Books by "Richard N. Longenecker"
5 books found
Antiochene Theoria in the Writings of Theodore of Mopsuestia and Theodoret of Cyrus
by Richard J. Perhai
2015 · Augsburg Fortress Publishers
Biblical scholars have often contrasted the exegesis of the early church fathers from the eastern region and school of Syrian Antioch against that of the school of Alexandria. The Antiochenes have often been described as strictly historical-literal exegetes in contrast to the allegorical exegesis of the Alexandrians. Patristic scholars now challenge those stereotypes, some even arguing that few differences existed between the two groups. This work agrees that both schools were concerned with a literal and spiritual reading. But, it also tries to show, through analysis of Theodore and Theodorets exegesis and use of the term theria, that how they integrated the literal-theological readings often remained quite distinct from the Alexandrians. For the Antiochenes, the term theria did not mean allegory, but instead stood for a range of perceptionsprophetic, christological, and contemporary. It is in these insights that we find the deep wisdom to help modern readers interpret Scripture theologically.
The Cross of Christ: Islamic Perspectives takes an in-depth look at all of the classical Muslim scholars considered to have affirmed Jesus' crucifixion. Each chapter provides the important historical and intellectual context for the commentators. As well, critical new translations of key texts are provided, offering important access to vital documents. The author argues that, rather than affirming the historicity of the crucifixion, the Isma'ilis tend to assume its historicity, in order to advance important Isma'ili doctrines. The author also contends that the commentators who explored ways to affirm the crucifixion, nonetheless made extensive use of traditional substitution legends that deny the crucifixion. In order to orient the reader, the book starts by introducing the reader to the Jesus of the Qur'an. It then compares Him to the Jesus of the New Testament and the Jesus of para-biblical literature. Upon this Qur'anic skeleton, the author layers a myriad of details found in seventeen works of classic Islamic literature, so that a truly unique, authentic and authoritative Jesus of Islam emerges.
Hardening hearts. Blinding eyes. Sending deceitful spirits. Crafting vessels of wrath. Few will deny that certain biblical passages make claims about God that are difficult to accept. But perhaps the most troubling are the verses that describe God as influencing individuals or groups towards wicked behavior for the purpose of condemning them. What are readers to do with these texts? In Vessels of Wrath, Richard M. Blaylock tackles the thorny subject of divine reprobating activity (DRA). Through an exhaustive, biblical-theological study of the Christian canon’s witness, Blaylock argues that the Bible does not present DRA as an insignificant or monolithic concept; instead, the biblical authors showcase both the significance and the complexity of DRA in a variety of ways. The book aims to help readers of the Bible to wrestle with the Scriptures so that they might come to better understand its testimony to this mysterious and awesome divine activity.
The author of Ephesians shows an interest in the Isaianic new exodus (INE) in facilitating his focus on the present triumph of the people of God. The recipients required both insight and confidence, especially in regard to the certainty of their salvation, its mysterious nature, Jewish-Gentile relations, and their former manner of life. In the face of these challenges the author maintains that victory is secured through God's choice of them and the working of his redemptive program--which inevitably leads to triumphal blessings. As with the exodus-era Hebrews, the readers participate in paschal redemption, now embodied in Christ, along with his resurrection and ascension as the triumphant new exodus warrior over principalities and powers. In addition, and as predicted by OT writers, Gentile proselytes share the blessings of the new exodus, but now on equal footing and access as Jewish Christians--creating a new eschatological temple. Triumphant Christ distributes gifts, facilitates Spirit-endowed living, and enables Christian warfare that mirrors Yahweh and his servant. The recipients of the epistle appear to be called to view INE triumph as above, below, now and not yet, while not discarding current applications on earth.
In contrast to many studies of New Testament ethics, which treat the New Testament in general and Paul in particular, this book focuses on the person of Jesus himself. Richard Burridge maintains that imitating Jesus means following both his words -- which are very demanding ethical teachings -- and his deeds and example of being inclusive and accepting of everyone. Burridge carefully and systematically traces that combination of rigorous ethical instruction and inclusive community through the letters of Paul and the four Gospels, treating specific ethical issues pertaining to each part of Scripture. The book culminates with a chapter on apartheid as an ethical challenge to reading the New Testament; using South Africa as a contemporary case study enables Burridge to highlight and further apply his previous discussion and conclusions.