Fati Fatilua

Malua Theological College, New Testament, Faculty Member

Pacific Theological College, Department of Biblical Studies, Faculty Member

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PhD in Public Administration and Policy, SUNY Albany NY; PhD in Biblical Studies, Pacific Theological College, Suva Fiji; Lecturer of New Testament, Malua Theological College; Research Interests in Political Biblical Criticism, Pacific Island Biblical Hermeneutics, Political Economy, Luke-Acts, Pauline Studies
Address: Private Bag, Malua Theological College, Samoa

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Papers by Fati Fatilua

Fili i le tai se agavaa (wisdom is revealed at sea): re-situating John 6:16-21 on the tai-side

Samoa Journal of Theology, 2023

The use of the "sea" 1 as "stage prop" is a prominent feature of the gospel narrative. How the "s... more The use of the "sea" 1 as "stage prop" is a prominent feature of the gospel narrative. How the "sea" is employed in the narrative, the significance of the "sea" in the literary and the historical critical framing of the gospel story are some of the central questions to be considered. No longer just for spatial location, there are other significant aspects of the sea innate to the gospel narrative. The impetus for this paper is drawn from the Samoan proverb, fili i le tai se agavaa (wisdom is revealed at sea). The proverb underscores the value of the sea within the Samoan indigenous point of reference. As an island people, we are the ocean, we are the sea. In us the sea lives, and we in the sea. To navigate and to relate to the sea is part of who we are. Wisdom and knowledge are derived experientially from learning to live with the sea, coping with the deep sea and all its mystery. Thus, given the prevalence of the sea in the gospel narrative, could there be parallel to the Samoan context and the important role the sea plays within Samoan society. What are the implications for our reading of the bible? In a "watery" world, what does this mean for us readers, people in Samoa and the Pacific Island nation states, in this contemporary society? For this essay, I look at John 6:16-21. In particular, I argue that the sea plays a mediating role in shaping and molding the disciples in their faith journey. As John 2 seeks to make the connection between faithfully following Jesus and the realities of everyday life, the sea serves as the medium and platform to make such a connection.

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Who gets what, when, and how: Appropriating the political economic context of Luke 18:18-30 with implications on the political economies of the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs

Samoa Journal of Theology, 2022

Political theorist Harold D. Lasswell describes politics as the study of influence, the influenti... more Political theorist Harold D. Lasswell describes politics as the study of influence, the influential. Using this understanding, I re-read the encounter between Jesus and the ruler in Luke 18:18-30. Is it possible to re-situate the Lucan narrative in the context of who gets what when and how? What are the implications for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs)? This paper argues for a re-situated view of the institutional system that shapes and influences who gets what, when, and how in contemporary society. Some aspects for further talanoa are proposed.

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To litigate or not? Reading Paul in the context of the Courts and the Church in the Pacific

Pacific Journal of Theology, 2021

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Fili i le tai se agavaa (wisdom is revealed at sea): re-situating John 6:16-21 on the tai-side

Samoa Journal of Theology, 2023

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Who gets what, when, and how: Appropriating the political economic context of Luke 18:18-30 with implications on the political economies of the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs

Samoa Journal of Theology, 2022

Download

To litigate or not? Reading Paul in the context of the Courts and the Church in the Pacific

Pacific Journal of Theology, 2021

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