Joel S. Kaminsky

1 Samuel as Christian Scripture

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Informed by astonishingly wide learning, Chapman has produced a sophisticated theological reading of 1 Samuel that is deeply attuned to the literary dimensions of the text but also responsible to the highest canons of historical-critical scholarship. Scholars, clergy, and lay readers alike will find their reading of 1 Samuel immensely enriched by Chapman's thought-provoking and highly engaging book.”

A Place for Hagar’s Son

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Modern critics have generally portrayed the Priestly writers as the most narrow-minded and particularistic pentateuchal source. In this thoughtful and provocative book, John T. Noble focuses on the way Ishmael is presented in Genesis with special attention to Genesis 17 (attributed to P), revealing that the Priestly writers appear to be more theologically broad-minded toward closely related non-Israelites like Ishmael than were the earlier sources P drew upon. While Noble recognizes that P puts great emphasis on Israel's specialness, he demonstrates, contrary to current assumptions, that a deepening particularism went hand-in-hand with a broadening universalism.”

An Introduction to the Scriptures of Israel

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Novick’s innovative introduction to Israel’s scriptures has grown organically from his teaching experience, and it communicates the excitement of a lively humanities course. . . . A learned but accessible introduction to the Hebrew Bible, to biblical studies, and to the distinct ways Jews and Christians interpret the Bible.”

Israel

Theology

“In this theological tour de force, Paul Griffiths argues that the synagogue (the Jewish people) and the church (Christians) are both essential parts of God's divinely favored people, Israel. While writing from a Christian vantage point to a Christian audience, Griffiths highlights that the church after its lengthy history of mistreating Jews and maligning Judaism should be listening to, not instructing, the synagogue. I highly recommend it!”

Now Shown Mercy

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“In Now Shown Mercy, Mark Reasoner, who has an exceedingly broad and profoundly deep knowledge of Paul’s letters and their vast interpretive history, illuminates how Romans 9–11 provides the foundation upon which Christians might build a more positive understanding of their enduring relationship with Judaism. If you’re interested in Paul, the New Testament, or in Jewish/Christian relations, you will learn a tremendous amount from this book.”

Old Testament Theology

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Insomniacs and those in search of doorstops will be sorely disappointed in Walter Moberly's Old Testament Theology. This is not your grandfather's biblical theology. Moberly has produced a provocative set of probing theological meditations built around a few select Old Testament texts. While carefully engaging the biblical text and the secondary literature, Moberly opens the conversation to a wider audience by honestly and thoughtfully addressing popular critiques of the Bible and religion.”

The Faith of the Outsider

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“An insightful book that probes a much-neglected aspect of biblical theology — the pivotal role played by various outsiders in both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. . . Spina is to be lauded for bringing some of the Bible's richest theological reflections on inclusion and exclusion to a wider audience.”

Violence in Scripture

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Recent critics have suggested that the Bible’s narratives and biblical monotheism promote various forms of religious violence. In this book, Jerome Creach demonstrates that such accusations are often based on facile (mis)readings of the biblical text. With theological sophistication, Creach reveals that frequently the texts under discussion contain critiques of the very violence some claim the Bible endorses. Even those who may question some of Creach’s interpretations will learn much about how Christians and others can read troubling biblical texts generously and productively.”