In this book, Graeme Auld brings together his work relating to Samuel and the Former Prophets in an invaluable single volume. Including 'Prophets through the Looking Glass', which has been described as marking a paradigm shift in our thinking about the Bible's 'writing prophets', and which led the author to equally novel proposals about biblical narrative, the first part of this volume traces the route through the looking glass to his radical argument in Kings without Privilege (1994). The apparently straightforward, but actually controversial, claim is defended that the main source of the biblical books of Samuel-Kings and of Chronicles was simply the material common to both. The major portion of this volume of collected papers explores some of the fresh perspectives opened for reading the present books of Samuel, the books from Joshua to Kings as a whole, and the Pentateuch.

Written whilst in prison in Rome, the Epistle to the Ephesians has been perceived as St. Paul's most important work, as it is not addressed to a specific church or city, but was intended as a circular, to be taken by Tychicus, and read in all the churches willing to accept this the new word of God. This book addresses the most important elements of the teaching of St. Paul, and specifically the inclusion of the gentiles in what had initially been a church for Jews. It was this teaching which had led to St. Paul's imprisonment, and yet he took the opportunity to spread his message despite the consequences he faced. In St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians, Robinson provides a context for the Epistle, establishing a framework in which it can be read and understood. This book also includes a paraphrase of the Epistle, which is of particular value to students who are not familiar with the Greek language. This is a classic and comprehensive commentary on the Ephesians, which is well constructed and easy to follow.

This book defends the claims of historical-critical research into the New Testament as necessary for theological interpretation. Presenting an interdisciplinary study about the nature of theological language, this book considers the modern debate in theological hermeneutics beginning with the Barth-Bultmann debate and moving towards a theory of language which brings together historical-critical and theological interpretation. These insights are then applied to the exegesis of theologically significant texts of the Gospel of John in the light of the hermeneutical discussion. Drawing together the German and Anglo-American hermeneutical traditions, and discussing issues related to postmodern hermeneutical theories, this book develops a view of the New Testament as the reflection of a struggle for language in which the early Church worked to bring about a language through which the new faith could be understood.

Are you curious about biblical Christian meditation? Through stories, practical advice, and helpful prompts, Rick Hamlin guides Christians to center their minds and hearts on God as they seek to hear the still small voice above all the noise and chaos in the world. Rick Hamlin has been unpacking the power of prayer in Finding God on the A Train and Ten Prayers You Can't Live Without and the special Guideposts book, Prayer Works. In this new book, you will discover how meditation has deep Christian roots that go back for millennia, how it can be used to live more authentically and let go of anxiety, how to love more generously and find God's will in your life, and how to grow in compassion, forgiveness, and acceptance. The steps are simple, and at the end of each chapter Hamlin offers specific exercises to enhance your practice. "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take his cross daily and follow me," Jesus said to his followers. Meditative prayer offers a rich resource to do just that. Silence speaks volumes and becomes a tool for all Jesus followers.

Reflections for Advent from members, associates and friends of the Iona Community around the world - from Uganda, Scotland, Wales, Palestine, Switzerland, India, Malawi, Australia, China, Iona, Sweden, Kenya, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, the Netherlands, Germany, Jerusalem, Japan, Ireland, Taiwan, Cuba, Alaska - and more. Many people are seeking for a meaningful spiritual dimension in their lives. There is evidence of that in the huge number of people who work for peace and justice, who accompany the marginalised, and who, in trying to live more simply, become deeply attentive to the cries of our wounded planet. The writers in this book come from different parts of the world. In everyday language they reflect on the challenge and hope of Advent - a time in the Christian year both of waiting and of expectancy. Their thoughts relate directly to our present world situation in which both hope and uncertainty are interconnected. They also remind us that many are seeking the reality of God's presence in the midst of human experience - or in more traditional language, 'the light of the Lord upon us'. The various reflections point us to places and people in many parts of the world where that light shines, often - surprising as it may seem - brightly. Their insights enable us to walk more creatively and compassionately in our own local situations, and to discover that God's light sometimes shines where we least expect it.

Reading Ecclesiastes explores the literary style and themes of the Book of Ecclesiastes, investigating its overall theological messages and the cultural perspectives which readers bring to bear on their act of reading. Examining the meaning found in Ecclesiastes through the use of two important contemporary reading methods - narrative criticism and cultural exegesis - Mary E. Mills breaks new ground. Highlighting the range of theological meaning attached to the book of Ecclesiastes as a result of treating the text as a form of narrative and a story told in the first person, this innovative book will appeal to all those interested in narrative criticism, literary studies and interpretation and Wisdom tradition and the ancient world more widely, as well as biblical scholars.

Are you overcommitted, overstressed, or just plain overwhelmed? These devotions will give you greater peace and perspective, and a plan for managing your busy life. Have you reached the point where one more thing on your to-do list is one too many? Do you find yourself praying, "Lord, I don't think I can handle any more stuff?" Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory have been there. They want to encourage you, but even more important, they offer helpful solutions to make your everyday life easier. Get good advice on how to plan ahead, set boundaries with others and yourself, and be more intentional about self-care without the guilt. Let Kathi and Cheri help you find a place of more joy and abundance, one devotion at a time.

This book considers medieval literary criticism of the Bible; it centers on the paradoxical interdependence of the literal and spiritual senses through examination of Nicholas of Lyra's literal commentary on the Gospel of John, and of the anonymous Middle English biblical adaptation, the Cursor Mundi. Inheriting a vocabulary of interpretation that split meaning into the literal and spiritual, Mark Hazard shows how biblical commentary of the late Middle Ages attempts to transform the relation between the literal and the spiritual from one of difference to continuity by adopting novel approaches to interpretation.

Colin R. Nicholl examines the situations giving rise to each Thessalonian Epistle to determine how the two relate historically. His book presents a compelling hypothesis, arguing that the two letters reflect two stages of a single crisis plaguing a recently formed Greek Church, (which spiralled from hope into despair because of confusion about the "end" time.) This monograph is the most up-to-date and comprehensive account of the Thessalonian Epistles currently available.

How to behave in the diaspora has been a central problem for Jews over the ages. They have debated whether to assimilate by adopting local customs or whether to remain a God-centered people loyal to their temporal rulers but maintaining the peculiar customs that separated them from their host nations. The question not only of survival, but of the basis for survival, is also a central problem in the Joseph stories of the Book of Genesis. The work shows its readers the grand alternatives of Judaism, instilled in two larger-than-life figures, so its readers can reassess for themselves the road Judaism did not take, and understand why Joseph though admirable in many respects, is left out of the rest of the Bible.

The question is answered through the stories about how Joseph, the son of Jacob, saved his people/family from famine by becoming a high-ranking administrator to Pharaoh. By analyzing his behavior to the people over whom he exercises power, Joseph lords it over his brothers, grieves his father, takes lands from Egyptian farmers, and engages in forced deportation. Wildavsky explains why Joseph-the-assimilator is replaced in the Book of Exodus by Moses-the-lawgiver. The book ends by demonstrating that Joseph and Moses are, and are undoubtedly meant to be exact opposites.

As in his earlier book on "The Nursing Father: Moses as a Political Leader," Wildavsky combines analysis of political and administrative leadership with both traditional and modern study of texts: thematic linkages via plot, grammar, dreams, poetry, and religious doctrine. Thus the chapter on "Joseph the Administrator" is preceded by a chapter on Joseph as The Dream Lord" and followed by an analysis and explanation of why Jacob's obscure blessings to his sons are more like curses. Always the emphasis is on the reciprocal influence of religion and politics, on rival answers to questions about how Hebrews should relate to each other and to outsiders. New, in paperback, the book will be of interest to biblical scholars and readers as well as those concerned with the interaction of religion and political life.

The Christian canon of scripture, known as the New Testament, excluded many of the church's traditional stories about its origins. Although not in the Bible, these popular stories have had a powerful influence on the church's traditions and theology, and a particularly marked effect on visual representations of Christian belief. This book provides a lucid introduction to the relationship between the apocryphal texts and the paintings, mosaics, and sculpture in which they are frequently paralleled, and which have been so significant in transmitting these non-Biblical stories to generations of churchgoers.

From the Preface: "The principal thrust of this book is to challenge the compartmentalization to which we seem all too easily resigned, to discover whether, and to what extent, the methods of modern scholarship can become part and parcel of the study of Torah, conceived as a religious-intellectual way of life. Not 'Modern Scholarship and the Study of Torah, ' but 'Modern Scholarship in the Study of Torah.

In this attractive illustrated book, Stephen Cottrell reflects on five of the Christ in the Wilderness paintings, and reveals them to be a rich source of spiritual wisdom and nourishment. He invites us to slow down and enter into the stillness of Stanley Spencer's vision. By dwelling in the wilderness of these evocative portraits, Stephen Cottrell encourages us to refine our own discipleship and learn again what it means to follow Christ.

First Published in 2001. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

The Christian canon of scripture, known as the New Testament, excluded many of the church's traditional stories about its origins. Although not in the Bible, these popular stories have had a powerful influence on the church's traditions and theology, and a particularly marked effect on visual representations of Christian belief. This book provides a lucid introduction to the relationship between the apocryphal texts and the paintings, mosaics, and sculpture in which they are frequently paralleled, and which have been so significant in transmitting these non-Biblical stories to generations of churchgoers.

This historical and exegetical investigation strongly challenges the widely held view that Paul regarded idol food as a matter of indifference, to be avoided only for the sake of the spiritual health of the weak. An exhaustive treatment of early Christian material shows that early authors were deeply influenced by Paul's discussion in 1 Corinthians 8-10, and yet they were totally unaware of the subsequent traditional understanding that Paul regarded idol food as indifferent. Even those who advocated eating idol food did not once appeal to Paul's discussion for support. An alternative understanding is proposed: Paul considers conscious consumption of idol food a denial of one's allegiance to Christ. One must avoid idol food if, and only if, it is identified as such.

To find more information about Rowman and Littlefield titles, please visit www.rowmanlittlefield.com.

In the history of nineteenth-century religious thought, William Robertson Smith occupies an ambiguous position. More than any other writer, he stimulated the theories of religion later advanced by Frazer, Durkheim, and Freud. Smith himself was not an original scholar, but was rather "clever at presenting other men's theories" within new and sometimes hostile contexts. Smith was an important contributor to two of the most serious challenges to Christian orthodoxy of the last century, the "Higher Criticism" of the Bible and the comparative study of religion, and was also the victim of the last successful heresy trial in Great Britain. Yet he was an utterly devout Protestant, whose views on Biblical criticism (for which he was damned) are now considered as true as his views on totemism and sacrifice (for which he was praised) are now considered false.

Despite Smith's enormous significance for the history of religious ideas, he has been written about relatively little, and most of what we know about his life and work comes from a source almost a century old. Originally published in 1882, The Prophets of Israel is a collection of eight lectures, including "Israel and Jehovah;" "Jehovah and the Gods of the Nations," "Amos and the House of Jehu," "Hosea and the Fall of Ephraim," "The Kingdom of Judah and the Beginnings of Isaiah's Work," "The Earlier Prophesies of Isaiah," "Isaiah and Micah in the Reign of Hezekiah," and "The Deliverance from Assyria."

A new introduction by Robert Alun Jones discusses Smith's early life, the heresy trial, Smith's early view of prophecy, and the classic text itself. The book will be of interest to students and teachers of religious studies, and general readers interested in Robertson Smith.

In this volume, Gerard Sloyan utilizes the lectionary approach to offer new insights into understanding the book of John. In so doing, he puts the Fourth Gospel in the Old Testament context within which the early church received the public readings of this Gospel. His emphasis on the use of John within first-century Christianity enables modern readers to grasp the meaning of the Gospel message.

Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.

Fresh from the Word 2022 offers 365 sets of note, prayers and actions on biblical themes and helps build understanding and respect for different Christian perspectives by offering a range of biblical interpretations. Each writer brings their own experience of God and His Word, refined through the reality of the worldwide pandemic, to shed new light on familiar themes, including: * facing despair and fear * being Church, * living with pain whilst sustained by hope * how we regard the stranger * how we love our neighbour Enjoyed individually and in groups, this is a great for anyone looking for guidance to help their bible reading and understanding.

The Prophet’s Dictionary by Paula Price is an essential tool for laymen, prophesiers, pastors, intercessors, and dreamers of dreams. As an all-in-one dictionary and reference book containing over 1,600 relevant definitions of terms and phrases for the prophetic realm of Christian ministry, it will show you how to:

• Experience the power of the gifts of prophecy
• Understand their operation in our modern world
• Correctly interpret and apply God’s prophetic words
• Distinguish between true and false prophets
• Differentiate between spiritual and natural dreams
• Understand God-given dreams
• Develop your spiritual gifts

In addition, the author exposes ancient religious seductions and how they have infiltrated movies, television, and books. Prophetic visions and clues to interpreting their symbolism, imagery, and signs are also included. People from all walks of life can benefit as this book aids in the understanding of what may be expected from prophets or the prophetic ministry. Delve deeper and you will find much more.
God speaks to us today!

Fitzroy Dearborn is pleased to announce an historic event in religious reference publishing -- Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Already eight years in development under the general editorship of Thomas C. Oden, the first six volumes have now been released: Mark; Romans; Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians; I Corinthians; Colossians; and the General Epistles.

Scripture today is interpreted primarily from the perspective of post-Enlightenment thinkers. Earlier commentary, particularly that of the renowned church fathers -- Ambrose, Chrysostom, Augustine, etc. -- has largely been lost to us. These early patristic writings are now rarely consulted -- not because they lack interest but because many of them have not been translated; still others are not readily available in reliable editions.

Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is a truly unique resource: when completed, it will include 27 volumes encompassing the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, plus the Apocrypha. On each page readers will find the text of scripture, line by line, accompanied by the relevant commentary (in English) of the early church fathers. The salient insights, rhetorical power and unique exegeses of these great thinkers will now be available to readers in the 21st century.

Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is possible only now, for it relies on computer searches of the ancient Greek, Latin, Coptic and Syriac patristic texts to identify and isolate commentary on individual books of the Bible. Volume editors (who together constitute an illustrious team of Biblical scholars) review and select the best expositions and analyses from dedicated Biblical commentary as well as from theentire range of patristic writings, including sermons, homilies, letters, and theological translations. Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is thus an unprecedented international undertaking, involving the expertise of computer experts and translators as well as that of hundreds of Protestant, Orthodox, and Roman Catholic scholars from around the world.

Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture is dedicated to reclaiming for the modern reader classic commentary on the entire Christian canon: 21st century scholars, librarians, teachers, and students of the Bible will gain unequalled access to the most profound and enduring commentary by the early church fathers, from Element of Rome in the 2nd century to John of Damascus in the 8th century.

Fitzroy Dearborn expects great demand from libraries around the world for this extraordinary reference project, and very large initial printings allow us to price individual volumes at only $40 each. It is our hope that, at this price, even the smallest libraries will be able to afford this landmark work, which will be issued over a period of five years. Fitzroy Dearborn will record standing orders.

Acclaimed for its masterful new translation and insightful commentary, The David Story is a fresh, vivid rendition of one of the great works in Western literature. Robert Alter's brilliant translation gives us David, the beautiful, musical hero who slays Goliath and, through his struggles with Saul, advances to the kingship of Israel. But this David is also fully human: an ambitious, calculating man who navigates his life's course with a flawed moral vision. The consequences for him, his family, and his nation are tragic and bloody. Historical personage and full-blooded imagining, David is the creation of a literary artist comparable to the Shakespeare of the history plays.