"Life for life": unfolding the principle of talionic justice in Exodus 21:22-25 and its implication to the Kalinga people of Northern Luzon /
by Delia A. Ayabo.
- 147 leaves; 28 cm.
A thesis submitted to the faculty in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of theology at the International Graduate School of Leadership, Quezon City, Philippines Thesis (M. Theol.)-- Quezon City, Philippines
This thesis examines Exod 21:22-25 to extract the principles., legal processes, and directives by which the laws concerning retaliation and reprisal. It explores some of the critical features, the respective contexts, the precise punishments and protective legislations that the law provides for the offender when life is at stake. Second, it seeks to unfold the relationship of Exod 21:22-25 to select sections of the Hammurabi Code. It states the similarities in the cultural context that had enormous impact on legal formulas, particularly the principle of reciprocal justice for inquiry or loss of life. Third, it provides the most fruitful source of metaphors for the Kalinga people where the "life-for-life" code of justice is still in operation. This calls for the exercise of responsibility to protect life, promote peace among the clans, and display the servanthood and sacrifice of Christ. Fourth, it classifies the major theological and ethical themes, where God, in his providence, exacts justice and executes punishment on sinners. This is part of God's solution to humanity's rebellion. It then proceeds to present God's justice and enables any reader from Kalinga to understand and contextualize God's laws in relation to justice and retaliation when a life is in danger. Fifth, this paper challenges the thinking and allows careful consideration of the possible benefits and dangers of certain acts of retaliation.