The Cambridge Companion to the Gospels

Description

Throughout the history of Christianity, the four canonical gospels have proven to be vital resources for Christian thought and practice, and an inspiration for humanistic culture generally. Indeed, the gospels and their interpretation have had a profound impact on theology, philosophy, the sciences, ethics, worship, architecture, and the creative arts. Building on the strengths of the first edition, The Cambridge Companion to the Gospels, 2nd edition, takes account of new directions in gospels research, notably: the milieu in which the gospels were read, copied, and circulated alongside non-canonical gospels; renewed debates about the sources of the gospels and their interrelations; how central gospel themes are illuminated by a variety of critical approaches and theological readings; the reception of the gospels over time and in various media; and how the gospels give insight into the human condition.

Stephen C. Barton is a theologian with a specialism in New Testament Studies. He was Reader in New Testament in the Department of Theology and Religion, Durham University (1988-2010). Currently, he is an Honorary Research Fellow of Durham and Manchester Universities. His publications include The Spirituality of the Gospels, Discipleship and Family Ties in Mark and Matthew, Invitation to the Bible, and Life Together. Family, Sexuality and Community in the New Testament and Today. Todd Brewer is a New Testament Studies scholar and holds a PhD from Durham University. He is the author of Hermeneutics and Early Christian Gospels. He is managing editor for the theology and culture site, mbird.com.

'This is a most useful and attractive volume, not only for beginners, but for all interested in being stimulated by new slants on the evangelists, often characterized as the lion, the man, the ox, and the eagle.' Stephen Platten, The Living Church 'Scholarly introductions to the Gospels abound: what makes the present study unique is its balance of historical-critical and religious interests and ability to comprehensively and exhaustively summarize current research while remaining accessible to nonspecialists. Recommended.' J. P. Blosser, Choice Connect