The New Testament in Comparison: Validity, Method and Purpose in Comparing Traditions

Description

The nine essays in this volume, written by leading international scholars in New Testament studies, examine in new depth the method of comparison so frequently deployed in the study of the New Testament. They raise and reflect on deep questions on the possibility and validity of such comparative exercise, on the methods that are most effective and intellectually defensible, on the purpose of such comparison, and on the perils and pitfalls in such exercises. Addressing these questions at both a theoretical, hermeneutical level, and through case-studies of actual examples, the book provides a much needed and up-to-date methodological resource for the numerous comparative projects spawned by New Testament studies throughout the world. Cover page Halftitle page Title page Copyright page Dedication Contents List of Contributors Translations Abbreviations 1 Introduction 2 ‘O wad some Pow’r the gift ie gie us, To see oursels as others see us!’ 1 Josephus and the procedures and goals of comparison Coming back to ourselves from a different direction 3 Making Friends and Comparing Lives Narrative Disagreement and difference Opacity and understanding A scholarly work: friendship and patience Conclusion 4 The Past Is a Foreign Country Description Justification Purposes 5 The Possibility of Comparison, the Necessity of Anachronism and the Dangers of Purity Jonathan Z. Smith and Drudgery Divine C. Kavin Rowe compared to Jonathan Z. Smith Other problems with One True Life Anachronism A return to Jonathan Z. Smith and C. Kavin Rowe 6 Beyond Compare Introduction On Larry Hurtado, Destroyer of the Gods On Kavin Rowe, One True Life Stategies for not comparing 7 On Comparing, and Calling the Question1 Clement of Alexandria, Προτρεπτικὸς πρὸς Ἕλληνας Propositions on comparison in the study of the New Testament and ancient Christianity C. Kavin Rowe’s One True Life 8 A Response to Friend-Critics Some direct replies 9 Relational Hermeneutics and Comparison as Conversation Relational hermeneutics with J. G. Hamann Engaged exegetical eavesdropping: comparison as conversation Wisdom and Romans (and me) in conversation 10 Comparing Like with Like? Apocalypse of Peter The Ascension of Isaiah The First Apocalypse of James 11 Resemblance and Relation Introduction The resemblance/relation distinction Previous claims of John’s relation or resemblance to Thomas The products of comparison: similarities, differences and absences Case studies of relations and resemblances: Gnostic and Valentinian Gospels Comparing and relating Mark, John and Thomas Conclusion Bibliography Index of Modern Authors Index of Subjects