In order to interpret historical writings, the reader must not employ their modern understanding of the world, but must strive to grasp the mindset of the original audience. To assist the twentieth-century New Testament reader in understanding the literal meaning of the New Testament is the goal of this collection of essays. The Social World of Jesus and the Gospels provides the reader with a set of possible scenarios for reading the New Testament: How did first-century persons think about themselves and others? Did they think Jesus was a charismatic leader? Why did they call God 'father'? Were they concerned with their gender roles?
The eight essays in this collection were previously published in books and journals generally not available to many readers. Carefully selected and edited, this collection will be both an introduction and an invaluable source of reference to Bruce Malina's thought.
Biography
Bruce J. Malina
'It is very valuable to have various previously published articles of Malina available in this one volume.' - Jan Botha, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
'I welcome a mind which emphasizes the strangeness of the New Testament world but attempts a means of coping with it. It makes for a stimulating read.' - Church Times
'There is certainly a great deal to be learnt here both about the New Testament and about the social science approach.' - Stephen W. Need, Reviews in Religion and Theology
