從家庭理論探討聖經中《路得記》家庭成員之關係

An Initial Exploration of Family Theory Based on the Family Relationship in The Book of Ruth

路得記是聖經中極優美的著作，其中提到一些猶太的家庭習俗，與華人極為相似，但也有相異之處。本文擺脫過往各類型研究的方式，從家庭理論觀點出發，合乎路得記當時的功能架構論、社會交換論、符號互動論、家庭系統理論、生態系統理論等對應，來探討其對「家庭成員關係」之意義。從神學的角度而言，路得記是記述賢德的外邦（猶太人所謂的非我族類）婦女之故事。她堅持承諾、保持信任、永不放棄希望，並向我們揭示，真正的生活即是信仰，勇於自我實現，唯有找回失落的人性尊嚴，才能真正見識到上帝的榮光。在路得記中，以上五大理論解釋了當時對個人、家庭、社會文化影響的層面，與「家人關係」，而本文將進一步以生態系統理論詮釋之。美好的婚姻需要的不是倚靠錢財，也不是單靠愛情，它更需要敬虔的信仰作基礎，因為有敬虔的信仰，才會對所建造的家庭盡心、忠實。

The Book of Ruth is a very elegant book in the Bible, which mentions some Jewish family customs, that are very similar to the Chinese ones, but there are also some differences. This research paper breaks away from the various types of research in the past. It examines the book from the perspective of family theory, in accord with structural functionalism, social exchange theory, symbolic interactionism, family systems theory, and ecological systems theory. The paper explores the meaning of relationship among family members. From the theological point of view, Ruth is a story about the virtues of a Gentile (a person who is not Jewish) woman. She persists in commitment, maintains trust, never gives up hope, and reveals to us that true life is faith and self-fulfillment. Only by finding the lost human dignity can we truly see the glory of God. In Ruth, the above five theories explain the level of influence on individuals, families, and social culture at that time, and“family relationship.”This research will further explain family relationship in terms of the ecosystem theory. A good marriage relies neither money nor on love. It requires a godly belief as the foundation. Because of the devout faith, the family will be dedicated and faithful.