Product Information
Author / Steven L. Bridge
ISBN / 9780801045738
Publisher / Hendrickson Publishers
Publication Date / 2004
Format/ Paperback (Soft Cover)
Language / English
Number of Pages / 160
Dimensions / 21.6 x 14.0 x 1.2 cm
Weight / 240 g
Author Description
Steven L. Brdige, PhD, is Associate Professor of Theology at St. Joseph's College, Maine, and author of Where the Eagles Are Gathered: The Deliverance of the Elect in Lukan Eschatology. He has taught biblical studies at churches, high schools, and universities throughout the United States.
Product Description
On March 23, 1998, director James Cameron made an indelible mark on Academy Award history. It wasnt because his film, Titanic, captured so many Oscars. Nor was it because of the movies unprecedented box-office success. Rather, Cameron will forever be remembered in Hollywoods annals because, upon accepting his award for Best Director, he enthusiastically declared, "I am the king of the World!"
Taken literally, Camerons exclamation denotes a claim to absolute sovereignty. Understandably, public derision followed. What Camerons critics failed to consider, however, was the premise behind his expression. The line is borrowed from Titanic. In that context, it has an altogether different meaning. Rather than self-adulation, it speaks of joy in the face of such good fortune. Undoubtedly, that is what Cameron meant to convey, but his point escaped those unfamiliar with his premise.
This real-life analogy sets the stage for Getting the Gospels. As Cameron drew upon Titanic, early Christians drew similarly upon their religious and literary backgrounds to communicate their Good News of Jesus Christ. Yet without this background, modern readers may misinterpret certain Biblical texts.
Getting the Gospels examines what the evangelists knew and how their presuppositions inform, enrich, and transform their writings. The book follows Jesus life through twelve case studies selected from each of the four Gospels. Each chapter blends scholarly research and contemporary comparisons to underscore the imperative role that such premises play in the interpretation of the New Testament.
Contents
Section I - The Early Years
Chapter 1 - Jesus' Genealogy
Chapter 2 - Jesus' Nativity Stories
Chapter 3 - John the Baptist and Jesus' Baptism
Section II - Jesus' Public Ministry
Chapter 4 - Ministerial Frameworks
Chapter 5 - Jesus' Parables: The Good Samaritan and the Dishonest Steward
Chapter 6 - Jesus' Teachings: The Bread of Life Discourse
Chapter 7 - Jesus' Works: The Cursing of the Fig Tree and the Cleansing of the Temple
Section III - Jesus' Passion, Death, and Resurrection
Chapter 8 - Jesus' Passion: The Gethsemane Scene
Chapter 9 - Jesus' Death: The Lamb of God
Chapter 10 - Jesus' Resurrection: Considering the Alternatives