A Study on the Theological Significance of Worship in the Book of Amos

• Main Authors: HE, CHI-YUAN, 何啟元
• Other Authors: LIU, KWANG-CHI
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2017
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/f83348

碩士 === 基督教台灣浸會神學院 === 基督教神學研究所 === 105 === 　　The main theological issues that are traditionally expressed in the Book of Amos are of social injustices. However, the messages regarding social injustices account for less than a fifth of the entire book. This shows that there are many other topics in the teachings of Amos that require extra exploration, especially relating to the theology of worship. 　　The sequence of ideas written in the Book of Amos shows a use of certain patterns and rhetorical techniques. Furthermore, Amos repetitively lists the negative behaviors of the Israelites by describing their immoral crimes, such as their lawlessness and oppression of the poor. Their outward acts of sin reflect a basic problem: a misconception of worship. This is what ultimately led to God’s punishment of the Israelites. Amos begins his message with the Israelites’ immorality, step-by-step illustrating their misconceptions of worship in four ways. The first is the destruction of the relationship between God and men; the second is the destruction of the relationship between man and man; the third is idol worship; the fourth is the judgment of God. The prophet’s message, split into ten sections, repeatedly shows the above four aspects. The study expandeds upon the concept of worship in the Book of Amos by means of grammar-historical interpretation, literary structure-rhetorical interpretation, and analytical interpretation. 　 This study finds that the prophet’s concept of worship is structured around a framework of the Sinaitic account and practiced according to the Deuteronomistic Code. Amos expresses that the relationship between God and His people is not simply a memento from history, but a dynamic interaction; not only a religious experience, but a fusion of life. True worship is practiced in two ways: by keeping a good relationship with God in order to experience His grace and blessing and by caring for the needs of society. The above two aspects are inseparable realities, not empty concepts but daily practices. 　　Through the analysis and interpretation of the prophet’s ten accusations, there are reminders to Christian groups that true worship is independent of liturgy or formalities, unhindered by time or space. Instead, true worship happens among covenantal community, meeting with the God who created the heaven and seas, the earth and everything in it. In true worship, God’s people offer their committed lives and genuine love as Christians, bringing fear, gratitude, praise, and honor to God. Through living in a manner worthy of their calling, they are examples of the beauty of Christ in their fellowship and grace-filled lives. They devote themselves in caring for the needy in order to witness the glorious image of the invisible God, showing love and peaceful grace in society.