The angst of waiting A deconstructive reading of Luke 12:35-40

Abstract

This investigation aims to observe in what way more recent developments in literary theory and criticism (in particular that of deconstruction) can be applied to the reading of the texts of the New Testament. Rather than operate in general terms, one specific text was chosen, that of a parable (Lk 12:35-40). An example of a more traditional approach to the reading of this text was presented, namely that of C.H. Dodd, in order to contrast more clearly the approach adopted by deconstruction. The latter approach was shown to part company with Dodd on a number of essential elements. The focal point of this article is the presentation of a deconstructive reading of this parable. Finally, the problems posed by such an approach to the texts of the New Testament are assessed: A suggestion is made for a path between dogmatism and relativism.

Opsomming

In hierdie verhandeling word daarna gestreef om waar te neem hoe onlangse ontwikke­lings in letterkundige teorie en kritiek veral in die geval van dekonstruksie, geld by die lees van die tekste van die Nuwe Testament. In plaas daarvan om 'n algemene weergawe aan te bied is een besondere teks gekies, naamlik 'n gelykenis (Lk 12:35-40). 'n Voorbeeld van 'n meer tradisionele benadering by die lees van die teks is voorgele, nl. die van C.H. Dodd, om 'n duideliker kontras met die standpunt van dekonstruksie daar le stel. Daar word aangedui hoe laasgenoemde beskouing op 'n aantal wesenlike beginsels veskil van Dodd. Die brandpunt van hierdie artikel is om 'n dekonstruktiewe lees van die gelykenis voor le le. Ten slotte is die vraagstukke wat die uitgangspunt oplewer, uiteengesit: Daar word voorge­stel dat 'n deurgang tussen dogmatisme en relativisme kom.