CCUM Organ Recital

Anyone in Louisville this weekend should mark Dan Stokes' upcoming recital on their calendars. I haven't heard the new organ yet (it was still being tuned when I was in town for the winter holidays), but as you can see it looks stunning:

Secret Mark: A Bibliography

In conjunction with Prof. Judy Kovacs' seminar on the life and thought of Clement of Alexandria, Jack Collins (another fine doctoral student) and I delivered a report on the continuing debate surrounding the Letter to Theodore, which contains the gospel fragments popularly known as "Secret Mark" and which, if Morton Smith is to be believed, was discovered by him at Mar Saba in 1958. As I prepared a selective bibliography on this fascinating topic, I was struck by two principal points:

1) There is remarkably little consensus surrounding the authenticity of the letter, with proponents of both sides (authenticity and forgery) claiming victory in recent years. For example, a number of scholars at Yale (e.g., Harry Attridge and Adela Collins) considered the matter to be virtually, if not completely, closed with the publication of Peter Jeffery's The Secret Gospel of Mark Unveiled in 2007, but two articles appearing in the most recent issue of the Journal of Early Christian Studies make arguments for authenticity.

2) Very few articles have attempted to address the question of the legitimacy of the letter by comparing it to other Clementine writings, particularly his comments on secrecy and concealment of knowledge in the Stromateis. (Prof. Kovacs herself reinforced this point in the course of our discussion.)

For those of you wishing to explore one of the wildest and most bitter debates in the recent history of biblical and patristic studies, check out the bibliography here. It's certainly not comprehensive, but includes a number of thorough introductory treatments as well as many of the key articles and monographs written in recent years. Enjoy!

New Testament Notes: Week 6 (Wednesday)

Notes on the character of the teachings of Jesus:

RELC 122 Notes: 2/18

RBL Highlights: 2/18/09

Highlights from the most recent Review of Biblical Literature (or, check out the blogroll):

Bill T. Arnold and Bryan E. Beyer
Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey
Reviewed by Elmer A. Martens

Gabriele Boccaccini, ed.
Enoch and the Messiah Son of Man: Revisiting the Book of Parables
Reviewed by Thomas J. Kraus

Mark J. Boda, Daniel K. Falk, and Rodney A. Werline, eds.
Seeking the Favor of God, Volume 2: The Development of Penitential Prayer in Second Temple Judaism
Reviewed by Carla Sulzbach

Victor A. Copan
Saint Paul as Spiritual Director: An Analysis of the Concept of the Imitation of Paul with Implications and Applications to the Practice of Spiritual Direction
Reviewed by V. Henry T. Nguyen

Sidnie White Crawford
Rewriting Scripture in Second Temple Times
Reviewed by Stephen A. Reed

Michael Attyah Flower
The Seer in Ancient Greece
Reviewed by John Mason

David G. Horrell
1 Peter
Reviewed by Peter H. Davids

Graham H. Twelftree
In the Name of Jesus: Exorcism among Early Christians
Reviewed by David Frankfurter

Congratulations Dr. Breslin!

Charles Breslin, a beloved friend and mentor to myself and scores of other students and aspiring academics in Louisville and beyond, was recently inducted into the University of Louisville's College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Honor. A brief press release is available here.

To say that this recognition was entirely deserved would be a spectacular understatement. Congratulations!

Arthur Stocker Lecture: Craig on Cicero

A recent announcement from the Classics Department:

New Testament Notes: Week 5 (Monday)

Today's installment (albeit a little belated): an introduction to the Gospel of John.

RELC122 Notes: 2/9

Paul Firesale

As I'm currently taking a class on modern interpretations of Paul, I felt obligated to note that several titles relating to the ancient genius are currently on sale at Dove:

Christophersen, Alf Carsten Claussen, Jorg Frey, Bruce Longenecker (eds)
Paul, Luke and the Graeco Roman World: Essays in Honour of Alexander J M Wedderburn
(T & T Clark International, 2003)
Paperback List: $84.00 Dove Price: $26.99
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The contributors to this volume are David Aune, Stephen Barton, Richard Bauckham, Richard Bell, James Dunn, Ferdinand Hahn, Christina Hoegen-Rohls, Robert Jewett, Hans Klein, H.-W. Kuhn, David Moessner, Stanley Porter, Heikki Raisanen, Margaret Thrall, Christopher Tuckett, Oda Wischmeyer and Christian Wolff. The topics include, among others, Paulinism in Acts, a comparision of the Lord's Supper with cultic meals in Qumran and in Hellenistic cults, glossolalia in Acts, the Lukan prologue, 'new creation' in Paul, and Adama and Christ in Romans. The volume is compiled in honour of A.J.M. (Sandy) Wedderburn, of the University of Munich, formerly of St Andrews and Durham, and a bibliography of his writings is included.

Ehrensperger, Kathy
That We May Be Mutually Encouraged: Feminism and the New Perspective in Pauline Studies
(T & T Clark International, 2004)
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There has been a revolutionary shift of thinking in Pauline Studies, fundamentally changing the image of Paul. Postmodern literary criticism of Paul's epistles and sociorhetorical criticism of his letters has created a "New Perspective" approach to Pauline studies. At the same time, feminist criticism of the Pauline corpus has been growing. Unfortunately there has been hardly any interaction and exchange of research results between these different strands of scholarship. The result of this is that in Pauline studies scholars are hardly aware of feminist perspectives. Similarly, feminist interpretations of Paul, not fully conversant with the most recent strands of Pauline research, are often based on traditional images of Paul. Ehrensperger's analysis of feminist commentaries on Paul thus contains a rather negative depiction of theological thinking. However, both strands of research, feminist and those of the "New Perspective," provide fresh and illuminating insights that emphasize similar aspects from different perspectives. Ehrensperger advocates a closer interaction between these two schools of Pauline studies. She analyzes Romans 14-15, exploring the results of recent research in both Pauline schools. Pauline studies from the 'New Perspective' emphasizes the Jewish context and texture of Paul's thinking. She sets these in dialogue with feminist theology, which focuses on issues of identity, diversity, and relationality. Her study results in a perspective on Paul which views him as a significant dialogue partner in the search for a theology beyond anti-Semitism and misogyny, beyond force and domination.

Contents Acknowledgments Pt. 1 Hermeneutics and presuppositions 1 Introduction 1 2 Changing perspectives 5 3 Different perspectives 43 Pt. 2 Paul in contemporary studies and theologies 4 Paul - beyond the new perspective 123 5 Paul in feminist perspectives 161 6 "That we may be mutually encouraged" (Rom 1:12) 177 7 Conclusion 195 Bibliography 203 Index 234

Harvey, A E
Renewal Through Suffering: A Study of 2 Corinthians
(T & T Clark International, 1996)
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This book represents a fresh approach to the study of 2 Corinthians. In the first chapter of the epistle, Paul recounts how he had been faced suddenly with the prospect of imminent death. Either he had succumbed to a severe illness or was suffering the effects of savage persecution. In either case Dr. Harvey believes that some of the profound but difficult language in the central chapters may best be explained by reference to this traumatic event. He begins by exploring the social, economic and religious consequences of illness or disability in antiquity and the radically new understanding of suffering to which Paul was led by his near-death experience. The remainder of the book takes the form of a running commentary, bringing out the implications of this biographical approach for understanding the text of 2 Corinthians. Despite addressing detailed questions of a technical nature, this study is presented in a clear and readable form and will prove illuminating for all those - scholars, students, or more general readers - interested in St. Paul and 2 Corinthians.

Contents Preface Abbreviations Ch. 1 The Tribulations in Ephesus 2 Cor. 1.3-9 Ch. 2 The Aftermath 2 Cor. 1.10-4.6 Ch. 3 The Renewing Experience 2 Cor. 4.7-7.16 Ch. 4 The Commissioning 2 Cor. 8-9 Ch. 5 The Apologia 2 Cor. 10-13 Ch. 6 Renewal through Suffering Bibliography Index of References Index of Modern Authors General Index

Heyer, C J Den
Paul: A Man of Two Worlds
(Trinity Press International, 2000)
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The apostle Paul is a controversial figure, both admired and reviled. His letters have influenced creeds and dogmatic statements, but he is also accused of turning the "simple" gospel that Jesus preached into a complex dogmatic system. Furthermore, on the authority of Paul, women have been given second place in church and society for many centuries. The "apostle to the Gentiles" has sometimes been a source of inspiration, but he has more often than not been a stumbling block when Jews and Christians meet. This book tackles all of these and other issues surrounding Paul and presents him for the widest possible audience. With his enviable gift for clear and popular writing, C. J. den Heyer here takes on a particularly difficult task and shows great mastery in offering a detailed portrait of one of the most controversial figures in the ancient world.

Hunt, Allen R
Inspired Body: Paul, the Corinthians and Divine Inspiration
(Mercer University Press, 1996)
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The Inspired Body examines 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 in an effort to understand one example of an early Christian view of divine inspiration. First, Allen Hunt examines other ancient descriptions of the phenomenon of divine inspiration, with particular interest in those descriptions that include a notion of the human search for the divine mind, a notion that is central to Paul's discussion in 1 Corinthians 2:6-16. The investigation seeks to identify who is described as inspired in these other ancient texts and also how that inspiration is explained. Representative ancient writers, including Plato, Plutarch, Julian, Philo, and Josephus, are examined. The work then investigates the details of Paul's discussion of divine inspiration in 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 and uses the parallel ancient discussions to elucidate Paul's argument. This book changes how 1 Corinthians, in particular chapters 2, 3, 12, and 14, is to be read, and reframes the question of divine inspiration.

Contents Preface Abbreviations and Citations Introduction The Problem Previous Scholarship The Present Study Part I: I Corinthians 2:6-16 In Its Cultural Context Chapter 1: Ancient Inquiry Into the Divine Mind: The Greek Tradition Greek Drama and Poetry Plato Plutarch Julian Conclusions Chapter 2: Ancient Inquiry Into the Divine Mind: The Jewish Tradition Philo Josephus Apocalyptic and LXX Traditions Excursus: Post--Pauline Christian Literature Conclusions Chapter 3: A First Look at 1 Cor 2:6-16 Part II: A New Reading of I Corinthians 2:6-16 and Its Implications Chapter 4: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 and Inspired Community 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 Within Its Epistolary Setting The Language of Inspiration and Divine Inquiry in 1 Cor 2:6-16 The Church as Inspired Community Conclusions Chapter 5: 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 and Communal Division Paul's Use of Irony Paul's Modification of Communal Behavior The Topoi of Two Levels of Teachings and Secret Doctrines Conclusions Chapter 6: The Inspired Body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12 The Issue of Inspired Speech (1 Cor 12:1-3) The Specifics of Communal Inspiration (1 Cor 12:4-13) The Equality of Inspiration (1 Cor 12:22-26) The Proper Allegiance of Christians (1 Cor 12:27-31) Conclusions Chapter 7: 1 Corinthians 14 and Corporate Worship 14:1-12: Inspired Speech and Redone 14:13-19: The Criterion of the 14:20-25: Community, Childishness, and Ecstasy Communal Reciprocity in 14:26-36 Recapitulation and Sarcasm: 14:37-40 Conclusions Conclusions Bibliographies Reference Works Ancient Sources: Texts, Editions, and Translations Secondary Literature Cited Indexes

Polaski, Sandra Hack
Paul and the Discourse of Power
(T & T Clark International, 1999)
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Drawing on postmodern theory's insights regarding discourse, ideology and power, this book explores the ways Paul navigated fluctuating and complex relationships of power with his churches, contributing to a discourse that defined the power dynamics of early Christianity. With respect to his own converts as well as other leaders of the early church, and in the heart of his theological language, Paul is seen to take part in a discourse that reinforces his apostolic authority.

Porter, Stanley E Craig A Evans (eds)
Pauline Writings
(T & T Clark International, 1995)
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This volume collects the best articles on the Pauline writings from the first fifty issues of the Journal for the Study of the New Testament. The range of the volume reflects the breadth of the journal itself. Here the reader will find ground-breaking studies which introduce new critical questions and move into fresh areas of enquiry, surveys of the state of play in this particular topic of New Testament studies, and articles which engage with each other in specific debates. For students this book offers an invaluable critical introduction to Pauline studies. More advanced students and scholars can use it to find background material or to gain an overview of the research in this area of scholarship. This builds on the reputation of JSNT as a conduit for first-class research and a major influence within the scholarly community.

Contents Paul the Apostle E. Best / Paul's Apostolic Authority - ? D. Luhrmann / Paul and the Pharisaic Tradition W.O. Walker / Acts and the Pauline Corpus Reconsidered Pauline Interpretation of Sacred Tradition J.W. Aageson / Typology, Correspondence, and the Application of Scripture in Romans 9-11 A. T. Hanson / The Midrash in 2 Corinthians 3: A Reconsideration W.A. Meeks / And Rose up to Play: Midrash and Paranesis in 1 Corinthians 10: 1-22 J.A. Ziesler / The Role of the Tenth Commandment in Romans 7 Pauline Theology K. Snodgrass / Spheres of Influence: A Possible Solution to the Problem of Paul and the Law J. Piper / The Demonstration of the Righteousness of God in Romans 3: 25, 26 C.L. Mearns / Early Eschatological Development in Paul: The Evidence of 1 Corinthians C. Rowland / Apocalyptic Visions and the Exaltation of Christ in the Letter to the Colossians Pauline Letter-Form and Rhetoric L. Alexander / Hellenistic Letter-Forms and the Structure of Philippians J.M.G. Barclay / Mirror-Reading a Polemical Letter: Galatians as a Test Case F. Young / The Pastoral Epistles and the Ethics of Reading Index of References Index of Authors

Thuren, Lauri
Derhetorizing Paul: A Dynamic Perspective on Pauline Theology and the Law
(Trinity Press International, 2002)
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When we read 1 Thessalonians 1:8, Paul seems to be calling for an end to all missionary activity: "In every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to speak a word." Given what we know about Paul, this notion strikes Christian readers as very curious. According to Lauri Thur?n, Paul and his listeners would find modern Pauline scholarship and interpretation equally curious. Expressions like the one from 1 Thessalonians were never meant to be taken at face value, and have promoted sophisticated but erroneous theological and historical reflections. These errors are due not only to the scholarly ignorance of ancient rhetorical and epistolary conventions, but also to a static attitude toward the text itself. Thur?n offers a different kind of study, one based on a natural and dynamic reading of Paul's letters. These letters need to be stripped of rhetoric, he says, in order to describe any theology beyond the texts. This means identifying persuasive devices in Pauline texts in order to filter out their effect on the theological ideas expressed.

Contents Preface Pt. I The Dynamics of Paul's Writings 1 Towards a Sensible Interpretation of Paul 2 Was Paul a Theologian? 3 From a Static to a Dynamic View of Paul's Text 4 Was Paul Sincere? Pt. II The Law in Paul's Theology 1 Solutions with Problems 2 The Law in Galatians 3 The Law Strikes Back: Romans and 1 Cor 4 What Was Wrong With the Law? Pt. III Paul Derhetorized? 1 Summary 2 Concluding Remarks on the Dynamic Perspective Literature Indices Thur?n applies this principle to a controversial issue in Pauline theology, the question of law. He claims that Paul's exaggerated statements correspond to his hyperbolic way of thinking. Paul's search for consistency on the Old Testament, Thur?n claims, was a major reason for his revolt against the Law. Derhetorizing Paul offers a bold new reading of Paul's letters and a striking reinterpretation of Pauline theology.

Wedderburn, A J M (ed)
Paul and Jesus: Collected Essays
(T & T Clark International, 2004)
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The relationship between the messages of Jesus and Paul, once dubbed by one scholar 'the second founder of Christianity', must count as one of the most central issues in the study of the New Testament. The essays collected in this volume first survey the history of the study of this problem, and look at some of the main evidence for supposing that the connection between Jesus and Paul was slight, notably the paucity of Paul's references to Jesus' teachings and his seeming disinterest in the earthly Jesus. Other essays take up the question of the continuity between the teaching and the manner of life of the two men, and raise the question how this continuity may have been mediated from one to the other. A final essay raises the question how far Paul's statements about Christ were related to the earthly life of Jesus. This volume brings together a number of substantial contributions to this question, by Professor V.P. Furnish of Dallas, by two scholars from the German Democratic Republic, Professor N. Walter and Dr C. Wolff, and by the editor; some are published for the first time, some are here made available in English for the first time.

Contents 1. Alexander J. M. Wedderburn / Introduction 2. Victor Paul Furnish / The Jesus-Paul Debate: From Baur to Bultmann 3. Nikolaus Walter / Paul and the Early Jesus Tradition 4. Christian Wolff / True Apostolic Knowledge of Christ: Exegetical Reflections of 2 Corinthians 5:14ff 5. Alexander J. M. Wedderburn / Paul and Jesus: The Problem of Continuity 6. Alexander J. M. Wedderburn / Paul and Jesus: Similarity and Continuity 7. Christian Wolff / Humility and Self-Denial in Jesus' Life and Message and in the Apostolic Existence of Paul 8. Alexander J. M. Wedderburn / Paul and the Story of Jesus 9. Alexander J. M. Wedderburn / Postscript Index of passages cited Index of authors cited

New Testament Notes: Week 4 (Wednesday)

Unfortunately, no notes from Monday (as I was out of town), but here are some riveting observations from the second lecture of the week, primarily on the Gospel of Luke:

RELC 122 Notes: 2/4

RBL Highlights: 2/8/09

Selections from the most recent Review of Biblical Literature:

J. Edward Ellis
Paul and Ancient Views of Sexual Desire: Paul's Sexual Ethics in 1 Thessalonians 4, 1 Corinthians 7 and Romans 1
Reviewed by James W. Aageson

Steven D. Fraade, Aharon Shemesh, and Ruth A. Clements, eds.
Rabbinic Perspectives: Rabbinic Literature and the Dead Sea Scrolls (Proceedings of the Eighth International Symposium of the Orion Center for the Study of the Dead Sea Scrolls and Associated Literature, 7-9 January, 2003)
Reviewed by Moshe J. Bernstein

Donald E. Hartley
The Wisdom Background and Parabolic Implications of Isaiah 6:9-10 in the Synoptics
Reviewed by Stephen Moyise

Scot McKnight and Joseph B. Modica, eds.
Who Do My Opponents Say That I Am? An Investigation of the Accusations against the Historical Jesus
Reviewed by Samuel Lamerson
Reviewed by Stephan Witetschek

Karen B. Stern
Inscribing Devotion and Death: Archaeological Evidence for Jewish Populations of North Africa
Reviewed by Steven Fine

New Testament Notes: Week 3 (Wednesday)

And some brief notes from this morning's lecture, which discussed the various messianic paradigms presented in the Gospel of Mark:

RELC122 Notes: 1/28

New Testament Notes: Week 3 (Monday)

Here are some brief notes from Monday's lecture, which was an introduction to Christian gospels in general and the canonical gospels in particular. The second half of the lecture featured the "Synoptic Problem" (the scholarly conundrum surrounding the nature of the literary relationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and the "Two-Source Hypothesis" (the most popular solution to this problem).

RELC 122 Notes:1/26

RBL Highlights: 1/27/09

Many of these have recently appeared in the blogroll, but for anyone who may have missed them:

Margaret Barker
Temple Themes in Christian Worship
Reviewed by Mary L. Coloe

Paul C. Burns, ed.
Jesus in Twentieth Century Literature, Art, and Movies
Reviewed by Tsalampouni Ekaterini
Reviewed by Richard Walsh

Bruce Chilton
Abraham's Curse: The Roots of Violence in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Reviewed by Marvin A. Sweeney

John Day, ed.
Temple and Worship in Biblical Israel: Proceedings of the Oxford Old Testament Seminar
Reviewed by Aren M. Maeir

William A. Ford
God, Pharaoh and Moses: Explaining the Lord's Actions in the Exodus Plagues Narrative
Reviewed by Hee Suk Kim
Reviewed by Brian D. Russell

J. Harold Greenlee
The Text of the New Testament: From Manuscript to Modern Edition
Reviewed by J. K. Elliott

Robert H. Gundry
The Old Is Better: New Testament Essays in Support of Traditional Interpretations
Reviewed by Michael F. Bird

Francis J. Moloney
The Living Voice of the Gospels
Reviewed by Stephan Witetschek

Risto Nurmela
The Mouth of the Lord Has Spoken: Inner-biblical Allusions in Second and Third Isaiah
Reviewed by Christophe Nihan

U. B. Schmid, with W. J. Elliott and D. C. Parker
The New Testament in Greek IV: The Gospel according to St. John: Volume 2: The Majuscules
Reviewed by Marcus Sigismund

Kenton L. Sparks
God's Word in Human Words: An Evangelical Appropriation of Critical Biblical Scholarship
Reviewed by Arthur Boulet
Reviewed by Jeffrey A. Gibbs

Clinton Wahlen
Jesus and the Impurity of Spirits in the Synoptic Gospels
Reviewed by Mark D. Batluck

Thomas R. Yoder Neufeld
Recovering Jesus: The Witness of the New Testament
Reviewed by V. George Shillington

NT and Early Christianity Online: Can I Do It?

At various points throughout the life of this blog, I've attempted to compose regular posts describing and responding to various courses in which I've been enrolled... and if these attempts were graded, each would necessarily receive an "Incomplete." The semester gets busier and busier... projects, proposals, and reading assignments pile up... and blogging of any kind seems to fall by the wayside. Nevertheless, memories of these past failures have not deterred me from a new project: to post my notes from my current teaching assignment (assisting Prof. Harry Gamble in his lecture course, Introduction to the New Testament and Early Christianity). To those of you back at dear old Christ Church United Methodist in Louisville who were asking about how to better grasp the historical context of Jesus and the earliest Christian movements: see if these resources whet your appetite! My first set of lecture notes may be viewed below:

RELC 122 Notes: 1/21

Enjoy... and wish me luck! ;-)

More RBL Highlights... Plus, New RBL Blog!

Although I'll continue to post selections from the Review of Biblical Literature as I receive them via e-mail, I've also added the newly created blog (http://rblnewsletter.blogspot.com/) to the blogroll. One interesting feature of the latter resource is that the comments feature is currently enabled, allowing viewers to add their own musings regarding the included books and reviews. I have a feeling, however, that this arrangement for long... I can see some nasty exchanges erupting there.

James W. Aageson
Paul, the Pastoral Epistles, and the Early Church
Reviewed by David J. Downs

Bruce Chilton, ed.
The Cambridge Companion to the Bible
Reviewed by Douglas Estes

Naomi G. Cohen
Philo's Scriptures: Citations from the Prophets and Writings: Evidence for a Haftarah Cycle in Second Temple Judaism
Reviewed by Torrey Seland

James D. G. Dunn
The New Perspective on Paul
Reviewed by J. R. Daniel Kirk

Paul Rhodes Eddy and Gregory A. Boyd
The Jesus Legend: A Case for the Historical Reliability of the Synoptic Jesus Tradition
Reviewed by Ken Olson

Robert C. Hill, translation with introduction and commentary; Greek text revised by John F. Petruccione
Theodoret of Cyrus: The Questions of the Octateuch, Volume 1: On Genesis and Exodus
Reviewed by Randall L. McKinion

Robert C. Hill, translation with introduction and commentary; Greek text revised by John F. Petruccione
Theodoret of Cyrus: The Questions on the Octateuch, Volume 2: On Levitcus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, and Ruth
Reviewed by Randall L. McKinion

Jerome Murphy-O'Connor
St. Paul's Ephesus: Texts and Archaeology
Reviewed by Jonathan L. Reed

Kuo-Wei Peng
Hate the Evil, Hold Fast to the Good: Structuring Romans 12.1-15.1
Reviewed by Carl N. Toney

Leonard J. Swidler
Jesus Was a Feminist: What the Gospels Reveal about His Revolutionary Perspective
Reviewed by Eve-Marie Becker
Reviewed by Kathleen E. Corley

RBL Highlights: 1/22/09

Selections from the most recent edition of the Review of Biblical Literature:

Dwayne H. Adams
The Sinner in Luke
Reviewed by Bruce Chilton
Reviewed by I. Howard Marshall

Diane Banks
Writing the History of Israel
Reviewed by Susanne Scholz

Wesley J. Bergen and Armin Siedlecki, eds.
Voyages in Uncharted Waters: Essays on the Theory and Practice of Biblical Interpretation in Honor of David Jobling
Reviewed by James West

William Sanger Campbell
The "We" Passages in the Acts of the Apostles: The Narrator as Narrative Character
Reviewed by Deborah Prince

Philip R. Davies
The Origins of Biblical Israel
Reviewed by K. L. Noll
Reviewed by Thomas L. Thompson

Clemens Leonhard
The Jewish Pesach and the Origins of the Christian Easter: Open Questions in Current Research
Reviewed by Jeffrey L. Morrow

Victor H. Matthews
Studying the Ancient Israelites: A Guide to Sources and Methods
Reviewed by Trent Butler

Wayne A. Meeks and John T. Fitzgerald, eds.
The Writings of St. Paul: Annotated Texts, Reception and Criticism
Reviewed by V. George Shillington

Hyung Dae Park
Finding Herem? A Study of Luke-Acts in the Light of Herem
Reviewed by Darin H. Land

John Riches
Galatians through the Centuries
Reviewed by John Dunnill
Reviewed by Martin Meiser

Todd D. Still, ed.
Jesus and Paul Reconnected: Fresh Pathways into an Old Debate
Reviewed by Otis Coutsoumpos

Paul Trebilco
The Early Christians in Ephesus from Paul to Ignatius
Reviewed by Markus Oehler

Unbelievable

Thanks to April DeConick and Nick Norelli for pointing me in the direction of this new program, available via radio or podcast, which brings believers and non-believers together to explore contentious questions related to Christian history and theology. (I'm listening to a discussion of Christian origins between Michael Bird and James Crossley as I write this post.)

Learn more about the program, and access the archive of previous broadcasts, here.

Kent Richards to Retire

Although he will remain on the job for another eighteen months, Kent Richards has announced his impending retirement as the Executive Director of the Society of Biblical Literature. I'm sure that I speak for many SBL members when I wish him the best.

Dear SBL Members,

I am writing on behalf of the SBL Council to announce to the Society membership the decision of Kent Richards to retire as Executive Director of the Society of Biblical Literature effective June 30, 2010. It is with regret that we contemplate the end of his time in leadership of the Society, but we wish to face the necessary transitions ahead in a spirit of celebration for the many contributions Kent has made to leave a strengthened and vigorous Society as his legacy.

Under his leadership the program of the Annual Meeting has expanded and diversified; the International Meeting has become a major forum of global biblical scholarship; the membership has grown; the Society has strengthened its reputation as a major and respected publisher; the Society has played a leading role in the American Council of Learned Societies; a major initiative on teaching Bible in the public schools has been developed; an outstanding staff team has been recruited and organized; and the Society has enjoyed financial stability, strong fiscal management, and excellent administrative leadership. Especially noteworthy has been Kent’s steady hand, discerning judgment and wise council in the difficult circumstances of the unanticipated withdrawal of the AAR from joint sponsorship of the Annual Meeting. The unqualified success of the first SBL Annual Meeting held recently in Boston independent from the AAR is in no small measure a testimony to Kent’s leadership in this period. If, as seems likely, some new relationship with the AAR in future Annual Meetings becomes a reality, this too will reflect Kent’s careful guidance through difficult issues and circumstances. It is hard to imagine how the Society could have been served any better by its Executive Director during this unusual period.

I have no doubt that the next year and a half will see many opportunities to recognize and celebrate Kent Richards’ contributions to the Society of Biblical Literature, but I have chosen to begin that celebration now by soliciting several comments from colleagues who have worked closely with Kent during his tenure as Executive Director.

"Kent Richards has provided extraordinary leadership for the Society of Biblical Literature. An energetic visionary, he has also provided a steady hand in the administration of the Society in challenging circumstances. We wish him well in retirement." Harold Attridge, Yale University.

"Kent Richards has successfully envisioned and shaped a future for the society that makes possible the richest forms of interdisciplinary conversation. The number and variety of programs at the annual and international meetings are a testament to his understanding of the diverse scholarly, professional, and religious communities of our contemporary world. He has led the society in connecting the world of information technology with the work of biblical research. Having brought to his work the background and perspective of a biblical scholar and teacher, he knows the value of collegiality and has operated as a trusted and valued colleague even as he has performed the many intricate and difficult tasks of managerial leadership. Kent has been a visionary, innovative, and steady leader who has richly prepared the Society for its work in the 21st century." Brian Blount, Union Theological Seminary in Richmond.

"Kent Richards has provided visionary leadership during a formative period of the Society. SBL is now the envy of many ACLS organizations, what with its vigorous meetings and publication program." David Petersen, Emory University.

"Kent’s vision for the future of biblical studies, his willingness to do the work necessary to move us toward that vision, his attention to detail, and his gracious and hospitable leadership style have been marvelous gifts to the Society. We owe him a particular debt of thanks for working to increase the visibility of scholarship by underrepresented constituencies across the globe." Katharine Doob Sakenfeld, Princeton Theological Seminary.

A search committee for Kent’s successor has been named and will be announced in the near future. A position announcement and statement on the search process will be posted soon on the SBL website and circulated widely. Please watch for these important announcements. We are grateful that Kent Richards has given us a strong, healthy and productive professional society through his leadership. That in itself will help make the transition to a new leadership a smooth one.

Sincerely,

Bruce C. Birch
Chair, SBL Council

From Dove: Limited Markdowns On Sale Through Saturday

Check out nearly 600 titles offered at significant discounts (sometimes as large as 80%). For every four books purchased, buyers receive a fifth (of equal or lesser value) at no charge. I haven't examined the entire list, but I did see a number of worthwhile bargains on the first few pages, including Jodi Magness' The Archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls and volumes from the Anchor Yale Bible, Hermeneia, and Word Biblical Commentary series.

The available titles may be viewed here.

Call for Papers: Sixth Annual Duke/UNC Islamic Studies Conference

For any interested Islamicists out there:

6th Annual Duke-UNC-CH Graduate Islamic Studies Conference

The Departments of Religion at Duke University and the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are now
accepting papers for inclusion in their Sixth Annual
Graduate Islamic Studies Conference.

Negotiating Multiple Islams: Societies, Traditions, and
Cultures in Context

April 4-5 2009

Global Education Center, University of North Carolina,
Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Mohsen Kadivar, Visiting Professor,
University of Virginia

Dr. Mohsen Kadivar studied in the Qom Seminaries in Iran
and obtained his ijtihad certificate in religious knowledge
from Ayatollah Montazeri in 1996. In 1998 he completed his
PhD in Western and Islamic Philosophy, with a focus on
Transcendental Philosophy, from Tarbiyat Modarres
University. He has penned 11 books and over 50 articles in
philosophy, Islamic theology, Shi'i political and
jurisprudential thought, and Islamic law. Among his best
known books are Theories of Government in Shi'i Fiqh and
Government by Guardianship (hokumat-e vela'i)
(www.kadivar.com).

Respondents:

Dr. Anna Bigelow, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and
Religion, North Carolina State University (tentative)

Dr. Carl Ernst, Kenan Distinguished Professor of Religious
Studies, UNC

Dr. Ebrahim Moosa, Professor of Islamic Studies, Duke

Dr. Omid Safi, Professor of Religious Studies, UNC

Negotiating Multiple Islams:

The study of Islam today has moved well beyond early
Orientalist assumptions of seeing it as a monolithic
religious entity. Static and reductionist categories have
been replaced in order to account for the dynamic and
"lived" aspects of Islam, bringing into focus its multiple
interpretations and manifestations that transcend cultural
boundaries. "Lived Islam" includes the variety of ways that
Muslims express their devotion to Islam in both
intellectual and "popular" traditions, through text and
performance. It also brings into view the different ways
that Muslims approach their religious texts, and the
interpretive moves they make between theory and praxis.

The theme of our conference, "Negotiating Multiple Islams,"
is aimed specifically at generating discussion on how
scholars that speak of Islam in its different contexts and
its lived aspects respond to the issues that accompany such
an approach. Some of the questions we seek to address are:
How are competing forces of heterogeneity and homogeneity
reconciled in the context of a global Islam? And
methodologically, what impact does an emphasis on lived
aspects of Islam have on the interpretation of historical
sources? Also, which voices are included and/or excluded
through these approaches? How can scholars of Islam and
Muslim societies reconcile the commonly-presented vision of
Islam as stagnant and rigid with the many vibrant
adaptations of Islam being practiced? How does the
acknowledgment of the diversity of expressions address
questions of normativity and authority? Does the notion of
"multiple Islams" subvert Muslim self-representations of
Islam as transcendent, crossing time and place?

For this year's conference, we encourage papers that
explore these questions and seek to contextualize the
societies, cultures, and traditions in which they occur. We
welcome topics that cover a wide range of issues and
incorporate a variety of methodologies and approaches ?
textual, anthropological, sociological, critical
theoretical, and historical, among others. In addition to
formal papers, we also welcome multimedia presentations,
such as student-produced films, that are related to the
theme of the conference.

Possible themes for paper topics include (but are not
limited to):

* lived Islam in urban and rural environments

* critical responses to tradition and authority

* revival and reform movements and the notion of
multiple modernities

* popular and vernacular Islam in current and
historical contexts

* construction of competing identities

* Islamic art and architecture

* pluralistic ethics and Islam

* living and engaging sacred texts

* multiple interpretive authorities and local traditions

* Muslim women as scholars and leaders

* between Islamic law (Shari'ah) and jurisprudence
(fiqh) in local and transnational contexts

As a hallmark of the Duke-UNC Islamic Studies Conference we
will provide opportunity for interactive, deliberative, and
inter-disciplinary engagement with scholarly work in
progress by setting this gathering in an intimate workshop
format. We expect that those invited to present papers will
remain for the duration of the conference in order to
engage the other participants in a true exchange of ideas.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided on both days and a
formal dinner will be held on Saturday night.

Limited financial assistance to cover travel expenses may
be available to those who demonstrate financial need and
are not receiving funding from their home institutions.

To apply, please send the following to
DukeUNCconf@gmail.com

* paper title

* proposal of no more than 500 words

* CV

* brief biographical sketch

The deadline for submissions is February 15, 2009.

Organizers:

Department of Religious Studies UNC-Chapel Hill

Rose Aslan

Tehseen Thaver

Department of Sociology, UNC-Chapel Hill

Aseem Hasnain

Department of Religion, Duke University

Susan Langford

Dan Holodnik

Erik Norell

Nate Schick