Dom Joseph Bulan, SJ (Philippines)
Abstract:
This thesis employs the three-worlds approach in biblical hermeneutics to explore the meaning, function, and theological implications of the sense of touch in the Gospel of Mark. It examines the place of touch in ancient Greco-Roman society and the Old Testament, undertakes a theological-narrative analysis of Marcan texts where Jesus is agent or recipient of touch, and offers reflections on its tactful applications in select pastoral situations within contemporary Filipino Catholic culture.
This thesis acknowledges the performative and communicative role of touch, the practice of which is governed by socio-cultural conventions in various areas of life meant to uphold the status quo in a community. In Mark, it argues how touch becomes embodied, dynamic, and affective expressions of a person’s interiority. Its duality lies in its ability to either harm or heal, as well as in its power to affect both agent and recipient. Moreover, acts of touch in Mark have a three-fold function: tactile testimony, symbolic act, and narrative hinge. Theologically, these tactile encounters showcase Jesus’ full humanity and divinity, reveal a God deeply in touch with his beloved people, communicate the incarnational logic of the Kingdom, and concretize personal and communal expressions of faith.
Contextualizing this within a touch-oriented Filipino society, this thesis strongly advocates for a more culturally-sensitive Tagalog biblical translation for “haptomai”. It likewise affirms the potential of “punas-punas” as an embodied counter-cultural witness to excarnated forms of practicing the Catholic faith. Lastly, it calls for tactful engagements towards the sick, children, and elderly, patterned after the own “ethos” of Christ.
Final Defense:
Board of Examiners:
- Fr. Clifard Sunil Ranjar, S.J., S.S.L., S.T.D. (Adviser)
- Fr. Francis Alvarez, S.J., S.T.L., Ph.D. (Second Reader/Principal Examiner)
- Moses Jarvis Catan, Ph.D.
- Fr. Renato Repole, S.J., S.T.D
Proposal Defense:
Board of Examiners:
1. Fr. Cliffard Sunil Ranjar, SJ (Adviser)
2. Fr. Francis Alvarez, SJ
3. Dr. Moses Catan