Idolatry: False Worship in the Bible, Early Judaism, and Christianity

Description

This is a comprehensive study of the nature and significance of idolatry. Nicholas Lash memorably described all Christian doctrine as essentially a 'set of protocols against idolatry'. 'Idolatry' is a subject of vital theological, historical and cultural significance. Understanding of idolatry has been an important force in the formation of the Western intellectual and religious traditions. Yet very little has been written in the field recently. Such works as there have been are tangential or very narrowly focused. This book fills a major gap in the literature. Specially commissioned studies provide a comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of the subject: including theoretical perspectives, the Old Testament, Early Judaism, the New Testament, and Christian Theology to the present day. All the contributors are of the highest international standing: they include for example Tim Jenkins, Robert Hayward, John Barclay, James Dunn, Christopher Rowland, Andrew Louth, Trevor Hart, and Graham Ward. The book will appeal to a large international readership of scholars, students, clergy, church workers and educated lay people, with interests in biblical studies, Judaism, early Christianity, historical theology, systematic theology, moral theology, and ethics.

Dr Stephen C. Barton is Reader in New Testament, Durham University.