Abstract:
Acts 7:48 - The Most High God does not live in constructions built by men .. .':
The relevance of New Testament Studies with reference to the metaphor
'temple'
Since the Kantian revolution metaphysical knowledge has been articulated by
influential theologians in the language of analogy. In accordance with this
tradition the relevance of New Testament Studies is explored by studying root
metaphors found in the New Testament. A root metaphor in theological sense
can be defined as the most basic assumption we can make about the nature
of man's existence and experience before God, when we endeavour to define
this existence and experience. Furthermore, root metaphors do have durative
and explanatory power. The aim of this inauguration sermon is to describe
the relevance of New Testament Studies today by exploring the metaphor
found in the New Testament, and rooted in the Old Testament, that God does
live in houses, but not houses built by men. The conclusion is that man's
existence in the presence of God is experienced in the Christian believing
community, and especially in the activity of preaching the Jesus-events.
