Saturday, September 11, 2010

The Trouble With Resurrection, and more

http://www.amazon.com/Trouble-Resurrection-Bernard-Brandon-Scott/dp/1598150200/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1284266743&sr=1-1

This link takes you to information about the newest book by Revival/Retreat keynote lecturer Bernard Brandon Scott.

Review
Here s a wonderful book! The scholarship is meticulous, but at the same time every page is readable and, often quite compelling. Scott starts with the Hebrew scriptures and traces four different models of resurrection into the letters of Paul and the Gospel writings. Scott has candor and yet a fine respect for the mystery of God. The book should be on every minister s reading list. The Trouble with Resurrection will stir your thinking, your imagination, and yes, wonder. --David Buttrick, Professor Emeritus, Vanderbilt.

Product Description
The term resurrection has come to stand for what Christianity is all about. But a close look reveals that it should not be understood monolithically, but rather as a pluralistic and diverse phenomenon. Early Christian communities were convinced that Rome had not defeated Jesus when they crucified him. They employed a whole host of metaphors to express that conviction. The use of the single term resurrection to cover the phenomenon is a mistake-one that has tyrannized Christianity. Furthermore, most Christians believe in a physical resurrection, although Paul clearly calls this into question. Once that tradition became fixed, it provided the lens through which everything else was viewed-and distorted. The purpose of this book is not to say whether Jesus arose from the grave on the third day, or whether such an event is impossible. Rather, by examining the so-called resurrection stories in chronological order, it aspires to prompt readers to consider questions such as; what does the New Testament really say about the resurrection; what is the influence of Judaism on Christian belief in the resurrection; how did the resurrection become the central belief in Christianity; why did early Christians choose to believe in the resurrection; and why is resurrection not the right word.

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