Jewish and Christian Scriptures - (Jewish and Christian Texts) by Lee Martin McDonald & James H Charlesworth (Hardcover)

About the Book

This volume examines ancient texts in the Jewish-Christian tradition, especially so-called "non-canonical" texts, by focusing on how they were used or functioned in early societies.

Book Synopsis

Over the past four decades, many scholars have focused on the expanding collection of alleged "extra-canonical" documents that were deemed inspired by God in numerous early Jewish and Christian groups. Eventually, these texts ceased to have an authoritative role in Judaism and Christianity and were branded "extra-canonical." Now, these documents, once considered sacred, are recognized as fundamental in understanding antiquity, and the development of the canon. Many scholars are now according an authority to some of these texts This volume draws attention to these ancient religious texts, especially the so-called "non-canonical" texts, by focusing on how they were used or functioned in early societies. The contributors also warn us about the assumed barriers between "canon" and "extra-canon," "texts" and "traditions," and they suggest that we should be careful with labels such as "Jewish" and "Christian." The contributors also indicate, intermittently or implicitly, the importance of combining disciplines that had been isolated, especially the study of texts, the exploration of the canonical process, and the relevance of sociology in studying ancient groups.

Review Quotes

This volume contains some very scholarly and useful studies...--Sanford Lakoff

About the Author

James H. Charlesworth is George L. Collord Professor of New Testament Language and Literature at Princeton Theological Seminary and director of the seminary s Dead Sea Scrolls Project. He is the author of The Beloved Disciple (Trinity) and co-editor of the Trinity Press Faith and Scholarship Colloquies (FSC) Series. Lee M. McDonald is President Emeritus and Professor of New Testament Studies Emeritus of Acadia Divinity School, Nova Scotia and Adjunct Professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. He serves as Scholar in Residence for the American Baptist Churches of Los Angeles and the American Baptist Congregations of the Southwest and Hawaii.