Introduction to the Bible - Sacred Texts and Imperial Contexts

This groundbreaking introductory textbook explores the emergence and development of the Bible, placing it in the broader context of world history. It particularly focuses on the role of a number of empires in the formation of the Biblical canon.
Explores the historical role the Bible has played in subsequent empires, and its enduring influence in the contemporary world, resulting in a balanced overview of the historical forces that shaped the canonExplores topics including: the formation of the Pentateuch, the development of the earliest Old Testament stories, the historical study of the Gospel traditions surrounding Jesus; the influence of Roman rule in the provinces where Paul spent much of his ministry; and the interpretation of the Biblical texts and their use by different faith communitiesIncorporates numerous student-friendly features throughout, including study questions, review sections, bibliographies, timelines, and illustrations and photos

List of contents

Contents.1. Getting Oriented - Studying the Bible in Its Ancient Context(s).This chapter introduces the student to the academic study of the Bible in two ways. First, the chapter will use the example of the Reed Sea exodus story (Exodus 14-15) to illustrate the different sorts of questions readers have asked of these stories: their historical worth, sources, form and original use, literary shape and role in the book of Exodus, gender and postcolonial issues. Second, the chapter will outline and explain the kinds of questions that permeate the following textbook. In particular, the chapter will give a brief outline of the major historical periods in the history of Israel and the emergent church (using maps and charts), along with a rationale for why placing texts in relation to these contexts is important for academic study of the Bible..The Old Testament.2. The Emergence of Ancient Israel and Its Earliest Traditions (selections from stories about the ancestors, exodus and judges).The story starts with discussion of Israel's earliest traditions: those of the ancestors, exodus, and tribal traditions. The focus is on the origins of these traditions amidst a family/clan-oriented people living in unfortified villages of the hill-country of ancient Canaan. Traditions such as those about Jacob or Exodus and the god Yahweh gave hope of God's support to these village-culture Israelites as they struggled against the militarily-powerful city cultures in the coastland and valleys. The focal text for this chapter is the song of Deborah (Judges 5), and a major theme is that of "trickster" traditions as a vehicle for the hope of marginalized groups..3. The kingdom of David and Solomon and Judah and Echoes of Ancient Empires (books of Samuel and early stories [creation, flood], wisdom and Psalms).This chapter looks at the emergence of monarchy in ancient Israel and the creation of Israel's first corpus of written texts as part of that emergence, texts that echo elements of ancient literature - both Mesopotamian and Egyptian - that preceded Israel. The readings reflect a dual focus, including a) excerpts of the Biblical account of the rise of the monarchy and b) several texts that illustrate Israel's adaptation of earlier, non-Biblical literature in the creation of its own texts. The twin emphases continue to the focal texts, with more detailed discussion of Psalm 2 as a window to the ideas of the early monarchy and Genesis 2-3, as an example of ancient adaptation of pre-Biblical ideas. Other texts discussed in this chapter include books often attributed to Solomon, e.g. Proverbs, Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes (with dating issues discussed). As part of coverage of stories of creation and flood, students will be introduced to source criticism of Genesis 1-11..4. The First Prophetic Books and the Onslaught of the Assyrian Empire (books of Kings [selections]and [portions of] Amos, Hosea, Isaiah 1-39 and Micah).This chapter starts with the division of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel and then moves to a survey of the key differences and similarities between the four eighth century prophets, Amos and Hosea speaking to the North, and Isaiah and Micah in the South. A major theme is how these prophets responded in different ways to other nations, particularly the Assyrian empire, who subjugated both kingdoms and eventually wiped out the North. Some focused on social-structural injustices within the city/nation, while others emphasized imperial power politics and lack of purity in devotion to God. Focal texts include: Amos 1-2, Hosea 2; Isaiah 6 and a comparison of Isaiah 1 with Micah 3. In addition, a particular emphasis is given to the use in Hosea of images of human relationship (parent-child and especially husband-adulterous wife) to depict divine anger and forgiveness..5. Prophecy and Torah in the Wake of the Assyrian Empire (parts of Deuteronomy, Jeremiah, and a few selections from Joshua-2 Kings).In this chapter we trace the emergence in Israel of new level of religious and literary emphasis on "Torah" on the one hand and "Prophets" on the other. This is part of Judah's attempt at a new beginning in the wake of receding domination by the Assyrian empire. Josiah introduces a new level of focus on the Mosaic Torah, and an early edition of the Deuteronomistic History retells the story of Israel in the land from the perspective of that Torah as it is found in Deuteronomy (focal texts: Deut 6:4-25 and 2 Kings 22:1-23:30). In addition, earlier prophets are given a new hearing, and prophecy continues, with Jeremiah as a parade example, both sharing major themes with earlier traditions (e.g. Hosea, Deuteronomy), yet protesting against their misapplication (focal text: the "temple sermon" in Jeremiah 26 and 7:1-15). Throughout we see both adaptations of the textual forms used by the Assyrian empire (e.g. covenant, royal history) combined with radical theological transformation of those forms..6. 6th Century: The Babylonian Empire and the Exile (Psalm 137, Ezekiel, Isaiah 40-55, and the formation of the Pentateuch).Israel radically reshaped its literature in light of the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and exile of Judah's leadership. This chapter looks first at texts that are clearly dated to this time (e.g. Psalm 137; Ezekiel and 2nd Isaiah [focal texts: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Isaiah 49:1-26]) and then to how central Pentateuchal traditions surrounding Abraham, Exodus and Covenant represent responses to this crisis (focal texts: Genesis 12:1-8 along with 17:1-27; Exod 3:1-4:18; 6:2-8 and select cultic-legal texts from Leviticus and Numbers). Though building on earlier traditions, particularly traditions revolving around family and clan structures, the authors of the Pentateuch (P and non-P) produced a new whole, a story of Israel before its entry into the land, a story that could address the concerns and hopes of a people now out of the land and without a king. This chapter will include treatment of Old Testament source criticism, both the four source approach (J, E, D and P) and newer approaches that place the key stages of the formation of the Pentateuch later in Israel's history, particularly in the exile and post-exile..7. 5th-4th Century: The Persian Empire and Building Temple-Centered Jewish Community (post-exilic histories and late prophecy).Where the previous chapter looked at the Biblical response to Babylonian destruction of the monarchy and forced exile, this one surveys the very different impact of the Persian empire, sponsoring the rebuilding of the temple and establishment of a community of exiles in Judah. The Persian empire may even have played some role in supporting the final composition and establishment of the Pentateuch as the law at the center of Judaism - a canon within a canon (focal text: Ezra 7; also noted - the focus on Torah in the present five-fold book of Psalms)..This is a time of disputes over the proper boundaries of the people. On the one hand, the books of Ezra and Nehemiah interpret certain Torah traditions to imply the need to exclude foreign wives from Israel (focal text: Ezra 9:1-15). On the other hand, late prophecy and stories such as Ruth and Jonah emphasize the inclusion of foreigners in Israel, particularly those that repent and recognize the God of Israel (focal texts: Isaiah 56:1-8; Ruth 1). Students will be challenged to see whether and how these texts contradict each other or are merely different in emphasis. In addition, the particular dynamics of the period will be explored briefly in relation to the book of Job - read as a reflection of the shape of "wisdom" in the wake of the rise of Torah and Prophetic traditions..8. 3rd-2nd Centuries: Hellenistic Empires and the Maccabeans (the book of Daniel and the formation of the Hebrew Bible).This chapter looks at the emergence of Jewish apocalypticism (especially the book of Daniel) on the one hand and at the formation of the Hebrew Bible on the other. Both developments are Jewish responses to Hellenistic rule, especially the crisis around the attempted hellenization of Jerusalem and the subsequent founding of a new monarchy in Jerusalem (the Hasmoneans) that combined resistance to and imitation of Hellenistic politics and culture. Focal texts: Daniel 3 (reflecting empire and diaspora issues) and 10-12 (including how it has been used by various groups, ancient and modern)...The New Testament and the Roman Empire.9. Paul in the Roman Colonial Context.The chapter will introduce students to the Roman Empire in the first century, especially the impact of Roman rule in the provinces where Paul spent much of his ministry. The chapter will link with the previous chapter insofar as Paul's letters provide an example of the on-going influence of Jewish apocalypticism in the first century, now modified and employed by Christians under Roman power. The chapter will also highlight Paul's identity as Hellenistic, Jewish, Roman literate male and how this identity shaped his understanding of Jesus Christ and his mission to the Gentiles. Focus texts: 1 Thess. 1:1-10; 1 Cor. 4:8-13; and Romans 8..10. From History to Gospel: The Historical Jesus and Stories of Jesus.The chapter helps students distinguish between academic study of the historical Jesus and historical study of Gospel traditions about him. From a historical perspective, the chapter will discuss the likelihood that Jesus was perceived as a threat to civic order by the local Roman authorities. In this and other ways, the historical Jesus was affected by imperial realities. Nevertheless, we will distinguish between the questions and methods used to study the historical Jesus, and those employed in study of Jesus traditions in their broader context. Rather than being transparent windows to the life of Jesus, the Gospels themselves are historical products, and they depicted Jesus in ways similar to those of other stories of powerful men in the imperial context. This will be shown through an initial comparison of the Gospel narratives with non-Biblical texts, including stories of Roman emperors like Augustus and depictions of holy men, such as Philo's Moses and Philostratus' Apollonius of Tyana. Focus texts: Mark 8:22-26; 14:43-50 and John 11:45-48.11. Responses to Roman Domination: The Gospel of Mark.The chapter will introduce students to the Gospel of Mark as a text dealing with the immediate aftermath of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. The chapter will introduce the following themes: the Messianic secret, the ambiguous role of the disciples contrasted with the demands of discipleship, and the suffering Son of Man in the context of Roman domination. Focal texts include Mark 5:1-20 and 10:42-43 with their implicit and explicit critique of the empire..The chapter will also contain an excursus on the development of the Gospels out of the Jesus traditions. This will include the explanation of the synoptic problem, Markan priority and the two source hypothesis. Worksheets will be provided to have students arrive at these theories inductively..12. Forming Community in the Wake of Destruction: The Gospel of Matthew.This chapter interprets Matthew's modification and expansion of Mark's Gospel addressed to the needs of Jewish-Christian community in a post-temple setting. The Gospel's polemic against the scribes and Pharisees will be examined in light religio-social tensions created by the destruction of the temple and Roman provincial rule. The Gospel's emphasis on the teachings of Jesus regarding the reign of God, the coming judgment, life in a community of believers, as well as the Gospel's depiction of Jesus relationship to Torah will be included. Focus texts: Matthew 1-2, 5-7..13. Adopting and Adapting the Language of Empire: Luke-Acts.This chapter will discuss this two volume work as an example of the tensions and complexities of life under Roman imperial power and ideology. At times the Gospel and Acts appear anti-imperial, yet the characters are presented as models of Greco-Roman civility. Thus, the Gospel opens with explicit attention to the poor and outcast, and throughout the Gospel one finds challenges to affluence as a status symbol. Still, when Luke introduces Jesus, he draws explicitly on imperial rhetoric. Moreover, he reshapes Mark's story of a suffering Messiah into the depiction of the death of a noble, innocent martyr. Similarly, Acts presents the apostles as pious, civilized, rational, citizens of the empire. Focus texts: Luke 1-2 and Acts 24..14. Confronting and Conforming to the Empire: The Gospel and Letters of John.In the Gospel of John, Jesus' opponents ironically define the threat that Jesus poses as that which will bring about the destruction of their nation by Rome. Such an explicit link between Jesus and Roman destruction points again to the imperial context in which Johannine Christology was shaped. The chapter will discuss the ways this Christology both confronts and conforms to Roman imperial ideology, especially with respect to imperial masculine ideology. The opposition to the Jews and the dualistic worldview will also be examined in light of John's imperial context. Focus texts: John 1:1-18; John 10:11-18; 11:45-53..15. From Resistance to Accommodation: Other Early Christian Writings.This chapter will discuss a range of other New Testament texts within the framework of their imperial context. Special focus will be on Revelation as a text of resistance to Rome, juxtaposed by texts such as the Pastoral Epistles, reflecting an ideological framework consistent with their Roman context. Focus texts: Rev 18; I Tim 3:1-13..16. Postscript: Bible(s) and Subsequent Empires.This chapter will provide a brief look at subsequent ways that the Jewish and Christian Bibles were adopted and used by Jewish and Christian communities respectively. The Jewish Bible, combined with various levels of "oral" Torah (the Mishnah, Talmuds, etc.), became a crucial part of Jewish identity in the wake of the destruction of the temple and Jewish life amidst empire (and eventually in a new nation of Israel). Meanwhile, various forms of the Christian Bible were solidified in the context of the late Roman/Byzantine Empire. The chapter will conclude with two examples of the important historical role the Bible has played in subsequent empires: (1) debate about proper interpretation of the Bible in Europe and North America (e.g. conflict between scientific and "literal" modes of interpretation) and (2) the use of the Bible in evangelization in European colonies and its contemporary importance amidst growing Christian movements in the two-thirds world.

About the author

David M. Carr is Professor of Old Testament at Union Theological Seminary in New York. His previous books include Reading the Fractures of Genesis: Historical and Literary Approaches (1996); The Erotic Word: Sexuality, Spirituality and the Bible (2003); and Writing on the Tablet of the Heart: Origins of Scripture and Literature (2005). Colleen M. Conway is Professor of Religious Studies at Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey. Her books include Men and Women in the Fourth Gospel: Gender and Johannine Characterization (1999) and Behold the Man: Jesus and Greco Roman Masculinity (2008). She is the co-author, with David M. Carr, of An Introduction to the Bible (Wiley-Blackwell, 2010).

Summary

This groundbreaking introductory textbook explores the emergence and development of the Bible, placing it in the broader context of world history. It particularly focuses on the role of a number of empires in the formation of the Biblical canon.

Product details

• Authors: Carr, David M. Carr, David M. Conway Carr, David Mclain Carr, Colleen M. Conway
• Publisher: Wiley, John and Sons Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 09.04.2010
• EAN: 9781405167376
• ISBN: 978-1-4051-6737-6
• No. of pages: 404
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Christianity; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Biographies, autobiographies