Christology, Hermeneutics, and Hebrews: Profiles from the History of Interpretation

Description

This book discusses the history of the interpretation of the Letter to the Hebrews across the last two millennia. Beginning with the Patristic period, essays go on to examine the responses of Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, as well as more recent figures such as Karl Barth and contemporary global interpreters. The premise behind the work is to move study of Hebrews away from the perennial arguments about its authorship and provenance and to instead engage with it from a theological perspective, focusing upon the text's reception history. Consequently the issue of the Christological message in Hebrews is at the forefront and is considered both in terms of the interpreter's context and historical setting. At the end of the book the investigations are summarised and responded to by leading scholars Harold Attridge, Donald A. Hagner and Kathryn Greene-McCreight; providing a fitting conclusion to a radical academic project.

Jon C. Laansma is Associate Professor of Ancient Languages and New Testament at Wheaton College, Illinois, USA. Daniel J. Treier is Associate Professor of Theology at Wheaton College, Illinois, USA.

This book is worth buying for Professor Laansma's Introduction alone. The other essays in the volume make this a necessary book for anyone who seeks to understand Hebrews--today and in the history of Christian exegesis--and indeed for anyone who seeks to grapple with the question of how Christians today should read Scripture. The book manages to be both scholarly and inspiring. Theologians who strive to read Scripture faithfully will find this book to be a powerful stimulant for reflection and growth. -- Matthew Levering Hebrews has played a significant and sometimes sometimes controversial role in Christian thought. This fine collection of essays explores the way that major thinkers have engaged Hebrews over the centuries. The contributors show us the vitality of theological interpretation of Hebrews and open up valuable perspectives on this intriguing text. Their work will be welcomed by students of Scripture, theology, and the history of the church. -- Craig R. Koester There are three reasons for welcoming Jon C. Laansma and Daniel J. Treier's book: first, because it provides an impressive overview of the scientific debate on Hebrews, against the larger backdrop of New Testament Studies and the modern history of ideas. Second, because it is the first collected volume dedicated to the neglected reception history of Hebrews. And finally, because it is the first book to gather a chorus of patristic-theological voices on the interpretation of Hebrews. -- Gabriella Gelardini Summarized. * New Testament Abstracts *