Introduction

In the previous chapter, the nature of postcolonial biblical hermeneutics was discussed and in this chapter the study moves its attention to the Gospel of Mark. Mark's Gospel seems to set up a conflict between the groups and individuals belonging to various sociopolitical and religiocultural categories of that time. For instance, the dissidence and resistance of the Galilean native community to Roman colonialism seems to be implicit in this Gospel. It is basically evident on two fronts: (i) Mark displays a sympathetic attitude towards despised employees, specifically tax collectors and toll collectors, and (ii) Mark is very critical of the Roman policies and domination. Therefore it is hoped to understand the structural details of Galilean society under Roman rule. Galilee becomes a launching-pad for study, as Mark's fundamental localics seems to be in and around Galilee and its socioeconomic movements. It is expected that a study of the colonial elements in Mark will appropriate the identity of the subalterns in Mark, more specifically the voiceless and marginalized who were members of the movement of Jesus in Galilee.

Mark clearly bears the marks of imperialism, as Palestine (and eventually Galilee too) experienced many imperial systems and practices. Palestine had a long history of subjugation to foreign empires as the province was occupied by many imperial rulers namely the Aramaens, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians and Romans (Ahlstrom, 1994: 12). The long and uncompromising rule by foreign empires created an atmosphere of alienation, encroachment and repression.