MYSTERY REVEALED

Doctoral Dissertation
Presented to the Faculty of
Atlantic Coast Theological Seminary
ABSTRACT
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Title: MYSTERY REVEALED: An Inquiry into the Signification and
Significance of the Revelational Theology in Ad Diognetum
Author: Torbjörn P. B. Edebol
Year: 2012
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The aim of this Inquiry was to examine the revelation theme in Ad Diognetum as Revelational
Theology. The research question was formulated as how are we to understand, describe, explain and
apply the uniqueness, content and implications of Revelational Theology?
The hermeneutics of Paul Ricoeur and Kevin J. Vanhoozer were utilized and combined in an
integrative approach designated as a hermeneutics of signification and significance. The applied methods
were contextual, rhetorical, exegetical and theological analyses. The apologetic context was related to
other Greek apologists (Aristides, Justin Martyr, Athenagoras, Tatian, Theophilus of Antioch and
Clement of Alexandria). The rhetorical analysis located the revelational part to chapters 7-9. The
exegetical analysis identified six main elements in Revelational Theology (Theocentrism, Eschatology,
Christology, Soteriology, Anthropology and Cosmology). The further implications of Revelational
Theology were demonstrated as well as its affirmation of Pauline and Johannine theologies. The
Lakatosian program of Nancey Murphy was employed, and Avery Dull’s five models of revelation, as
well as, the fideistic revelationism of Donald G. Bloesch, helped to understand the significance of
Revelational Theology.
The result of this Inquiry indicates that revelation is not just a literary theme in Ad Diognetum. The
author of Ad Diognetum combined rhetorical brilliance, theological reflection and evangelical zeal. He
presented a consciously worked-out theology that can be designated as Revelational Theology. That
theology was unique among the apologists of his time.
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Keywords: Ad Diognetum, Epistle to Diognetus, Greek Apologists, Apologetics, Rhetoric,
Protreptics, Hermeneutics, Revelation, Revelational Theology.
Torbjörn P. B. Edebol
ISBN 978-91-637-1212-8
Printed in Sweden 2012
DS Tryck, Boråsvägen 31,
512 53 Svenljunga, Sweden