CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

What is the essence of prophetic dimension of religious life and in what nature essentially does it
consist? Taking this as the foundational question, it becomes an obvious fact that the Sacred
scripture, Church Fathers, Christian and non - Christian authors, starting from the antiquity of
Christian era till the contemporary period, have made great efforts, not only to understand and
explain this subject matter but also to provide the very means of attaining it. Consequently, the
work here will critically analyze existing literatures on the prophetic dimension of religious life,
drawing from biblical exegesis, theological perspectives, historical context, and contemporary
reflections. It also identifies gaps in existing research, highlights the significance of the topic,
and establishes a theoretical framework for subsequent chapters.

2.2 The Concept of Prophecy in the Hebrew Bible

No literature review on the subject of Prophecy could be justified if it neglects totally that
Prophecy, as understood in the Hebrew Bible, is a divine initiative where human agents
communicate God's will to His people (Smith, 2018). Literally, it means to “bubble up”.
This is because the verb from which the word comes seems to have some
reference to such occurrences as “to be in ecstasy”, “to be outside oneself”
or to be in a trance. At least, this is the impression one gets by reading (1
Sam 10:5ff).

The noun form of the word ‘nabi’ belongs in all possibility to the root words
‘calling’ and ‘announcing.’ A nabi is called to be an announcer. This would be
the most appropriate translation of the Hebrew nabi.
Apart from the designation nabi, there are other terms the OT uses in
referring to these men:
 1. Ro,eh “seer” (I Sam 9:9). The emphasis is on the extraordinary insight
or vision which he receives. This is to be distinguished from
soothsaying or divination which is punishable by death (Deut 18:9-13).
2. Hozeh, “visionary” (2 Sam 24:11). This could be a reference to
reception of divine messages through visions or dreams
3. Ish ha elohim “the man/men of God”. This seems to be widespread
designation even till this day.

The prophetic role is rooted in the Hebrew term nabi, which signifies one who is "called" or

"appointed" (Hartley, 1997). Jeremiah's prophetic call in Jeremiah 1:5 underscores this divine

initiative, as God declares His foreordination of Jeremiah before his birth.

Mowinckel (1962) posits that Hebrew prophecy was not merely predictive but also

confrontational, challenging societal norms and calling for repentance. This aligns with

Jeremiah's ministry, which often placed him at odds with political and religious authorities

(Jeremias, 1958). Moreover, the prophetic vocation demands a radical obedience to God's will, as

exemplified in Jeremiah's initial reluctance but eventual submission (Jeremiah 1:6-9).

In the Hebrew Bible, prophecy operates within the framework of a covenantal relationship

between God and His people. It serves as a divine response to human disobedience, with

prophets acting as both intercessors and heralds of divine judgment or redemption (Carroll,

1986). Prophetic messages often incorporate symbolic actions, visions, and parables, which serve

to communicate the depth and gravity of God's will. For example, Jeremiah's use of the potter

and clay imagery (Jeremiah 18:1-6) vividly illustrates God's sovereignty and the malleability of

nations under His hand. This multifaceted communication style underscores the prophets' role as

dynamic conduits for God's multifaceted interaction with humanity.

2.3 The Role of the Prophet in Biblical Tradition

According to the biblical presentation, the prophet is a messenger and

speaker for God. This is made clear in several passages in the Hebrew bible.
First, it was the Israelites that asked for a prophet. During the encounter on
Mount Sinai (Horeb?), they implored Moses to be the intermediary between
them and God (Ex 20:18-21; Deut 5:5, 23-31). Also in the encounter
between Moses and God in the burning bush, this meaning is brought out
clearly. Moses’ reluctance to undertake the onerous task of confronting
Pharaoh because of his impaired speech made God to make following
remarks: ‘Aaron will speak for you as a prophet speaks for his god. (Ex 4:16).
And in the second narrative of the call of Moses, the meaning of prophecy is
brought out even more clearly: see, I make you as God to Pharaoh; and
Aaron your brother shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his
land (Ex 7:1-2).
The prophet's role in biblical tradition extends beyond foretelling events; it encompasses

advocacy for justice, mediation between God and His people, and the embodiment of divine truth

(Brueggemann, 1998). Jeremiah, like other prophets, serves as a mouthpiece for God's

covenantal promises and judgments. Day (2000) highlights that prophets often faced rejection

and persecution, reflecting the cost of bearing God's message.

The New Testament reinforces the prophetic role, the discussion about Jesus of Nazareth in one

of the synoptic, is centered on his prophetic work as one “powerful in word and deed before God

and all the people” (Lk 24: 19).According to Uzowulu (2014) “The disciples themselves thought

Jesus was more than a prophet and hoped he would be the one to redeem Israel. That was the

hope that they saw nailed to a cross in the capital of the Jewish city” (p.36).
Moreover, Paul emphasizing the gift of prophecy as central to edifying the Church (1 Corinthians

14:3). The Church Fathers, including St. Augustine and St. Jerome, recognized the continuity of

the prophetic office within the Church, viewing it as a call to holiness and witness. Augustine's

City of God underscores the prophetic mission as integral to the Church's identity in a hostile

world (Eichrodt, 1967).

The prophet's role in biblical tradition is deeply intertwined with the theological concept of

covenant renewal. Prophets often emerged during periods of spiritual or moral crisis, acting as

catalysts for national repentance and renewal (Eichrodt, 1967). Their task was not limited to

proclamation but extended to embodying God's word through their lives and actions. Jeremiah's

personal suffering, including imprisonment and ostracization, highlights the sacrificial nature of

the prophetic mission (Jeremias, 1958). Furthermore, in the Christian tradition, the role of the

prophet is elevated as a reflection of Christ's prophetic office, which perfectly fulfills the Old

Testament anticipations of a prophet who mediates between God and humanity (Edwards, 2011).

This integration of Old and New Testament prophetic traditions illustrates the enduring

significance of the prophetic role across biblical history.

2.4 The Prophetic Dimension of Religious Life: Theological Perspectives

Religious life, as a prophetic vocation, mirrors the biblical model of prophecy by calling

individuals to live counter-culturally and witness to God's kingdom. The Second Vatican

Council's Lumen Gentium describes the consecrated life as "a prophetic sign of the future glory

of the heavenly kingdom" (LG, 44). This theological perspective situates religious life as a

visible expression of the Church's prophetic mission.

Edwards (2011) argues that religious life embodies a prophetic dimension by prioritizing values

such as poverty, chastity, and obedience, which stand in stark contrast to worldly pursuits.

Similarly, Rydelnik (2015) observes that religious communities often act as prophetic witnesses

through their commitment to justice, advocacy for the marginalized, and counter-cultural living.

2.5 The Vocation of the Prophet: Jeremiah's Call and Its Implications

Jeremiah's call narrative (Jeremiah 1:4-10) provides a paradigm for understanding the prophetic

vocation. The divine foreknowledge and consecration described in Jeremiah 1:5 affirm the

intentionality of God's call. Jones (2004) notes that Jeremiah's experience reflects the universal

truth that God's call often disrupts human plans, demanding total surrender.

Jeremiah's reluctance and sense of inadequacy resonate with the experiences of many called to

religious life. This tension highlights the paradox of prophetic vocation: it is both a burden and a

privilege. St. John Chrysostom, in his homilies, likened the prophet's burden to the cross,

emphasizing the sacrificial nature of divine calling (Gray, 2017).

2.6 Historical and Cultural Context of Jeremiah 1:5

The historical context of Jeremiah's ministry, marked by political turmoil and spiritual decay in

Judah, underscores the urgency of his prophetic mission (Carroll, 1986). Prophets like Jeremiah

were often called to challenge societal structures and advocate for covenantal faithfulness.

In religious life, this historical paradigm finds expression in the prophetic witness of saints and

founders such as St. Francis of Assisi and St. Teresa of Avila, who responded to their historical
contexts with radical fidelity to God's call (Smith, 2018). Similarly, in the year 1937, Archbishop

Charles Heerey CSSp, canonically erected a Religious Institute known as ‘The Sisters of the

Immaculate Heart of Mary of Nigeria’ (Odita, 2011). These figures demonstrate how the

prophetic dimension transcends time, offering a model for contemporary religious communities.

2.7 Prophecy and Religious Life in Contemporary Theology

Contemporary theologians have expanded the understanding of prophecy in religious life,

emphasizing its relevance in addressing modern challenges. Brueggemann (1998) highlights the

"prophetic imagination," which envisions alternative realities rooted in God's justice and mercy.

This imagination is vital for religious communities seeking to address systemic injustices and

ecological crises.

The Church's prophetic mission is further articulated in Evangelii Gaudium, where Pope Francis

calls for a "missionary transformation" that prioritizes the poor and marginalized (EG, 27).

Religious communities embody this mission by serving as prophetic witnesses in a world marked

by inequality and moral ambiguity (Theological Studies, 2013).

In addition to the theological exploration of prophecy as an instrument for social change,

contemporary theology also examines the role of prophetic witness within the context of

personal spiritual transformation. Prophetic figures, as exemplified by the lives of saints and

religious leaders, are often those who challenge the status quo by embodying radical love and

humility. As Pope Francis emphasizes, true prophecy involves not just speaking out against

societal ills but also living a life that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God, such as
solidarity, compassion, and peace (Evangelii Gaudium, 89). Religious life, in its essence, is a

prophetic call to witness the Gospel in all its fullness, offering an alternative way of life that

invites others to encounter Christ's transformative love. Thus, prophetic religious life calls for

both words and actions that seek to heal, restore, and uplift the brokenness of the world.

2.8 The Impact of Prophetic Ministry on Religious Communities

Prophetic ministry profoundly shapes the identity and mission of religious communities. Case

studies of communities such as the Jesuits and the Missionaries of Charity reveal how prophetic

witness manifests through education, healthcare, and advocacy for justice (Biblical Archaeology

Review, 2020).

However, prophetic living is not without challenges. Critiques of religious life often focus on the

tension between prophetic ideals and institutional realities. Carroll (1986) warns against the

institutionalization of prophecy, which can dilute its radical edge. This critique underscores the

need for continual renewal and discernment within religious communities.

2.9 Summary of Literature

The literature reviewed highlights the multifaceted nature of the prophetic dimension in religious

life, drawing from biblical, theological, and historical perspectives. While significant progress

has been made in understanding this dimension, gaps remain, particularly in contextualizing

prophecy within diverse cultural settings. This study seeks to address these gaps, offering a

nuanced exploration of the prophetic vocation through the lens of Jeremiah 1:5.
The insights gathered from this review provide a robust foundation for the subsequent chapters,

which will further analyze the theological implications of Jeremiah's call and its relevance for

contemporary religious life. In doing so, this study aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on

the prophetic mission of the Church in a rapidly changing world.

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