-16; 10, 26-31 and 12, 16-17, seem to contradict this elementary belief. This contribution argues for the understanding of the sin refuted în these texts as ‘apostasy’, i.e. the decision to willingly reject the community and the offered salvation, în spite of the divine kindness. This concept originates în the relation of the subjects to the ruler în the Hellenistic period and reflected în the ancient Judaism upon the relationship between believers and God. Moreover, the radical statements in Hebrew must be regarded in connection with the parenetic character of the epistle on one hand and must be read as inter-text of the exodus story on the other hand.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 09+12
  • Page Range: 120-138
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: Romanian