In modern times the relationship between the church and academy has been strained and tension-filled. Mainstream church culture has often been skeptical of Bible scholars, depicting them as self-serving intellectuals trying to out-think God by devising new and controversial interpretations. Just as well, academics have often leveled harsh critiques against church culture, painting pastors and laity as anti-intellectual pseudo-spiritualists. Entering the Fray argues that, in spite of the wide gap between the academic and ecclesiastical worlds, the modern church should be aware of the key discussions taking place among biblical scholars. To be sure, the average churchgoer has not been tuned in to scholarly conversations concerning matters such as the Messianic Secret, Q, the Historical Jesus, the pistis Christou debate, and related topics. In fact, they may have purposefully tuned out! Some, however, are simply unaware that any such dialogue has taken place, and beyond the internet, may not have the first clue as to how to explore the details. This primer seeks to function as that "first clue" by helping congregants, pastors, and students of the Bible enter into the fray of scholarly discussions that, over the last few hundred years, have shaped both the academy and church. The companion website can be found at http://michaelhalcomb.com/enteringthefray-home.html

The figure of Jesus has fascinated Western civilization for centuries. As the year 2000 approaches, eliciting connections with Jesus’ birth and return, excitement grows — as does the number of studies about Jesus. Cutting through this mass of material, Whose Historical Jesus? provides a collection of penetrating, jargon-free, intelligently organized essays that convey well both the centrality and the complexity of deciphering the historical Jesus. Contributors include such eminent scholars as John Dominic Crossan, Burton L. Mack, Seán Freyne and Peter Richardson. Essays range from traditional to modern and postmodern and address both recent and enduring concerns. Introductions and reflections augment these lucid essays, provide context and help the reader focus on the issues at stake. Whose Historical Jesus? will be of interest to all who wish to understand the current controversies and historical debates, who want insightful critiques of those views or who would like guidance on the direction of future studies.

The Historical Jesus: Five Views provides a venue for readers to sit in on a virtual seminar on the historical Jesus. Beginning with a scene-setting historical introduction by the editors, prominent figures in the Jesus quest set forth their views and respond to their fellow scholars. For both the classroom and personal study, this is a book that fascinates, probes and engages.

This volume offers annotated bibliographies for all the major areas of critical scholarship in the historical Jesus. It is an indispensable tool for research in this important field of the study.

Completely revised and updated, this volume offers annotated bibliographies for all the major areas of critical scholarship in the historical Jesus. Arranged in chronological order and providing complete bibliographical information, brief introductions and indexes, the work is an indispensable tool for research in this important field of study. Besides all scholarly work concerned with the specific problem of the historical Jesus, several related topics are taken into account as well: Demythologization, Criteria of Authenticity, Teaching of Jesus, Jesus' Self-Understanding, Miracles of Jesus, Death of Jesus, Resurrection of Jesus, Lives of Jesus, Jesus and John the Baptist, and Non-Canonical Sources concerning Jesus.

Conflict and Authority in Luke 19:47 to 21:4 examines Luke's account of a verbal confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders of Jerusalem. Professor Grangaard analyzes the role of this passage within the larger narrative and illuminates Luke's presentation of the teachings of Jesus on such topics as the payment of taxes to Caesar, the nature of life in the Resurrection, and the relationship of the Messiah to David. This confrontation over Jesus' authority provides a narrative transition between Jesus' ministry and journey (4:14-19:46) and the events of his Passion (22:1-24:53), while preparing the way for the climax of the story.