Description
Written in clear, and at times colorful, prose, Ben Witherington's What's in the Word explains how the recognition of the oral and socio-rhetorical character of the New Testament and its environment necessitates a change in how the New Testament literature is read. Expanding on the work in which he has been fruitfully engaged for over a quarter century, Witherington challenges the previously assured results of historical criticism and demonstrates chapter by chapter how the socio-rhetorical study shifts the paradigm.
Taken together, the chapters in What's in the Word coalesce around three of Witherington's ongoing academic concerns: orality and rhetoric; New Testament history, including issues of authenticity and canonicity; and the exegesis of given words in their canonical and socio-cultural contexts. Always unpredictable, this book never fails to pique interest and proffer instruction.
About the Author
Ben Witherington III is Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary. His publications include Troubled Waters: Rethinking the Theology of Baptism (2007), Making a Meal of It: Rethinking the Theology of the Lord's Supper (2007), The Living Word of God: Rethinking the Theology of the Bible (2007), and The Problem with Evangelical Theology: Testing the Exegetical Foundations of Calvinism, Dispensationalism, Wesleyanism, and Pentecostalism, Revised and Expanded Edition (2015).
Reviews
"... [Witherington] easily demonstrates that history and theology simply cannot be separated." -- Review of Biblical Literature (May 2012)
"... a fascinating discussion. ... [Witherington] is correct that social history and Greco-Roman rhetoric are now more purposely employed in interpretation and have made significant advances in our understanding of the NT--advances he masterfully demonstrates throughout this volume. --Duane F. Watson, Interpretation (2011, 65:3)
"Witherington here shows how fruitful socio-rhetorical perspective can be. His lively and accessible style make for stimulating reading." --Richard Bauckham, Professor of New Testament, St. Mary's College, University of St. Andrews
"This book's fascinating observations give stimuluating guidance in hearing the texts as they were very likely meant to be heard." --Richard J. Erickson, Associate Professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary
"This book tackles a series of contentious subjects with clarity and verve. It may even change your mind on some." --Darrell Bock, Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
... interesting, varied, provocative, well written and worthwhile. -- David Wenham -- Journal for the Study of the New Testament
Book Information
ISBN 9781602581968
Author Ben Witherington III
Format Paperback
Page Count 203
Imprint Baylor University Press
Publisher Baylor University Press
Taken together, the chapters in What's in the Word coalesce around three of Witherington's ongoing academic concerns: orality and rhetoric; New Testament history, including issues of authenticity and canonicity; and the exegesis of given words in their canonical and socio-cultural contexts. Always unpredictable, this book never fails to pique interest and proffer instruction.
About the Author
Ben Witherington III is Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary. His publications include Troubled Waters: Rethinking the Theology of Baptism (2007), Making a Meal of It: Rethinking the Theology of the Lord's Supper (2007), The Living Word of God: Rethinking the Theology of the Bible (2007), and The Problem with Evangelical Theology: Testing the Exegetical Foundations of Calvinism, Dispensationalism, Wesleyanism, and Pentecostalism, Revised and Expanded Edition (2015).
Reviews
"... [Witherington] easily demonstrates that history and theology simply cannot be separated." -- Review of Biblical Literature (May 2012)
"... a fascinating discussion. ... [Witherington] is correct that social history and Greco-Roman rhetoric are now more purposely employed in interpretation and have made significant advances in our understanding of the NT--advances he masterfully demonstrates throughout this volume. --Duane F. Watson, Interpretation (2011, 65:3)
"Witherington here shows how fruitful socio-rhetorical perspective can be. His lively and accessible style make for stimulating reading." --Richard Bauckham, Professor of New Testament, St. Mary's College, University of St. Andrews
"This book's fascinating observations give stimuluating guidance in hearing the texts as they were very likely meant to be heard." --Richard J. Erickson, Associate Professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary
"This book tackles a series of contentious subjects with clarity and verve. It may even change your mind on some." --Darrell Bock, Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
... interesting, varied, provocative, well written and worthwhile. -- David Wenham -- Journal for the Study of the New Testament
Book Information
ISBN 9781602581968
Author Ben Witherington III
Format Paperback
Page Count 203
Imprint Baylor University Press
Publisher Baylor University Press
