·
It’s about the way of going about –
about behavior.
·
In simple words, if you do well, you
will flourish.
·
If you do evil, you will perish.
·
This is one of the influential theories
in the OT.
·
In the prophetic literature, we see- the
call to conversion and the consequences if ignored. This clearly shows us how
the retribution theory is at work.
Proverbs
·
In the book of proverbs we see teachings
about Adultery and the consequences ( Physical death, spiritual death &
unhappiness) clearly tell us the idea of
Retribution theology at work.
Pre
understanding: the belief behind this theory is
that – there is a right way of going about. And in my own words – this
right way brings about the good of all. And also the understanding, which way
we, shouldn’t take it.
·
May be retribution theory is an attempt
to create the right order as the, book of Proverbs say. (by Isaiah ,-God’s
loving purpose.)
St
Ignatius- in the examination of conscience
·
What would Jesus, have done in this
situation? - What would have been the best way of acting?
·
The post modern culture challenges this
theory; as more and more understanding moving in the direction that – ‘there
are no absolute values.
·
Book of proverb calls human behavior – a
mystery.
Book
of Job
·
The basic question in this book is – Why
innocent suffering?
·
Here we come across that job’s friends
believe in the traditional retribution theory. (implicitly job too believes in
it as he tries to make meaning out of it.
·
Trying to reason out his suffering all
the three friends take refuge of the retribution theory.
Ø Eliphaz
says –‘You have committed sin. so you suffer.’
Ø Zophar
– tells him, ‘you are a great sinner and God has not punished you as much as
you deserve – Retribution theology.
Job has a difficulty, as he believes that he was
righteous. Through this the author challenges this theory as the
experience of Job is different from the concept of retribution theory.
Finally with the experience of God, Job
surrenders to God.
Book
of Qoheleth
This book says – The fate of all is same.
Everything is a chance. Also the fate of human and the animals is the same…..Thus
the epicurean understanding finds its place.
This brings in the biggest challenge to the retribution
theory, as doing good or evil has no value.
This book challenges one, even without the reward,
can you still continue to do good?
Book
of Wisdom of Solomon
·
We find the solution to retribution
theory in this book.
2, 21-24 says God created us for incorruption. (Thus we need to do good)
Ch 1-5 provide us the solution saying the - reward
and the punishment in the other world. We are basically created for
incorruption.
This means as in the case of Job- innocents
do suffer. And relating to Qoheleth, even if there is no reward, by the
very fact of our being created- we need to be incorrupt.
Application:
In my own life and in the ministry, I still find
retribution theory at work. It has more social functions, brought through
religious thinking.
It brings about order and in a limited way brings
about building of the better human community.
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