Telling Tales about Jesus
An Introduction to the New Testament Gospels
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Fortress Press (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2016
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Publisher's Description
An Introduction from the Author What are the Gospels and what does it mean to read them? Warren Carter leads the beginning student in an inductive exploration of the New Testament Gospels, asking about their genre, the view that they were written by eyewitnesses, the early church traditions about them, and how they employ Hellenistic biography. He then examines the distinctive voice of each Gospel, describing the “tale about Jesus” each writer tells, then presenting likely views regarding the circumstances in which they were written, giving particular attention to often overlooked aspects of the Roman imperial setting. A sociohistorical approach suggests that Mark addressed difficult circumstances in imperial Rome; redaction criticism shows that Matthew edited traditions to help define identity in competition with synagogue communities in response to a fresh assertion of Roman power; a literary-thematic approach shows that Luke offered assurance in a context of uncertainty; an intertextual approach shows how John used Wisdom traditions to present Jesus as the definitive revealer of God’s presence to answer an ancient quest for divine knowledge. A concluding chapter addresses how the Gospels inform and shape our understanding of Jesus of Nazareth. Maps, images, sidebars, and questions for reflection add value to this student-friendly text.
Endorsements (3)
“Carter’s Telling Tales about Jesus is a gift to teachers of the New Testament and the Gospels in particular. Bringing together careful exegesis, crisp writing, and a keen ability to illuminate the imperial, theological, and historical contexts of the early followers of Jesus, Carter introduces students not just to the Gospel texts but to the vibrant contexts from which they emerged. But Carter’s book is not just retrospective. It prepares students to think deeply about the pressing questions that might drive communities today to turn to these ancient texts for inspiration and solace, guidance and hope. In the end, Carter makes a critical move through and beyond the typical content of introductions: genre, authorship, and provenance. He further invites students to imagine the living communities that first read the Gospel. In doing so, he invites those same students to see both the vibrancy of these ancient texts as well as the contemporary communities that still turn to them.”
“In Telling Tales about Jesus, Warren Carter has written a new textbook on the Gospels that will be an excellent addition to the New Testament professor’s bookshelf. Particularly helpful is his insightful consideration of the sociocultural and historical setting of the Roman Empire throughout the book and in relation to each Gospel individually. Carter’s work offers the student a conversational writing style, unique interpretative lenses, two full chapters on each Gospel, and helpful review and reflection questions along the way.”
“There is something so fresh in this clear introduction to the Gospels. It is more than the concise account of each of the four tales themselves, which are summarized with sensitivity to each evangelist’s literary artistry and theological interests. Carter explores the human context of these tales, from the living conditions in first-century Rome to the complex negotiations of faith, politics, and community in the wake of the catastrophic loss of Jerusalem in 70 CE. With ample illustrations from texts and archaeology, he surfaces the political concerns and existential questions that Jesus was perceived to answer, prompting contemporary readers to consider the relevance of these ancient tales to our own pressing issues, from social inequality to interreligious tension and ecological threat. Judiciously chosen topics frame the separate Gospel treatments, and user-friendly features like sidebars, images, reflection questions, and a glossary make this an excellent and reliable resource for beginning Gospel courses.”
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