This dissertation on Restorative Justice paradigm in Philemon would be structured into six chapters as thus:i. Chapter one: a general introduction which spotlights the prominent place of the concept Restorative Justice and set the requisite context for articulating the study problem, the purpose of the study, the significance of the study, the delimitation and limitation of the study, the methodology of the study and the definition of operational term in respect to Restorative Justice paradigm in Philemon.ii.
Chapter two: will focus on an overview of the History of the Critical Study of Philemon and a critical review of selected literatures focused on the text of Philemon and restorative justice. This review will highlight the methodology employed which is responsible for the interpretive interest and results of some biblical analysis of the text. Consequently, this will be followed by the summary of the concept of Restorative Justice in the New Testament for a general overview.
iii. Chapter three: will pay attention to the authorship, historical background, date and place of writing the epistle. Other issues to be considered are the recipients/audience, purpose/message of the epistle and structure, integrity and genre of the text, special issues in relation to the text. The researcher will attempt to present the reality of Paul’s situation and world in the first century C.
E through historical, external and internal evidences from the epistle.iv. Chapter four: will center on a Socio-Rhetorical exegesis of the text based on a lexical and syntactical outline of the text as it deals with the first century C.E Christians’ relationship to the imperial Roman situation.v. Chapter five: will assess the research findings in the light of the typification of the research objects informed by the judicial situation of the Graeco-Roman world. The purpose of this will be to determine the paradigm of restorative justice from the text and to articulate how this can complement the penal code criminal justice system in Northern Nigerian.
vi. Chapter six will be the summary and the conclusion of the whole study and some recommendations for further study.ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONSThe paradigm of restorative justice though not stated in the text of Philemon, but conceptual framework of the pursuit of social justice do inform the research. Conceptually, the text of Philemon though in respect of a fugitive slave appears to offer a practically effective model of doing justice. This is in contrast to the well-structured administrative procedures and the high cost of seeking legal action. It is not punitive in its outlook but rather peacemaking. In addition, it attempts to rather than respond to violation of laws it provides symbolic and practical solution to actual harms.
Offenders, victims as well as the community where the offence is committed are inclusive in the judicial process. Thus it is important therefore to examine labels like this of the text of Philemon that lays claim to the restorative method of doing justice.ASSUMPTIONSThe expectation of this research is premised upon the fact that the text of Philemon promises a paradigm of doing justice that is constructive and positive than the approach to criminal justice that is retributive or punitive. A paradigm that emphasizes the reparation of harm, restoration and reintegration. The core issue here is that this paradigm might not exhaust the possibly necessary components associated with institutionalized restorative justice system. Nevertheless, it opens up avenue to distinguish within a model diverse approaches and forms in addition to range of reasons to pursue the course of justice that is restorative. It also offers the hope that opportunities will be enhanced for victims, offenders and their immediate communities.
