A volume covering one of the most significant periods in the formation of the doctrine of the Church. A key text for all students of Patristics. Fully updated bibliographies for each chapter, subject area and writer are included.
Focusing on the unity of 2 Corinthians, this study explores its theological relevance today by examining its Jewish and Hellenistic contexts. The authors analyze specific passages through modern hermeneutics and sociological perspectives, culminating in a discussion of Paul's enduring authority and insights about God. Their fresh translation of Paul's text invites readers to engage with the letter anew, enriching the understanding of its themes and meanings in contemporary discourse.
This volume consists of previously published articles by Frances Young, a scholar of early Christianity, well-known for her work Biblical Exegesis and the Formation of Christian Culture, together with a few newly composed additions. The studies collected here are concerned with the New Testament, but their approach is often not in the modern historico-critical mode. Rather, they bring new insight through being informed by the author's patristic specialism, by methodological enquiries, by her interest in doctrinal and theological reading, and by exploration of the very nature and function of sacred scriptures. The significance of this volume lies in the way it exemplifies the extraordinarily interesting changes which have taken place in biblical hermeneutics during the last 50-60 years. Many of the essays could be useful, not only to research specialists, but to advanced undergraduates as well as clergy and preachers.
Exploring innovative perspectives on atonement, this book challenges traditional views and encourages fresh theological insights. It delves into the implications of atonement for preaching and personal faith, aiming to inspire readers to rethink their understanding and communication of this profound concept. Through thought-provoking analysis, it seeks to enrich both individual and communal reflections on the role of atonement in spiritual life.
Challenging conventional accounts of biblical interpretation in the early Church, this book explores the diverse methods and perspectives that shaped early Christian thought. It delves into the historical context and theological debates that influenced how scriptures were understood, offering fresh insights into the complexities of early Christian exegesis. Through rigorous analysis, the author examines key figures and their contributions, ultimately reshaping the narrative of biblical interpretation in this formative period.
Construing the Cross reconsiders ways in which the cross of Christ was understood before medieval atonement theories narrowed the categories.
Exploring the Bible as a divine composition, Frances Young offers a unique perspective on biblical criticism, likening it to musical interpretations. She examines the evolution of the historical canon and various interpretative approaches, highlighting their roles in enriching the understanding of Scripture. By comparing these methods to an orchestra, Young illustrates how diverse interpretations combine to reveal a more profound biblical message, emphasizing the importance of both textual authenticity and transcendent truth in the church's engagement with the Bible.