Gewalt-tätiger Gott? Phänomenologische Spurensuche zur Gewalt Gottes im Neuen Testament

Abstract

Following the considerations of Jacques Derrida in „Gesetzeskraft“ power could be understood as performative act. Between positively connoted „power“ and „violence“ – destructive power – a distinction can be drawn according to the act’s aim. Seen from a legal point of view, the act of creation and the Ten Commandments point to the phenomenon of God’s power as constituent power. Within the framework of the New Testament Jesus Christ carries out the execution of God’s law. To pursue the question whether God sacrifices his Son actively and requires his crucifixion, the application of the most prominent verb within the Passion of Jesus – παραδίδωμι – will be observed in the framework of New Testament scriptures by synchronic reading.