Terms & Concepts 3 Flashcards
Form of theophanies in women’s numinous experiences
Often through angelic messengers rather than direct divine appearances
Typically occur in domestic settings rather than wilderness/mountains
Usually individual rather than communal experiences
Nature of women’s numinous experiences
Focus on life-giving roles (annunciations of special births)
Emphasis on faithful response and obedience
Often involve bodily experience (conception, bearing chosen children)
Mystical/Contemplative experiences
Direct awareness of divine presence beyond ordinary perception
May involve visions, dreams, ecstasy, or inner stillness
Characterized by ineffability and transformative impact
Contemplative in the ANE - wisdom literature
Reflection on observed patterns in nature and human experience
Pursuit of understanding divine order within creation
Exemplified in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job
Retributive Theology
Belief that good is rewarded and evil punished in this life
Foundation of ancient Near Eastern understanding of suffering
Challenged by Job and Ecclesiastes
Discussion on Job
Poetic exploration of innocent suffering problem
Dialogue between traditional wisdom and lived experience
Frame narrative contrasted with central poetic dialogues
Characterization of Job
Righteous, wealthy man tested by extreme suffering
Maintains integrity while questioning divine justice
Refuses to accept simplistic explanations from friends
Perspective on retributive theology
Traditional view: suffering is punishment for sin
Job’s challenge: innocent people suffer while guilty prosper
God’s response: divine wisdom transcends human understanding
Views on Job’s suffering: Job, 3 friends, & narrator
Job: Protests innocence, demands divine explanation
Three friends: Assume hidden sin, urge repentance
Narrator: Presents suffering as test of faith, not punishment
