Recommended book

For 2008-October

Sponsored link.

Previous months' recommendations.

Tentatively scheduled selections for future months.

October's selection:

"The New Testament: A historical introduction to the early Christian Writings," by Bart Ehrman.
Review / order it

This book is rather expensive. However, inexpensive used
copies are often available through Amazon Marketplace.

Editorial reviews:

• "An outstanding introduction. Blends contemporary scholarship, the early Christian world, and attention to the needs of students most skillfully. The best introduction currently available." Francis J. Moloney, The Catholic University of America
• "Ehrman's historical introduction to the New Testament is written more clearly than any other I have used; it situates Christianity more honestly in the ancient Greco-Roman world. It does not limit the picture of Christianity to the New Testament but draws on other early Christian writings. Lavishly illustrated."  John L. White, Loyola University

Amazon.com product description:

This new edition of Bart Ehrman's highly successful introduction approaches the New Testament from a consistently historical and comparative perspective, emphasizing the rich diversity of the earliest Christian literature. Rather than shying away from the critical problems presented by these books, Ehrman addresses the historical and literary challenges they pose and shows why scholars continue to argue over such significant issues as how the books of the New Testament came into being, what they mean, how they relate to contemporary Christian and non-Christian literature, and how they came to be collected into a canon of Scripture. Distinctive to this study is its emphasis on the historical, literary, and religious milieu of the Greco-Roman world, including early Judaism. As part of its historical orientation, this text also discusses works by other Christian writers who were roughly contemporary with the New Testament, such as the Gospel of Thomas, the Apocalypse of Peter, and the letters of Ignatius. The volume is enhanced by two color inserts, one on illuminated manuscripts and the other on archaeology.

New to this edition:
Additional material on archaeology, including a new eight-page color insert
"What to Expect" and "At a Glance" boxes that provide summaries of the material covered in each chapter
A Website Study Guide at http://www.oup.com/us/ehrman, offering chapter summaries, glossary terms, guides for reading, and self-quizzes for students.
Several new "Something to Think About" and "Some More Information" boxes
More extensive treatments of Judaism and of the role of women in the history of early Christianity
Nine new illustrations
An Instructor's Manual containing chapter summaries, discussion questions, and possible examination questions

Ideal for undergraduate and seminary classes in the New Testament, Biblical Studies, and Christian Origins, The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings, 3/e, is an accessible, clearly written introduction that encourages students to consider the historical issues surrounding these writings.

Book data:

Title: "The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings "
Format: Paperback.
Publisher: Oxford University Press USA
ISBN-10: 0195154622  
ISBN-13: 978-0195154627
Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 1 inches
Release date: 2003; 3rd edition
Pages: 560
Cost: List: U.S. $57.95. Amazon.com often sells used copies at a very low price. Review / order it

 Rating by 33 Amazon.com customers: 4 out of 5 stars. As is normal with religious books, most customers found the book either excellent (4 or 5 stars) or very poor (1). Few are lukewarm.

Copyright © 2008 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Originally written: 2008-OCT-01
Latest update: 2008-OCT-01
Author: B.A. Robinson

Web ReligiousTolerance.org