Douglas E. Oakman

A Cultural Handbook to the Bible

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“An award-winning predecessor volume by John Pilch (The Cultural Dictionary of the Bible) proved enormously useful for my undergraduate biblical-studies classroom. This new compilation of articles once again demonstrates Pilch's rich knowledge of biblical culture and provides the readers with many satisfying insights. A Cultural Handbook to the Bible will well serve students, clergy, and university-level teachers.”

A Marginal Scribe

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“"Future work simply cannot ignore this book.”

Christian Origins and the Ancient Economy

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“These essays trace the lively contemporary controversy about the socioeconomic background of Jesus of Nazareth. Fiensy fairly reviews various proposals, yet does not find a Jesus in abject poverty, but someone of modest means who could lead a mass movement. All in all, a most welcome contribution to a crucial debate about the social origins of earliest Christianity.”

Excavating Q

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Excavating Q is a major synthesis, providing a meaningful integration of literary, archaeological, social, and theological concerns. By drawing together threads in the current discussion about the historical Jesus, first-century Galilee, and Q, Kloppenborg Verbin steps into the forefront of the discussion. This work makes lasting contributions to our understanding of the synoptic tradition and the social history of Jewish and Christian origins.”

Finding A Woman's Place

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Dr. Carolyn Osiek has pursued a significant career as a pioneering woman scholar in a field formerly dominated by men. Lyn's perceptive work on The Shepherd of Hermas, the social study of ancient families, or women in the early Christian church has made a lasting contribution. This rich collection of essays, by many notable scholarly peers and former students, will both enlighten the reader and honor the many substantive contributions of Professor Osiek.”

Galileans under Jerusalem and Roman Rule

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Richard Horsley is one of the foremost social interpreters of earliest Christianity and Judaism. His incisive work over a half-century has especially enhanced our understanding of religion and politics within first-century Roman Palestine; in turn, his contextual perspectives contribute invaluable insights regarding the historical Jesus. To have these important essays within one cover is a most welcome publishing event. Highly recommended!”

Host, Guest, Enemy, and Friend

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Gowler's book makes a special contribution by attending to a variety of theoretical perspectives. He brings [narrative and social-science criticisms] into dialogue, and the result is a satisfying interdisciplinary study of modern, ancient, and biblical characterization. It is difficult to fault such an erudite and wide-ranging study, [and it] makes a significant contribution to the socio-narratological study of the Bible.”

Imagining Jesus in His Own Culture

Prayer & Spiritual Formation

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)

Jesus and the Village Scribes

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Arnal's noteworthy contribution deserves careful study by every student of Christian origins.”

The Way of Abundance

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“One of the great strengths of this new work by Edie Rasell lies in its innovative interpretive proposals. She builds important bridges that link biblical economy themes with the critique of our current economic predicament. Especially persuasive for the common good (not only the community of faith) is the book’s notion of just distribution for thriving abundance. In a time of enormous global inequality and economic disparity, more powerful mechanisms for redistribution of privately hoarded wealth must be found. Rasell’s book provides persuasive biblically based warrants for such a central political quest.”

Tongues of Fire

Theology

“Paul Ingram's rich meditations on Christian Pentecost Scriptures embody his many years of academic study as a Lutheran scholar of world religions. These Ordinary Time reflections, framed by process theology, call the reader toward compassion and harmony with all the cosmic living. Ingram says that, though there be tragedy, though faithful lives might end on a cross, this will not be the final word. Here is an inspiring, thoughtful, and hopeful book indeed!”

Turning to the Other

Philosophy

“Donovan Johnson, from his opening chapter, leads the reader into a rich encounter with one of the seminal books and noteworthy sages of our time. Besides providing numerous insights into how Martin Buber’s life-experience affected his Jewish religious philosophy, Johnson’s incisive dialogue with Buber will inspire hope in the hearts of all who turn and await expectantly the universal Presence.”

Windows on Early Christianity

History & Biography

“James Aageson's helpful book offers a critical approach to the study of early Christianity in the context of today's pluralism. Carefully chosen leading questions in each chapter open windows for deeper understanding of Christianity's functional uniqueness as well as its commonalities with Judaism and Islam. Aageson provides a discussion companion for educational groups seeking a more reflective Christian faith along with ways to live constructively and peacefully with other faiths.”