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The New Testament: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) 1st Edition, Kindle Edition
by Luke Timothy Johnson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 185 ratings
Part of: Very Short Introductions (1 books)
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Book description
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As ancient literature and a cornerstone of the Christian faith, the New Testament has exerted a powerful religious and cultural impact. But how much do we really know about its origins? Who were the people who actually wrote the sacred texts that became part of the Christian Bible? The New Testament: A Very Short Introduction authoritatively addresses these questions, offering a fresh perspective on the underpinnings of this profoundly influential collection of writings.
In this concise, engaging book, noted New Testament scholar Luke Timothy Johnson takes readers on a journey back to the time of the early Roman Empire, when the New Testament was written in ordinary Greek (koine) by the first Christians. The author explains how the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, and Revelation evolved into the canon of sacred writings for the Christian religion, and how they reflect a reinterpretation of the symbolic world and societal forces of first-century Greco-Roman and Jewish life. Equally important, readers will find both a positive and critical reading of the New Testament--one that looks beyond its theological orientation to reveal an often-surprising diversity of viewpoints. This one-of-a-kind introduction engages four distinct dimensions of the earliest Christian writings--anthropological, historical, religious, and literary--to provide readers with a broad conceptual and factual framework. In addition, the book takes an in-depth look at compositions that have proven to be particularly relevant over the centuries, including Paul's letters to the Corinthians and Romans and the Gospels of John, Mark, Matthew, and Luke.
Ideal for general readers and students alike, this fascinating resource characterizes the writing of the New Testament not as an unknowable abstraction or the product of divine intervention, but as an act of human creativity by people whose real experiences, convictions, and narratives shaped modern Christianity.
ISBN-13
978-0199735709
Edition
1st
Sticky notes
On Kindle Scribe
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Publication date
1 March 2010
Product details
ASIN : B0035FP7T6
Publisher : Oxford University Press; 1st edition (1 March 2010)
Language : English
File size : 1166 KB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Not Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Sticky notes : On Kindle Scribe
Print length : 161 pagesBest Sellers Rank: 352,824 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)203 in Christian New Testament Criticism
208 in Christian New Testament Study
255 in Christian BibleCustomer Reviews:
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 185 ratings
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H, Jenny
5.0 out of 5 stars God loves usReviewed in Canada on 23 September 2019
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It’s a good book
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Mr. T. E. Rochester
5.0 out of 5 stars Fair and Balanced, Something for AllReviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 May 2014
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This "Very Short Introduction" is written by Luke Timothy Johnson (LTJ), a former monk who is now a professor of New Testament studies, and does exactly what it says on the tin.
The work is divided into 11 Chapters.
Chapter 2 contextualises the NT in its contemporary setting, explaining the difference in belief and lifestyle of Jew and Gentile.
Chapter 3 focusses on the resurrection, and whilst not suggesting exactly what happened, LTJ lets the reader know that *something* significant must have happened in order for the Christian faith to begin. That *something*, he claims, is that the disciples of Jesus came to believe he had risen from the dead, but he refrains from passing personal comment on that issue.
Chapters 6-9 provide an overview of most of the documents of the NT, with only Jude and 1 + 2 Peter being passed over.
Chapter 6 looks at the Synoptic Gospels, going through each in turn.
Chapter 7 focusses on the life and works of Paul, and as a representation of his work provides a great mini-exegesis of his theology in 1 Corinthians and Romans.
Chapter 8 "Two Hidden Treasures" provides an exegesis of James and Hebrews.
Chapter 9 finishes this section looking at a Johannine school of thought as found in the Gospel of John, 1,2,3 John and Revelation, again, providing a mini-explanation of these works and their contexts.
Chapter 10 discusses the creation and importance of the NT canon in brief detail. Readers should then be aware of CE Hill's "Who Chose the Gospels?" for more info on this one.
Chapter 11 provides a neat summary of the continuing importance of the NT in contemporary society, despite the personal failings of Christians, and the ambiguities of the text that have led to oppression in Christ's name.
Overall this book is a brilliant introduction, fair and balanced, that presents a broad scholarly consensus of the relevant issues involved, whilst retaining some individual perspectives. However, because of this "catch-all" approach, there are several things that both liberal and conservative historians and believers may find disagreement with.
A liberal audience won't like (among other things): A. his suggestion that Paul made use of an amanuensis, so that the Pastoral Letters may indeed be genuine, B. his understanding that the "Gospel" of Thomas is most likely late 2nd century and C. that the canon of the NT represents the best and earliest of our documents about the initial phase of Christian history.
A conservative audience probably has more things to take issue with, but hopefully by reading will learn the difference between accepted church tradition and the current position of NT scholarship. For example: A. he dates 2 Peter to the 2nd Century, B. suggests that Millenialism is a gross misreading of the genre of Revelation, C. calling the Holy Spirit an "energy field" several times, D. dating the Gospels 'late' EG 70AD or later, E. suggesting that Daniel was actually written c.167BC and not during the Babylonian exile.
There is much of use in here, and it overall provides a fair introduction to key themes and topics of NT studies that both Christian and non-Christian, layman and scholar will find of use.
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The Wolf
5.0 out of 5 stars Great explanation of what the NT is all aboutReviewed in the United States on 7 August 2012
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Whether you are a Christian, of another faith, or of no faith, this book can can help you understand the NT...perhaps even learn much that surprises you. It is well written, easy to understand but not simplistic, and interesting. I have read a lot of theology, and I have taken many religion classes, and yet I feel that this short book opened my eyes, or helped me organize my understanding, in a way that had not happened before. In a relatively short book Johnson gives one a very comprehensive explanation of the NT and of the early followers of Jesus and what they believed and how the canon of the NT came to exist. Johnson neither slams religion down one's throat nor apologizes for Christianity, as one other reviewer seem to think. Johnson gives a balanced objective overview of a book that has influenced more people than any other book in history...for better or worse. You will not be disappointed.
14 people found this helpfulReport
Marek C Slowikowski
5.0 out of 5 stars great product and serviceReviewed in Canada on 4 April 2015
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great product and service
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Maincaur
5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth buyingReviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 June 2015
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A very concise overview of the new testament with many referenced examples shiwing a clear and deep understanding of the holy scriptures. I use it as a guide for reading and meditation. I thoruughly recommend it.
One person found this helpfulReport
