Philemon and American Slavery: Interpretive Methods

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to the interpretation of the letter to Philemon, its implications in relation to slavery, and relevant historical and interpretive contexts.

Philemon

A New Testament letter that addresses themes of slavery and fellowship.

Koinonia

Greek term for fellowship, central theme in Philemon.

Manumission

The act of freeing a slave.

Transatlantic Slave Trade

The historical trade of enslaved Africans to the Americas.

Postcolonial Criticism

A method of interpretation that examines literature and its relationship to colonialism and its aftermath.

Socially Located Interpretation

Analyzing texts in relation to the social identities of the reader.

Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation

An executive order issued in 1863 that freed slaves in Confederate states.

Onesimus

A slave mentioned in Philemon, whose relationship with his master is a key aspect of the letter.

Christian fellowship

The community and support among believers in Christianity as emphasized by Paul.

Dennis Edwards

A Black New Testament scholar who interprets Philemon in the context of American slavery and African American experience.