Creation pushes and God with it: study of the argumentation in Rom 8,18-30

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Juan Manuel Granados

Abstract

This paper puts forward an exegetical study of Rom 8:20-21 and attempts to explain “who it was that subjected creation to failure.” The exegetical discussion regarding the meaning of the expression “by the will of the one who subjected it” (διὰ τὸν ὑποτάξαντα) helps to determine whether the Pauline Theology of Creation in Romans is to be interpreted as eschatological or Christological. The announcement of the liberation of creation in Rom 8:21 also raises the issue of “its bondage to decay.” Why and for what purpose was creation subjected “in hope”? This research proposes a rhetorical approach to Rom 8:18-30 and reveals a crescendo (auxesis) in the groaning: the creation groans, we groan, and the Spirit groans. This crescendo involves the believers’ understanding of the effects of God’s salvific action through Christ. Paul uses the rhetorical figure of “personification” (prosopopeia) to identify human and non-human creation. Paul also relates this figure of thought with a play on words (groans / groaning) to show a paradox: in Christ, human suffering and God’s help to give birth to new life come together. Thus, Paul intends to demonstrate not only a “New Creation” in Christ, but also a new awareness: that of divine filiation.

Keywords:
Rom 8:18-30 Rhetorical Analysis Prosopopeia Incrementum Divine Filiation Theology of Creation New Creation

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Article Details

Author Biography

Juan Manuel Granados, Pontificio Instituto Bíblico

Doctor en Ciencias Bíblicas y Licenciado en Sagrada Escritura, Pontificio Instituto Bíblico (PIB), Roma, Italia. Profesor Asociado Facultad Bíblica –PIB.