Synopses & Reviews
Historian and theologian Gonzlez presents the beloved Gospel of Luke, who heralds Jesus' birth as "good news of great joy for all the people" (Luke 2:10). Gonzlez guides us and challenges us to ask, "What is the modern relevance of this text?" The result is a fascinating and important theological discussion of Luke's gospel and its relation to the life and proclamation of the church and its members.
This new series will build on a wide range of sources in areas such as biblical studies, the Christian tradition, popular culture, and the language of Christian worship. Whereas most commentaries emphasize the Bible's ancient meaning, Belief concentrates on the living Word relative to the theological and ethical concerns of today. Noted scholars representing diverse backgrounds and perspectives will ensure a fresh and invigorating approach to the Bible. Nearly half of the volumes in the series will be written by women, and almost a third will be written by persons of color. Authors include Michael Battle, Anna Case-Winters, Harvey Cox, Miguel De La Torre, Boyung Lee, Thomas G. Long, Daniel Migliore, Stephanie Paulsell, Marcia Riggs, Donald Saliers, Ronald Sider, Leanne Van Dyk, and Allen Verhey.
Review
"Without giving up the requisite attention to the details of the text, the volumes draw upon the rich theological traditions of the past and attend to the continuing theological issues and perplexities of the present." Patrick D. Miller, Emeritus, Princeton Theological Seminary
Review
"The interface between biblical texts and constructive theology is never easy or obvious. This welcome series holds great promise for a new engagement at that interface." Walter Brueggemann, Emeritus, Columbia Theological Seminary
Synopsis
The volumes in Belief: A Theological Commentary on the Bible from Westminster John Knox Press offer a fresh and invigorating approach to all the books of the Bible. Building on a wide range of sources from biblical studies, the history of theology, the church's liturgical and musical traditions, contemporary culture, and the Christian tradition, noted scholars focus less on traditional historical and literary angles in favor of a theologically focused commentary that considers the contemporary relevance of the texts. This series is an invaluable resource for those who want to probe beyond the backgrounds and words of biblical texts to their deep theological and ethical meanings for the church today.
Synopsis
Historical-critical approaches to Scripture rule out some readings and commend others, but they rarely offer much help to either theological reflection or the preaching of the Word. They do not point the church forward in the life of discipleship. These commentaries have learned from tradition, but they are most importantly commentaries for today. The authors share the conviction that their work will be more contemporary, more faithful, and more radical, to the extent that it is more biblical, honestly wrestling with the texts of the Scriptures.
-from the series introduction by William C. Placher and Amy Plantinga Pauw
Synopsis
Historian and theologian Justo González presents the beloved Gospel of Luke, who heralds Jesus' birth as "good news of great joy for all the people" (Luke 2:10). González guides us and challenges us to ask, "What is the meaning of this text for us today?" The result is an engaging and important theological discussion of Luke's Gospel and its relation to the life and proclamation of the church and its members.
About the Author
Justo L. González is a noted and prolific historian of Christian thought and the author of many books, including Essential Theological Terms, and The Apostles' Creed for Today. He is also editor of The Westminster Dictionary of Theologians, published by WJK.