The Trouble With Resurrection: From Paul to the Fourth Gospel - Softcover

Scott, Bernard Brandon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1598150200 ISBN 13: 9781598150209

Publisher: Polebridge Pr Westar Inst, 2010

Synopsis

The term resurrection has come to stand for what Christianity is all about. But a close look reveals that it should not be understood monolithically, but rather as a pluralistic and diverse phenomenon. Early Christian communities were convinced that Rome had not defeated Jesus when they crucified him. They employed a whole host of metaphors to express that conviction. The use of the single term resurrection to cover the phenomenon is a mistake-one that has tyrannized Christianity. Furthermore, most Christians believe in a physical resurrection, although Paul clearly calls this into question. Once that tradition became fixed, it provided the lens through which everything else was viewed-and distorted. The purpose of this book is not to say whether Jesus arose from the grave on the third day, or whether such an event is impossible. Rather, by examining the so-called resurrection stories in chronological order, it aspires to prompt readers to consider questions such as; what does the New Testament really say about the resurrection; what is the influence of Judaism on Christian belief in the resurrection; how did the resurrection become the central belief in Christianity; why did early Christians choose to believe in the resurrection; and why is resurrection not the right word.

About this title

About the Author:

Bernard Brandon Scott (Ph.D., Vanderbilt University) is the Darbeth Distinguished Professor of New Testament at the Phillips Theological Seminary, Tulsa, OK. He is the author of several books, including Re-Imagine the World (2002), and editor of the Jesus Seminar Guides series.

Review:

In his own brilliant way Brandon Scott penetrates the biblical narrative of the resurrection and lays before us a series of startling new possibilities. The story of Jesus becomes richer than we could have imagined. This is a powerful and provocative book. --John Shelby Spong, Episcopal Bishop Emeritus of Newark, New Jersey

Here s a wonderful book! The scholarship is meticulous, but at the same time every page is readable and, often quite compelling. Scott starts with the Hebrew scriptures and traces four different models of resurrection into the letters of Paul and the Gospel writings. Scott has candor and yet a fine respect for the mystery of God. The book should be on every minister s reading list. The Trouble with Resurrection will stir your thinking, your imagination, and yes, wonder. --David Buttrick, Professor Emeritus, Vanderbilt

The only chance the so-called resurrection has of being thought of as anything but a fairy tale in the 21st century is for its current, distorted literalizations to be crucified and buried for good. With clear and engaging scholarship, Brandon Scott not only thoroughly details that process, but provides practical suggestions for reviving an important metaphor in ways that resonate with honesty, wisdom, and hope. The Trouble with Resurrection is a thoughtful and accessible resource for anyone trying to rescue the story of Jesus from pop Christianity. --Rev. David M. Felten, co-creator of the Living the Questions curriculum series

About this edition

• Publisher: Polebridge Pr Westar Inst
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1598150200
• ISBN 13: 9781598150209
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 251