Reception History and Biblical Studies: Theory and Practice

Description

How do we begin to carry out such a vast task-the examination of three millennia of diverse uses and influences of the biblical texts? Where can the interested scholar find information on methods and techniques applicable to the many and varied ways in which these have happened? Through a series of examples of reception history practitioners at work and of their reflections this volume sets the agenda for biblical reception, as it begins to chart the near-infinite series of complex interpretive 'events' that have been generated by the journey of the biblical texts down through the centuries. The chapters consider aspects as diverse as political and economic factors, cultural location, the discipline of Biblical Studies, and the impact of scholarly preconceptions, upon reception history. Topics covered include biblical figures and concepts, contemporary music, paintings, children's Bibles, and interpreters as diverse as Calvin, Lenin, and Nick Cave.

Emma England is Guest Researcher at the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Her publications include work in children's Bibles and comics. William John Lyons is Lecturer in New Testament in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Bristol, UK.

A necessary and astutely judged volume that addresses comprehensively many of the issues, appraisals, and criticisms that have arisen and been put to this emerging field in biblical studies ... England and Lyons are to be commended for drawing together a great spectrum of scholars to advance convincingly the case for biblical reception history in the academy. * Theological Book Review *