biblical studies
Early Christianity, fragment by fragment
A new published volume of ancient papyri contains sayings, attributed to Jesus, that were previously unknown—including a dialogue with a disciple named Mary.
The most important American Old Testament scholar of the last century is Norman Gottwald
In the life of early Israel, Gottwald found a God of economic justice.
Do the best biblical scholars love Jesus?
Some questions—as opposed to a categorical judgment—about Joel Green's post
by Greg Carey
Bart Ehrman is part of a legitimate, ongoing conversation
It’s almost Easter, which can mean only one thing: it’s time for the blockbuster Bible bestsellers. Last week, Bart Ehrman promoted his new book, How Jesus Became God, on NPR’s Fresh Air. Ehrman advances a common argument: Christian conceptions of Jesus’ identity grew more elaborate with time. His followers first perceived Jesus as a remarkable preacher or prophet, but eventually believers came to regard him as God incarnate.
Although I was aware of Ehrman’s book, I missed the publicity blitz.
Jeremiah, by Kathleen M. O’Connor
Kathleen O'Connor's daringly imaginative rereading of Jeremiah reveals a community experiencing the classic accents of trauma.
reviewed by Walter Brueggemann
Gospel journey
With his imagination in overdrive, Bruce Fisk has created a fictional character to guide readers through the Holy Land and the thickets of New Testament scholarship.
Transforming Scriptures, by Katherine Clay Bassard
Katherine Clay Bassard's book on the use of scripture by African-American women writers begins with Balaam's
ass and the Song of Songs. One is compelled to keep reading.