The kingdom of God in the Gospel of Luke and its social implications for the church in China
Title
The kingdom of God in the Gospel of Luke and its social implications for the church in China
Subject
Bible. Luke -- Criticism, interpretation, etc.
Bible. Luke -- Parables.
Kingdom of God -- Biblical teaching.
Bible. Luke -- Parables.
Kingdom of God -- Biblical teaching.
Description
By Lin, Wen-En, 2019 -- There is consensus among New Testament scholars that the kingdom of God is the central theme of Jesus’ message in the Synoptic Gospels. This thesis seeks to demonstrate that self-sacrificial love and social service to those in need are particularly significant to Luke’s understanding of what the kingdom of God means to Jesus’ followers, and they are inspiring and instructive for the faithful and effective mission of the Church in the modern Chinese context. This thesis (1) discusses the nature and traits of the kingdom of God in the ministry and teaching of Jesus as presented in the Gospel of Luke, (2) shows that the kingdom of God is already a present reality but one with eschatological hope for a full consummation, and (3) argues that the kingdom of God has important ethical implications for Jesus’ followers.
The Introduction presents my research questions, reviews recent scholarly contributions, and outlines my methodology. The First Chapter elaborates on the claim that the kingdom of God in Luke’s Gospel has been realized in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The kingdom of God is a present reality with important implications for social services. Most noticeably, Jesus welcomes all kinds of people, especially the marginalized, into the kingdom of God. The Second Chapter puts forth several ideas regarding the kingdom of God in the teachings of Jesus. The less fortunate in society are beneficiaries of the kingdom of God. Love for enemies, though counter-intuitive, is a basic characteristic of the kingdom of God. Love of neighbor should be manifested in practice. The disciples of Jesus are to show mercy
to the neighbor. Those who wish to enter the kingdom of God must show hospitality to the marginalized. The Third Chapter analyzes the theme of the kingdom of God in the parables of Jesus, many of which are found only in Luke. In summary, the kingdom of God is a present reality to be experienced and to embody. It is a remarkable manifestation of God’s salvation, and it is a resounding call for a positive response in life. In the Conclusion of this thesis, I suggest how Luke’s view of the kingdom of God may be applied to the Church in China in modern Chinese contexts.
The Introduction presents my research questions, reviews recent scholarly contributions, and outlines my methodology. The First Chapter elaborates on the claim that the kingdom of God in Luke’s Gospel has been realized in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The kingdom of God is a present reality with important implications for social services. Most noticeably, Jesus welcomes all kinds of people, especially the marginalized, into the kingdom of God. The Second Chapter puts forth several ideas regarding the kingdom of God in the teachings of Jesus. The less fortunate in society are beneficiaries of the kingdom of God. Love for enemies, though counter-intuitive, is a basic characteristic of the kingdom of God. Love of neighbor should be manifested in practice. The disciples of Jesus are to show mercy
to the neighbor. Those who wish to enter the kingdom of God must show hospitality to the marginalized. The Third Chapter analyzes the theme of the kingdom of God in the parables of Jesus, many of which are found only in Luke. In summary, the kingdom of God is a present reality to be experienced and to embody. It is a remarkable manifestation of God’s salvation, and it is a resounding call for a positive response in life. In the Conclusion of this thesis, I suggest how Luke’s view of the kingdom of God may be applied to the Church in China in modern Chinese contexts.
Creator
Lin, Wen-en
Source
See Library Catalog for details on print version.
Publisher
Virginia Theological Seminary
Date
2019
Rights
© Copyright Wen-En Lin, 2019.
Format
PDF
Files
- Date Added
- June 25, 2019
- Collection
- VTS Masters Theses
- Item Type
- Text
- Citation
- Lin, Wen-en, “The kingdom of God in the Gospel of Luke and its social implications for the church in China,” Bishop Payne Library at Virginia Theological Seminary, accessed April 23, 2024, https://vtsbpl.omeka.net/items/show/31.