Chapter 5: Findings of Biblical and Theological Problems of Congregations in Using Talents

5.1. INTRODUCTION

In this book, chapter two analyzed the historical and cultural setting of the Parable of the Talents, and in chapter three, an exegesis of the text is presented in order to grasp its meaning within the context as precisely as possible. Next, in chapter four, the empirical analysis is presented to find out how the Parable of the Talents has been understood and practiced in the congregations of the SWS.

Hence, the focus in this chapter will be to compare the historical and social settings of the text within its original context in the first century A.D. with the congregations of the SWS, in order to examine and reflect on the appropriate use of talents. In addition, in this chapter the theological and biblical understandings of the text found in doing the exegesis are analyzed with the perception and practice of the use of talents in the congregations of the SWS. Finally, the ethical aspects of the text and its application in the congregations of the SWS are assessed.

5.2. FINDINGS IN HISTORICAL AND SOCIAL COMPARISON BETWEEN THE TEXT (AUTHOR) AND THE CONGREGATIONS IN THE SOUTH WEST SYNOD

5.2.1. UNDERSTANDING THE RELATION BETWEEN THE MASTER AND THE SERVANTS IN THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS

It is certain that the setting of the Parable of the Talents is quite different from the context of the congregations in the SWS, both historically and culturally. In addition, the