via Rudolf Bultmann on the twitter

The inaugural volume in the Handbooks for New Testament Exegesis series, Interpreting the Pauline Letters begins by exploring the components of narrative–setting, characterization, and plot–and then develops the foremost theological themes in each of the books traditionally ascribed to Paul. The method sets the task of exegesis within the literary context of first-century letters as well as the theological context of major themes present in Paul’s letters. The book goes beyond exegesis to discuss strategies for communicating the central truthesof Paul’s first-century messages to a twenty-first-century audience. Each chapter includes a list of helpful resources to the step of interpretation discussed. A glossary defining technical words and samples of moving from exegesis to proclamation make this guide practical and user-friendly. Designed as a handbook for seminary and graduate students, the book provides a go-to guide that will also serve seminary-trained pastors, upper-level college students, and well-motivated lay people. As readers work through this handbook, they will begin to see and interpret the narrative writings as Paul intended them to be understood.

My review, when done, will post here.

Oh Chris… life has been hard on ya! You’re looking really old.

A whole week of programmes on Radio 3 dedicated to the Cairo Genizah. It’s in the series ‘The Essay’, which is on at 10.45 pm. Though all 5 shows will be available on iPlayer and to download as podcasts. Each programme is by a different researcher from the Unit, starting with Dr Esther-Miriam Wagner on Monday 27th May:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01slm5m

I’m glad it will be available as a series of podcasts!  You will surely wish to listen.

We warn you again, dearly beloved, not to trust wantonly to these destructive utterances, nor feed the fever of fallacy with acceptance of fallacy, nor take poison for a healing draught or death for salvation.  Be not deceived by the authority of these people nor by the learning with which they proclaim everywhere that they have the spirit of the Lord.

For with adulterous teaching they seek to break down the chastity of the Church and to violate the truth of the Gospel.  The Lord cries and says: Hearken not unto the sayings of false prophets, for the visions of their hearts deceive them. They say, but not out of the mouth of the Lord, Ye shall have peace. [See Jer. 23:16, 17.].  Peace they bring, who themselves have no peace. They promise freedom, when they are the slaves of corruption.  They, who have withdrawn from the Church, offer to raise up and bring back to the Church those who have fallen laden with many burdens.

Those words also could easily apply to the many pseudo-Christian ideologies parading today like the seeker sensitives and the emergents and the mega-churchers and such sort.  The Gospel is there replaced with something that isn’t the Gospel but a man-made construct aimed to appease the human disinclination to responsibility and authentic repentance.

Illustrating once more that there’s nothing new under the sun.  New heresies are old heresies with new names.  Nothing more.

A far-right French historian shot himself in the head beside the altar of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris today apparently in protest against the legalisation of gay marriage in France. Dominique Venner, 78, a former member of the nationalist terrorist movement, OAS, placed a pistol in his mouth and shot himself dead in front of scores of tourists inside the most visited building in France.

The “marriage for all” law has provoked a powerful movement of middle class, conservative, religious and right-wing protest in the last four months. Another large demonstration is planned in Paris on Sunday.

Power of Faith
450 Years of the Heidelberg Catechism

edited by
Karla Apperloo-Boersma
and Herman J. Selderhuis

This full-color volume collects the conference papers – written by well-known specialists in the field and focusing on how use of the Heidelberg Catechism spread and influenced culture, education, and ecclesiastical life – and serves as companion to the exhibitions. Together with over 700 photographs and illustrations depicting objects in the exhibition and illustrating the contributions, Power of Faith: 450 Years of the Heidelberg Catechism is a visually stunning testament to the history of the Heidelberg Catechism and its continued use today, as well as a fitting tribute to this important anniversary.

Which I reviewed here.  Oh, and speaking of Selderhuis, today is his birthday!  So, happy birthday to you, dear Professor!

And

But Why are You Called a Christian?
An introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism

By Margit Ernst-Habib 

This volume introduces the Heidelberg Catechism as one of the world’s foremost and prevailing Christian faith documents, while inviting the reader to engage the Heidelberg Catechism in conversation with contemporary Christian faith as a guide to Christian living, eventually enabling him or her to begin answering the vital question: “But why are you called a Christian?” Designed for classroom use, this book belongs on the bookshelf of all professors and students of Reformed and Presbyterian colleges and universities. It is also an essential text for pastors of Reformed and Presbyterian churches, as well as Bible study groups.

Related Articles

• Power of Faith: 450 Years of the Heidelberg Catechism (zwingliusredivivus.wordpress.com)
• The 2013 Heidelberg Conference on Reformed Theology (Europe) (atwistedcrownofthorns.com)