volume 10, issue 2, 2018, pages 107-120

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsEECF8983
Published online: 2018-12-01
Published in print: 2018-12-30

Abstract: In 2016, Erhard Gerstenberger published a pointed thesis. Being aware that “exegetical work with ancient texts implies a conciousness of historical and mental differences”, he uses his studies about Sumerian hymns for his interpretation of “righteousness”, “lovingkindness”, “anger”, “vengeance” and further Hebrew terms. He understands these terms as semiautonomous numinous energies operating in some distance from YHWH. The present article critically discusses this thesis by stressing the paradoxical character of metaphorical formulations. In addition, the far-reaching consequences of Gerstenberger’s spiritual view for Christian faith are presented and rejected by exegetical and ideological arguments.