The establishment of proper mental disposition and practice: The origin, meaning, and social purpose of the prohibition of oaths in Matthew

This dissertation discusses the meaning of the prohibition of oaths in Matthew 5:33-37. In particular, this work examines why Matthew's Gospel presents the practice of oath-taking as a particularly reprehensible offense rivaling revenge, adultery, and murder. Matthew's view is especially complicated when one considers the ubiquity of oaths in antiquity, as they were used to conclude virtually any social, political, or business contract. Overall, the dissertation explores both the social disadvantages as well as the philosophical benefits that could result from the avoidance of oaths in antiquity.;This work also focuses on the enlightening parallels found in the works of the moral philosophers who also encouraged their audiences to refrain from oath-taking. While these authors are not attacking the oath itself, they are arguing against the misuse or misapplication of oaths, which inevitably leads to dishonesty and perjury. Philosophers also argue that oaths put unnatural constraints on humans, limiting one's ability to live the philosophical lifestyle. Thus, these authors were calling for moderation in oath-taking so that the individual is not distracted away from the pursuit of philosophy or moral progress.;Drawing on the antecedent literature it appears that Matthew did not create the anti-oath polemic on his own. Rather, his text is also a part of this widespread philosophical movement that sought to eliminate the swearing of oaths and promote "mental asceticism." Although there are similarities between Matthew and he antecedent texts, the Matthean polemic is unique because of the completeness of the prohibition and its deep integration within the Gospel as a whole. As such, the reader can gain a better understanding of Matthew's overall program by uncovering the purpose behind the author's extraordinary views on swearing. Matthew's anti-oath polemic functions as a highly charged piece of political rhetoric directed against his opponents, highlighting their misuse of oaths as a clear demonstration of their hypocrisy and immoderate nature. Alternatively, much like the moral philosophers before him, Matthew's text also indicates that avoiding oaths contributes to the development of an appropriate mental disposition, allowing the individual to remain focused and unfettered.