The relation between the “I” in Romans 7:14-25 and Christian spirituality as a lived experience : a socio-rhetorical perspective

Abstract

In this dissertation, the relation between the "I" in Romans 7:14-25 and a lived experience within Christian Spirituality is explored. The study intends to explore the different interpretations of the pericope by reviewing some key literature that is available. The meaning of "spirituality", "lived experience" and "Christian spirituality" is specifically be researched. This may create its own theological problems as Paul's "I" could relate to Christian spirituality. The main question is how our understanding of the "I" in Romans 7:14-25 relates to the Christian lived experience. This question moves into the realm of hermeneutics. The method proposed for the dissertation is socio-rhetorical criticism, which is deemed to be the best method to solve the intriguing hermeneutical problems. The socio-cultural texture, ideological texture and especially the sacred texture of the text is examined in the study.