Search results for ""Author Roland Boer""
Chung Yuan Christian University Criticism of Heaven: The Author's Cut
Book Synopsis
£37.46
Duke University Press Political Myth
Book SynopsisA scholar of biblical studies and cultural theory develops a political myth for the Left based on foundational stories in the Bibles first six books, from Genesis through Joshua.Trade Review“Boer, who has created a fresh and refreshing form of Marxist criticism of biblical texts, here offers a first synthesis of his biblical interpretation. . . . In Boer, critical biblical scholarship has found a new and intelligent voice. His notion that Genesis to Joshua is a many-faceted work of political mythology is convincing and deserves further elaboration.” - International Review of Biblical Studies“Boer is at his best when he is hard at work showing the repression or contradictions inherent in particular myths (whether biblical, Australian, American, or capitalist). I had several ‘wow!’ moments as I was reading, particularly in the chapters on Australian and American discourses on Israel and on Milton Friedman. Boer has a gift for drawing the reader’s attention toabsurdity and making it seem obvious (how could we have missed it?!).” - Craig Martin, The Bible and Critical Theory“An eclectic work of biblical hermeneutics and political theology, Boer’s readings will undoubtedly be questioned by many but helpfully provoke conversation about the nature of political myth and the justifications for theologically informed political acts.” - Myles Werntz, Religious Studies Review“This book is a masterful discussion of political myth and a sophisticated reading of Genesis-Joshua as a political myth and the use of the logic of this myth in capitalist nations in general and Australia and the USA in particular. . . . Boer’s message needs to be heard. His strategy needs attention. His analysis of the Hexateuch needs to be studied. I highly recommend this book.” - Uriah Y. Kim, Reviews in Religion and Theology“As with his other works B. provides a coherent mix of biblical reading, modern theory and realpolitik.” - M. E. Mills, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament“Focusing on the Genesis–Joshua narrative as a foundational political myth, Roland Boer illuminates the incorporation of that myth into representations of Israel, the foreign policies of the United States and Australia, and their relations to Israel. Drawing on his expertise in biblical studies and critical theory, he deconstructs contemporary geopolitical discourse and argues for a new political myth of and for the Left.”—Fernando F. Segovia, author of Decolonizing Biblical Studies: A View from the Margins“How might the Left respond to the capitalist version of the biblical myth of the Land of unlimited plenty? Roland Boer demonstrates how a serious look at the Bible is unavoidable today when religion and myth have returned as topics of serious debate. Boer’s book provides the missing link between biblical studies and political theory.”—Jorunn Økland, Centre for Gender Research, University of Oslo“An eclectic work of biblical hermeneutics and political theology, Boer’s readings will undoubtedly be questioned by many but helpfully provoke conversation about the nature of political myth and the justifications for theologically informed political acts.” -- Myles Werntz * Religious Studies Review *“As with his other works B. provides a coherent mix of biblical reading, modern theory and realpolitik.” -- M. E. Mills * Journal for the Study of the Old Testament *“Boer is at his best when he is hard at work showing the repression or contradictions inherent in particular myths (whether biblical, Australian, American, or capitalist). I had several ‘wow!’ moments as I was reading, particularly in the chapters on Australian and American discourses on Israel and on Milton Friedman. Boer has a gift for drawing the reader’s attention toabsurdity and making it seem obvious (how could we have missed it?!).” -- Craig Martin * Bible and Critical Theory *“Boer, who has created a fresh and refreshing form of Marxist criticism of biblical texts, here offers a first synthesis of his biblical interpretation. . . . In Boer, critical biblical scholarship has found a new and intelligent voice. His notion that Genesis to Joshua is a many-faceted work of political mythology is convincing and deserves further elaboration.” * International Review of Biblical Studies *“This book is a masterful discussion of political myth and a sophisticated reading of Genesis-Joshua as a political myth and the use of the logic of this myth in capitalist nations in general and Australia and the USA in particular. . . . Boer’s message needs to be heard. His strategy needs attention. His analysis of the Hexateuch needs to be studied. I highly recommend this book.” -- Uriah Y. Kim * Reviews in Religion and Theology *Table of ContentsPreface ix Introduction 1 1. Toward a Theory of Political Myth 9 2. Women First? On the Legacy of "Primitive Communism" 36 3. The Fantasy of Myth 62 4. The Sacred Economy 89 5. Foreign Policy and the Fantasy of Israel in Australia 116 6. Christianity, Capitalism, and the Fantasy of Israel in the United States 144 7. Mythmaking for the Left 168 Conclusion 189 Appendix 193 Notes 213 Bibliography 227 Indexes 245
£78.20
MD - Duke University Press Political Myth
Book SynopsisA scholar of biblical studies and cultural theory develops a political myth for the Left based on foundational stories in the Bibles first six books, from Genesis through Joshua.Trade Review“Boer, who has created a fresh and refreshing form of Marxist criticism of biblical texts, here offers a first synthesis of his biblical interpretation. . . . In Boer, critical biblical scholarship has found a new and intelligent voice. His notion that Genesis to Joshua is a many-faceted work of political mythology is convincing and deserves further elaboration.” - International Review of Biblical Studies“Boer is at his best when he is hard at work showing the repression or contradictions inherent in particular myths (whether biblical, Australian, American, or capitalist). I had several ‘wow!’ moments as I was reading, particularly in the chapters on Australian and American discourses on Israel and on Milton Friedman. Boer has a gift for drawing the reader’s attention toabsurdity and making it seem obvious (how could we have missed it?!).” - Craig Martin, The Bible and Critical Theory“An eclectic work of biblical hermeneutics and political theology, Boer’s readings will undoubtedly be questioned by many but helpfully provoke conversation about the nature of political myth and the justifications for theologically informed political acts.” - Myles Werntz, Religious Studies Review“This book is a masterful discussion of political myth and a sophisticated reading of Genesis-Joshua as a political myth and the use of the logic of this myth in capitalist nations in general and Australia and the USA in particular. . . . Boer’s message needs to be heard. His strategy needs attention. His analysis of the Hexateuch needs to be studied. I highly recommend this book.” - Uriah Y. Kim, Reviews in Religion and Theology“As with his other works B. provides a coherent mix of biblical reading, modern theory and realpolitik.” - M. E. Mills, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament“Focusing on the Genesis–Joshua narrative as a foundational political myth, Roland Boer illuminates the incorporation of that myth into representations of Israel, the foreign policies of the United States and Australia, and their relations to Israel. Drawing on his expertise in biblical studies and critical theory, he deconstructs contemporary geopolitical discourse and argues for a new political myth of and for the Left.”—Fernando F. Segovia, author of Decolonizing Biblical Studies: A View from the Margins“How might the Left respond to the capitalist version of the biblical myth of the Land of unlimited plenty? Roland Boer demonstrates how a serious look at the Bible is unavoidable today when religion and myth have returned as topics of serious debate. Boer’s book provides the missing link between biblical studies and political theory.”—Jorunn Økland, Centre for Gender Research, University of Oslo“An eclectic work of biblical hermeneutics and political theology, Boer’s readings will undoubtedly be questioned by many but helpfully provoke conversation about the nature of political myth and the justifications for theologically informed political acts.” -- Myles Werntz * Religious Studies Review *“As with his other works B. provides a coherent mix of biblical reading, modern theory and realpolitik.” -- M. E. Mills * Journal for the Study of the Old Testament *“Boer is at his best when he is hard at work showing the repression or contradictions inherent in particular myths (whether biblical, Australian, American, or capitalist). I had several ‘wow!’ moments as I was reading, particularly in the chapters on Australian and American discourses on Israel and on Milton Friedman. Boer has a gift for drawing the reader’s attention toabsurdity and making it seem obvious (how could we have missed it?!).” -- Craig Martin * Bible and Critical Theory *“Boer, who has created a fresh and refreshing form of Marxist criticism of biblical texts, here offers a first synthesis of his biblical interpretation. . . . In Boer, critical biblical scholarship has found a new and intelligent voice. His notion that Genesis to Joshua is a many-faceted work of political mythology is convincing and deserves further elaboration.” * International Review of Biblical Studies *“This book is a masterful discussion of political myth and a sophisticated reading of Genesis-Joshua as a political myth and the use of the logic of this myth in capitalist nations in general and Australia and the USA in particular. . . . Boer’s message needs to be heard. His strategy needs attention. His analysis of the Hexateuch needs to be studied. I highly recommend this book.” -- Uriah Y. Kim * Reviews in Religion and Theology *Table of ContentsPreface ix Introduction 1 1. Toward a Theory of Political Myth 9 2. Women First? On the Legacy of "Primitive Communism" 36 3. The Fantasy of Myth 62 4. The Sacred Economy 89 5. Foreign Policy and the Fantasy of Israel in Australia 116 6. Christianity, Capitalism, and the Fantasy of Israel in the United States 144 7. Mythmaking for the Left 168 Conclusion 189 Appendix 193 Notes 213 Bibliography 227 Indexes 245
£25.19
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Rescuing the Bible
Book SynopsisWhat is the future for the Bible, one of the most important books in the world? In this manifesto, Roland Boer explores the idea that the Bible is an unruly and uncontrollable text that has been colonized by church, synagogue, and state.Trade Review"This is a welcome addition to Blackwell's new Manifestos series." (Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, June 2009) "Rescuing the Bible is deeply thoughtful and provocative, and it deserves to be widely read and discussed by both scholars and layfolk, believers and nonbelievers, on the left and the right.” (Biblical Interpretation, April 2010) "There is an important focus here on how the bible can be read with an appropriate theological suspicion which will seek to discern how it can become life-giving while not ignoring its oppressive potential." (European Journal of Theology, April 2009)Table of ContentsPreface. Introduction. 1. The New Secularism. 2. The Worldly Left: Towards a Politics of Alliance. 3. Bad Conscience: Battles Over the Bible. 4. (Ab)using the Text: Conflicts in Politics and Science. 5. Making All Things New: The Revolutionary Legacy of the Bible. 6. Rescuing the Bible. Conclusion. Notes. References. Index of Subjects. Index of Biblical References
£77.85
Springer Verlag, Singapore Friedrich Engels and the Foundations of Socialist Governance
Book SynopsisThis book states that the political systems of China, Vietnam, Cuba and other socialist countries are showing distinct maturity and ability to deal effectively with challenges – the most recent being the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to understand how they have developed their structures, it is time to return to the roots of the Marxist tradition and re-examine the question of socialist governance. It was Friedrich Engels (and less so Marx) who laid out some of the theoretical foundations for socialist governance. On the basis of extensive research in 1870s and 1880s, Engels developed his analysis of the nature of hitherto existing states as a ‘separated public power’; the role of the dictatorship of the proletariat and its exercise of power; the actual meaning of the ‘withering away of the state’, which would be one of the very last outcomes of socialist construction; and the nature of socialist governance itself. On this matter, he proposed a de-politicised public power that would stand in the midst of society and focus on managing the processes of production for the sake of the true interests of society.Table of ContentsIntroduction.- Chapter 1. Separated Public Power: On Hitherto Existing States.- Chapter 2. Socialist Gewalt and the Dictatorship of the Proletariat.- Chapter 3. Abolition or Dying Away of the State?.- Chapter 4. Towards Enmeshed Socialist Governance.- Conclusion
£49.49
Haymarket Books Red Theology: On the Christian Communist
Book SynopsisIn Red Theology: On the Christian Communist Tradition, Roland Boer presents key moments in the 2,000 year tradition of Christian communism. Defined by the two features of alternative communal practice and occasional revolutionary action, Christian communism is predicated on profound criticism of the way of the world. The book begins with Karl Kautsky—the leading thinker of second-generation Marxism—and his oft-ignored identification of this tradition. From there, it offers a series of case studies that deal with European instances, the Russian Revolution, and to East Asia. Here we find the emergence of Christian communism not only in China, but also in North Korea. This book will be a vital resource for scholars and students of religion and the many aspects of socialist tradition.Table of ContentsPrefaceSeries Editor PrefaceIntroduction1 Karl Kautsky’s Forerunners of Modern Socialism 1 The Manifold Types of Heretical Communism 2 Müntzer and Münster 3 Theology and Revolution2 Early Christian Communism as a Political Myth 1 Reconstruction: Kautsky 2 Reconstruction: Rosa Luxemburg 3 Consumption Versus Production, or, Transition 4 The Question of History 5 Political Myth3 Reaction and Revolution: How to Read the Apostle Paul 1 Anti- or Pro- Empire? 2 Contradiction Analysis 3 Imaginary Resolution 4 Conclusion4 Omnia Sunt Communia: Theology and Politics in Luther Blissett’sQ 1 Q and the Marxist Tradition 2 Issues 3 Conclusion: How to Be Truly Radical5 John Calvin and the Problem of Ungodly Rulers 1 Two Kingdoms or One 2 Anarchy or Tyranny 3 Ungodly Rulers 3.1 Obey! 3.2 God’s Agents 3.3 Magistrates 3.4 Let Princes Hear and be Afraid! 4 Subject Only in the Lord 5 Conclusion6 From Luther to Marx and Engels 1 Human Nature 2 Engels, Luther and Thomas Müntzer 3 Marx and Luther 3.1 Two Revolutionary Stages 3.2 A Revolutionary Reformation? 3.3The New Revolution 4 Conclusion7 Heilsgeschichte, History and Marxism 1 Calculating the Day 1.1 Bruno Bauer and Marx 1.2 Engels and the Apocalypse 1.3 Early Eschatological Communism 2 Moving Mountains: Concerning Narrative Structure 2.1 Stirner’s Ego and Christ 2.2 Towards Contradiction 3 Relativising Theology8 Revisiting the Marxist-Christian Dialogue 1 Limitations 2 From Then... 3 To Now 3.1 Human Nature 3.2 Alienation 3.3 Prometheus and the Future 4 Conclusion: Reconsidering the Background9 Althusser and the Possibility of Religious Revolution 1 Trapped in the Past 2 Sources of Hope 2.1 From Social Revolution... 2.2 To Spiritual Revolution 3 Conclusion10 By Science and Prayer: The Christian Communism of Farnham Maynard 1 Science and Prayer 2 Modulations of an Anglo-Catholic Dialectic 2.1 Discerning the Tension between Revolution and Reaction 2.2 Christianity and Socialism 3 Conclusion: On Enthusiasm11 Christian Communism and the Bolsheviks 1 Peasant Socialism 2 Twisting over Tolstoy 3 God-Builders 4 Conclusion12 The Taiping Revolution: Christian Communism Comes to China 1 The Dream 2 Hong and the Bible 3 Revolution and Community 4 Interpreting the Taiping Revolution 5 Mao Zedong and the Taiping Revolution13 Chinese Christian Communism in the Early Twentieth Century 1 Revolutionary Times and Influences 2 Christianity and Communism 2.1 Method 2.2 Reconstruction 2.3 Identity and Difference 3 Conclusion: Christianity and Marxism with Chinese Characteristics?14 Religion and Revolution in Korea 1 Chondoism 2 Protestant Christians 3 The DPRK Today 4 Juche Theology?ConclusionBibliography
£25.50
Haymarket Books Criticism Of The Earth: On Marx, Engels And
Book SynopsisCriticism of Earth thoroughly reassesses Marx and Engels's engagement with theology, analyzing their collected works for discussions of spiritual matters and the persistence of biblical allusions. What emerges is a continued interest that is maintained throughout their lives, from Marx's Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Right, until the very end with Engels's treatise on the revolutionary origins of early christianity.Table of ContentsPreface Introduction 1. The Subterranean Bible 2. The Leading Article: Theology, Philosophy and Science 3. Against the Theological Hegelians I: Bruno Bauer 4. Against the Theological Hegelians II: Max Stirner and the Lever of History 5. Against the Theological Hegelians III: Ludwig Feuerbach’s Inversion 6. Hegel, Theology and the Secular State 7. Idols, Fetishes and Graven Images 8. Of Flowers and Chains: The Ambivalence of Theology 9. Engels’s Biblical Temptations 10. Revelation and Revolution Conclusion References
£29.75
Equinox Publishing Ltd Nick Cave: A Study of Love, Death and Apocalypse
Book SynopsisThis volume analyses the work of Nick Cave, a singular, idiosyncratic and brilliant musician, specifically through his engagements with theology and the Bible. It does so not merely in terms of his written work, the novels and plays and poetry and lyrics that he continues to produce, but also the music itself. Covering more than three decades of extraordinarily diverse creativity, the book has seven chapters focusing on: the modes in which Cave engages with the Bible; the total depravity of the worlds invoked in his novels and other written work; the consistent invocation of apocalyptic themes; his restoration of death as a valid dimension of life; the twists of the love song; the role of a sensual and heretical Christ; and then a detailed, dialectical analysis of his musical forms. The book draws upon a select number of theorists who provide the methodological possibilities of digging deep into the theological nature of Cave's work, namely Ernst Bloch, who is the methodological foundation stone, as well as Theodor Adorno, Theodore Gracyk and Jacques Attali.Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Searching the Holy Books 2. The Total Depravity of Cave's Literary World 3. Some Routine Atrocity, or Apocalyptic 4. Death 5. God, Pain and the Love Song 6. Jesus of the Mon, or Christology 7. Hearing Round Corners: Nick Cave Meets Ernst Bloch Conclusion: Gates to the Garden - The Search for Redemption
£67.50
Haymarket Books In The Vale Of Tears: On Marxism And Theology, V:
Book SynopsisIn the Vale of Tears brings to a culmination the project for a renewed and enlivened debate over the interaction between Marxism and religion. The book simultaneously draws upon the rich insights of a significant number of Western Marxists and strikes out on its own. Thus, it argues for the crucial role of political myth on the Left; explores the political ambivalence at the heart of Christianity; challenges the bent among many on the Left to favour the unexpected rupture of kairos as a key to revolution. The conclusion to the series 'The Criticism of Heaven and Earth'.Table of ContentsIntroduction Of Old Timber and Lovers On Theology Relativising Theology Theological Suspicion Synopsis 1. Atheism Banishing the Gods? Marxism and Theology Conclusion 2. Myth Prolegomenon Political Myth Anticipation, or Utopia For Example Conclusion 3. Ambivalence Scandal and Folly Folly to the Rich Towards a Marxist Theory of Political Ambivalence The Unwitting The Witting By Way of Conclusion 4. History Method: Search for an Anti-Fulcrum Paul’s Shaky Transitions The Fate of Christian Communism 5. Kairós At the Crossroads of Time Eschatology Ákairos Measure and Immeasure (Negri) By Way of Conclusion: Political Grace 6. Ethics Ethics, Morality and Moralising Care of the Self Greasing the Other Towards Ethical Insurgency Conclusion 7. Idols That Hideous Pagan Idol: Marx and Fetishism On Graven Images: From Liberation Theology to Theodor Adorno Conclusion Conclusion: On Secularism, Transcendence and Death Secular and Anti-Secular Transgressive Transcendence Death References Index
£29.75
Haymarket Books Criticism Of Religion: On Marxism And Theology,
Book SynopsisOffering commentary on the engagements with religion and theology by a range of Marxists, Roland Boer aims to gather insights in order to develop a comprehensive theory of religion. Following the acclaimed Criticism of Heaven, this is the second of a five-volume series called Criticism of Heaven and Earth.Table of ContentsPreface Introduction 1. The Paradoxes of Lucien Goldmann 2. The Stumbling Block of Fredric Jameson 3. The Christian Communism of Rosa Luxemburg 4. The Enticements of Karl Kautsky 5. The Forgetfulness of Julia Kristeva 6. The Fables of Alain Badiou 7. The Conundrums of Giorgio Agamben 8. The Self-Exorcism of Georg Lukács 9. The Bible and The Beekeeper’s Manual Conclusion References Index of Biblical References General Index
£25.50
Haymarket Books Criticism Of Theology: Marxism And Theology Iii:
Book SynopsisCriticsism of Theology offers commentary on the engagements with religion and theology by a range of Marxist philosophers and critics. Boer's aim is to gather insights in order to develop a comprehensive theory of religion. Following hot on the heels of Criticism of Heaven (Haymarket, 2009), for which he received scholarly acclaim, Richard Boer's latest volume in the Criticism of Heaven and Earth series (which will ultimately comprise five volumes) is guaranteed find an excited critical niche.Table of ContentsPreface Introduction 1. The Superstitions of Max Horkheimer Religion as resistance Longing for the totally other The founder On freedom and the individual Atheism and resistance Honest religion Religion betrayed The state On the Jewish state Liberal theology Religion in the bad sense, or, the dialectic of evil Conclusion: Modalities of the dialectic of religion 2. The Dissent of E.P. Thompson Corrupt parsons and the impetuous Irish The ‘psychic terror’ of Methodism Religious terrorism Moral machinery Political reaction Radicals in the ranks The ambivalence of the Methodists William Blake and the politics of radical dissent Antinomianism, or, justification by faith Muggletonian Marxists Radical dissent Poetry and apocalyptic Anti-nuclear Political Christmas Conclusion 3. The Zeal of G.E.M. de Ste. Croix The politics of style Theology Chora versus polis From chora to polis: property, slavery and women Assessment Fall narratives On contradiction Religion as primary cause … And history Class Trade and property Mode of production Conclusion: Ste. Croix among Marxists and theologians 4. The Alchemy of Michael Löwy Elective affinities Emergence Untidy corners and sexy dialectics Liberation theology Roman-Catholic social teaching The ontological reserve One or many? Conclusion 5. The Myths of Roland Barthes Between description and accusation Basics Baleful deformations of language Desperate resistance Dialectics of opposition Hiding something? Producing and concealing opposition Preserving rebellion The cunning of myth Alternative myths Towards utopia Conclusion 6. The Flights of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari Going tribal, or, primitive pre-signifiers Numbers and nomads, or, the counter-signifying régime In bed with the despot, or, the signifying régime The scapegoat’s arse From outside to inside Oriental despots On the tail of the scapegoat, or, the post-signifying régime Conclusion 7. The Radical Homiletics of Antonio Negri Radical homiletics Philosophical commentary Kairós and ákairos Measure and immeasure The olitics of cosmogony Negri’s aporia Excursus on the Messiah Back to the whirlwind Conclusion Conclusion References Index
£25.50
Haymarket Books Criticism Of Heaven: On Marxism And Theology:
Book SynopsisThis volume consists of a critical commentary on the interactions between Marxism and theology in the work of the major figures of Western Marxism. It deals with the theological writings of Ernst Bloch, Walter Benjamin, Louis Althusser, Henri Lefebvre, Antonio Gramsci, Terry Eagleton, Slavoj Zizek and Theodor Adorno. In many cases their theological writings are dealt with for the first time in this book. Apart from the critical engagement with the way they use theology, the book also explores how their theological writings infiltrate and enrich their Marxist work.
£34.00
John Wiley and Sons Ltd Rescuing the Bible
Book SynopsisWhat is the future for the Bible, one of the most important books in the world? In this manifesto, Roland Boer explores the idea that the Bible is an unruly and uncontrollable text that has been colonized by church, synagogue, and state.Trade Review"This is a welcome addition to Blackwell's new Manifestos series." (Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, June 2009) "Rescuing the Bible is deeply thoughtful and provocative, and it deserves to be widely read and discussed by both scholars and layfolk, believers and nonbelievers, on the left and the right.” (Biblical Interpretation, April 2010) "There is an important focus here on how the bible can be read with an appropriate theological suspicion which will seek to discern how it can become life-giving while not ignoring its oppressive potential." (European Journal of Theology, April 2009)Table of ContentsPreface. Introduction. 1. The New Secularism. 2. The Worldly Left: Towards a Politics of Alliance. 3. Bad Conscience: Battles Over the Bible. 4. (Ab)using the Text: Conflicts in Politics and Science. 5. Making All Things New: The Revolutionary Legacy of the Bible. 6. Rescuing the Bible. Conclusion. Notes. References. Index of Subjects. Index of Biblical References
£33.65
Rowman & Littlefield Class Struggle in the New Testament
Book SynopsisClass Struggle in the New Testament engages the political and economic realities of the first century to unmask the mediation of class through several New Testament texts and traditions. Essays span a range of subfields, presenting class struggle as the motor force of history by responding to recent debates, historical data, and new evidence on the political-economic world of Jesus, Paul, and the Gospels. Chapters address collective struggles in the Gospels; the Roman military and class; the usefulness of categories like peasant, retainer, and middling groups for understanding the world of Jesus; the class basis behind the origin of archangels; the Gospels as products of elite culture; the implication of capitalist ideology upon biblical interpretation; and the New Testament’s use of slavery metaphors, populist features, and gifting practices. This book will become a definitive reference point for future discussion.Trade ReviewThe volume as a whole delivers on its potential by opening up important lines of argument, recovery, and interpretation that come into focus through the prism of class. There is also a great deal of interaction with primary and secondary literatures, much of which is done well. . . this collection will be a welcome addition to academic libraries. * Catholic Biblical Quarterly *This book contains a strong, challenging and innovative collection of essays that probe class struggle in both New Testament texts and ancient socio-economic contexts. The perspectives are various, but each essay explores explicitly or implicitly the antagonistic dialectic of groups with essentially opposing interests. Well-worn class definitions, such as "retainers" and "peasants," are re-examined and nuanced. Ultimately, this book also asks us to reflect on dominant ideologies and agendas in today’s academic contexts. -- Joan E. Taylor, Kings College LondonClass Struggle in the New Testament turns the often ignored lens of "class" on New Testament texts and their complex contexts in the first century Roman Empire. An introduction by the editor, Robert Myles, situates the chapters and their approaches within a renewed interest in class in current biblical studies as well as the availability of more sophisticated tools for its analysis. The chapters demonstrate such sophistication as a rich fare of approaches are brought to the analysis and interpretation of a range of texts and issues within the Pauline and Gospel corpuses: the crowds, the military, peasants, retainer class, the function of gift and the Gospels as imperial captive literature to name but a few. Engagement with this collection of essays will be essential for all scholars of the Gospels and the Pauline literature. -- Elaine M. Wainwright, Professor Emeritus in New Testament, University of AucklandWhy are modern scholars, in the words of Robert J. Myles, 'fishing for entrepreneurs in the ancient economy'? This volume brings together scholars who over time have sustained a critical discourse on the economic theories informing New Testament texts but even more their modern interpretation. The volume stands out especially with its chapters that systematically work through textual and material cultures as they relate to specific labour or work areas in the biblical world: the military, peasants, fishermen, slaves, the retainer class––and archangels! This focus on specific 'classes' yields a detailed, nuanced, interesting, and improved picture of the mixed and conflicting class perspectives embedded in the New Testament. -- Jorunn Økland, Norwegian Institute at Athens and University of OsloTable of Contents1.Class Struggle in the New Testament!Robert J. Myles2.Jesus, the Temple, and the Crowd: A Way Less TraveledNeil Elliott3.Romans Go Home? The Military as a Site of Class Struggle in the Roman East and New TestamentChristopher B. Zeichmann4.Peasant Plucking in Mark: Conceptual and Material IssuesAlan H. Cadwallader5.IVDAEA DEVICTA: The Gospels as Imperial “Captive Literature”Robyn Faith Walsh6.Fishing for Entrepreneurs in the Sea of Galilee? Unmasking Neoliberal Ideology in Biblical InterpretationRobert J. Myles7.Hand of the Master: Of Slaveholders and the Slave-RelationRoland Boer and Christina Petterson8.Populist Features in the Gospel of MatthewBruce Worthington9.Troubling the Retainer Class in AntiquitySarah E. Rollens10.Rethinking Pauline Gift and Social Functions: Class Struggle in Early Christianity?Taylor Weaver11.The Origin of Archangels: Ideological Mystification of NobilityDeane Galbraith12.Christian Origins and the Specter of Class: Locating Class Struggle in the New Testament TodayJames G. Crossley
£31.50
Rowman & Littlefield Class Struggle in the New Testament
Book SynopsisClass Struggle in the New Testament engages the political and economic realities of the first century to unmask the mediation of class through several New Testament texts and traditions. Essays span a range of subfields, presenting class struggle as the motor force of history by responding to recent debates, historical data, and new evidence on the political-economic world of Jesus, Paul, and the Gospels. Chapters address collective struggles in the Gospels; the Roman military and class; the usefulness of categories like peasant, retainer, and middling groups for understanding the world of Jesus; the class basis behind the origin of archangels; the Gospels as products of elite culture; the implication of capitalist ideology upon biblical interpretation; and the New Testament’s use of slavery metaphors, populist features, and gifting practices. This book will become a definitive reference point for future discussion.Trade ReviewThis book contains a strong, challenging and innovative collection of essays that probe class struggle in both New Testament texts and ancient socio-economic contexts. The perspectives are various, but each essay explores explicitly or implicitly the antagonistic dialectic of groups with essentially opposing interests. Well-worn class definitions, such as "retainers" and "peasants," are re-examined and nuanced. Ultimately, this book also asks us to reflect on dominant ideologies and agendas in today’s academic contexts. -- Joan E. Taylor, Kings College LondonClass Struggle in the New Testament turns the often ignored lens of "class" on New Testament texts and their complex contexts in the first century Roman Empire. An introduction by the editor, Robert Myles, situates the chapters and their approaches within a renewed interest in class in current biblical studies as well as the availability of more sophisticated tools for its analysis. The chapters demonstrate such sophistication as a rich fare of approaches are brought to the analysis and interpretation of a range of texts and issues within the Pauline and Gospel corpuses: the crowds, the military, peasants, retainer class, the function of gift and the Gospels as imperial captive literature to name but a few. Engagement with this collection of essays will be essential for all scholars of the Gospels and the Pauline literature. -- Elaine M. Wainwright, Professor Emeritus in New Testament, University of AucklandWhy are modern scholars, in the words of Robert J. Myles, 'fishing for entrepreneurs in the ancient economy'? This volume brings together scholars who over time have sustained a critical discourse on the economic theories informing New Testament texts but even more their modern interpretation. The volume stands out especially with its chapters that systematically work through textual and material cultures as they relate to specific labour or work areas in the biblical world: the military, peasants, fishermen, slaves, the retainer class––and archangels! This focus on specific 'classes' yields a detailed, nuanced, interesting, and improved picture of the mixed and conflicting class perspectives embedded in the New Testament. -- Jorunn Økland, Norwegian Institute at Athens and University of OsloTable of Contents1. Class Struggle in the New Testament! Robert J. Myles 2. Jesus, the Temple, and the Crowd: A Way Less Traveled Neil Elliott 3. Romans Go Home? The Military as a Site of Class Struggle in the Roman East and New Testament Christopher B. Zeichmann 4. Peasant Plucking in Mark: Conceptual and Material Issues Alan H. Cadwallader 5. IVDAEA DEVICTA: The Gospels as Imperial “Captive Literature” Robyn Faith Walsh 6. Fishing for Entrepreneurs in the Sea of Galilee? Unmasking Neoliberal Ideology in Biblical Interpretation Robert J. Myles 7. Hand of the Master: Of Slaveholders and the Slave-Relation Roland Boer and Christina Petterson 8. Populist Features in the Gospel of Matthew Bruce Worthington 9. Troubling the Retainer Class in Antiquity Sarah E. Rollens 10. Rethinking Pauline Gift and Social Functions: Class Struggle in Early Christianity? Taylor Weaver 11. The Origin of Archangels: Ideological Mystification of Nobility Deane Galbraith 12. Christian Origins and the Specter of Class: Locating Class Struggle in the New Testament Today James G. Crossley
£84.60
