Meanings. The Bible as Document and as Guide

Description

Recovering the strangeness of scripture for the life of the church— These essays reveal the consistency and integrity of a master exegete, New Testament theologian, and churchman. Stendahl brings to the biblical text a constant concern to discover what was meant by a particular biblical passage, as free as possible of the doctrinal or cultural preoccupations of intervening centuries, but also to reflect on what the text means to us today, ever alert to the ways scripture has fueled anti-semitism, the subordination of women, and other forms of prejudice and injury. The combination of respect shown here for the diversity of meanings in scripture and the urgency of reflecting—critically and faithfully—on our contemporary responsibilities in light of scripture is irresistible. The collection is a testament to the wide range of Stendahl’s interests and the depth of his perception. “The hard eyes Stendahl turns upon scripture also have a glint in them, sometimes reminding his audience of a vision yet larger than scripture, to which scripture is intended to point. . . .” —Frederick H. Borsch, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia “Our answers to [the issues with which Stendahl deals] will not always be the same as his. Yet our own convictions will be clarified even more than they will be challenged by the thoughts of this giant among New Testament scholars.” —John Howard Rhys, School of Theology at Sewanee “There can only be admiration for the candor with which [Stendahl] pokes holes in the pompous balloons of pious zealotism. His minimalism pushes toward the acceptance of finiteness and creatureliness—yes, even for theologians!” —Robin Scroggs, Chicago Theological Seminary “Do not miss this thought-provoking collection form one of the church’s outstanding biblical scholars.” —David Rhoads, Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago Krister Stendahl was Andrew W. Mellon Professor Emeritus and former Dean at Harvard Divinity School, and Bishop Emeritus of Stockholm. Among his many writings is Paul among Jews and Gentiles (Fortress Press, 1976) and Final Account (Fortress Press, 1995).