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My Boulder Roller (The Quest for Divine Intervention): A Markan Resurrection Theology
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Arts
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I7-1714004
Abstract
This paper offers a critical theological and contextual rereading of Mark 16:1–3 through the metaphor of the "boulder" as an existential, spiritual, and socio-political impediment, and God as the ultimate "Boulder Roller." Building on resurrection theology, the study integrates biblical exegesis, systematic theology, pastoral theology, and African contextual realities. The paper argues that the rolled-away stone in the Markan resurrection narrative functions not merely as a historical detail but as a polyvalent symbol of divine intervention that dismantles human limitations—sin, death, fear, misrepresentation, poverty, illness, anxiety, and national crises. By engaging patristic insights, classical theologians, and contemporary biblical scholarship, the study contributes to resurrection-centered theology and praxis, particularly within contexts of suffering and instability. The paper advances the thesis that divine intervention is not episodic but covenantal, rooted in the resurrection of Christ, and activated through faith practices such as prayer, praise, and obedience to the Word.
Keywords
Resurrection, Divine Intervention, Mark 16, Boulder Metaphor, African Contextual Theology, Hope
References
[1] Barclay, W. (2001). The Gospel of Mark (Rev. ed.). Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press.
[2] Craddock, F. B. (1990). Mark (Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching). Louisville, KY: John Knox Press.
[3] France, R. T. (2023). The Gospel of Mark (New International Greek Testament Commentary). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
[4] Keener, C. S. (2024). Christobiography: Memory, History, and the Reliability of the Gospels. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
[5] Moltmann, J. (2015). Theology of Hope: On the Ground and the Implications of a Christian Eschatology (New ed.). Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.
[6] Wright, N. T. (2023). The Resurrection of the Son of God. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.
[7] Thiselton, A. C. (2024). Systematic Theology (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
[8] Green, J. B. (2022). The Gospel of Luke. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
[9] Ukanwa, G. (2022). Trials to Triumph. Owerri, Nigeria: Spectro Digital.
[10] Ukanwa, G. (2013). Oracles of True Worship. Lagos, Nigeria: Cross Media Communications.
[11] World Bank. (2024). Nigeria development update: Poverty, insecurity, and resilience. Washington, DC: World Bank Publications.
[12] Pew Research Center. (2023). Religion and public life in sub-Saharan Africa. Washington, DC: Pew Research Center.
[13] Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. (2021). New York, NY: National Council of Churches.
How to cite this paper
@article{1714004,
author = {Godson Udochukwu Ukanwa Ph.D},
title = {My Boulder Roller (The Quest for Divine Intervention): A Markan Resurrection Theology},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {7},
pages = {2532-2534},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1714004.pdf},
abstract = {This paper offers a critical theological and contextual rereading of Mark 16:1–3 through the metaphor of the "boulder" as an existential, spiritual, and socio-political impediment, and God as the ultimate "Boulder Roller." Building on resurrection theology, the study integrates biblical exegesis, systematic theology, pastoral theology, and African contextual realities. The paper argues that the rolled-away stone in the Markan resurrection narrative functions not merely as a historical detail but as a polyvalent symbol of divine intervention that dismantles human limitations—sin, death, fear, misrepresentation, poverty, illness, anxiety, and national crises. By engaging patristic insights, classical theologians, and contemporary biblical scholarship, the study contributes to resurrection-centered theology and praxis, particularly within contexts of suffering and instability. The paper advances the thesis that divine intervention is not episodic but covenantal, rooted in the resurrection of Christ, and activated through faith practices such as prayer, praise, and obedience to the Word.},
keywords = {Resurrection, Divine Intervention, Mark 16, Boulder Metaphor, African Contextual Theology, Hope},
month = {January},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I7-1714004}
}