James D. G. Dunn was een vooraanstaand Brits nieuwtestamenticus die het begrip van de Paulinische theologie aanzienlijk heeft hervormd. Zijn werk, met name via het Nieuwe Perspectief op Paulus, daagde oudere opvattingen van het jodendom als een religie van werkenrechtvaardigheid uit. Dunn benadrukte de interne coherentie van Paulus' denken en bekritiseerde interpretaties die hij als overdreven individualiserend beschouwde. Zijn academische benadering biedt lezers een genuanceerdere waardering van het vroege christendom en de Joodse context ervan.
Emphasizing rigorous analysis, this commentary series offers insights from leading biblical scholars committed to Scripture as divine revelation. It explores textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence, providing a balanced understanding of biblical texts within their theological context.
An Inquiry Into the Character of Earliest Christianity
The book offers an in-depth analysis of the New Testament canon and the origins of Christianity, focusing on the distinct messages of Jesus, Luke, Paul, and John. It explores early Christian preaching, oral traditions, and community practices. In the second half, the author examines the diversity within early Christianity, including Jewish, Hellenistic, Apocalyptic, and Early Catholic strands. The conclusion reflects on the implications of these findings for contemporary Christian understanding and theology, enriched by the author's insights developed over 25 years.
The book explores New Testament interpretation as an interactive dialogue between interpreters and biblical texts, emphasizing the historical contexts of both. Professor Dunn argues that this dialogue is not only a contemporary phenomenon but also occurs within the New Testament itself, revealing a dynamic exchange of ideas and meanings within the scripture. This perspective invites readers to consider the layered conversations between texts and their interpreters throughout history.
A Reexamination of the New Testament Teaching on the Gift of the Spirit in relation to Pentecostalism Today
Focusing on the significance of spiritual baptism, James Dunn contends that water baptism is not the sole means of experiencing the Holy Spirit. He explores the theological implications of being baptized in the Spirit, emphasizing its transformative power in the believer's life. Dunn examines biblical texts and early Christian practices, arguing for a deeper understanding of spiritual baptism as a vital aspect of faith that transcends traditional views. This work invites readers to reconsider the relationship between water baptism and the Holy Spirit's work in their lives.
Between Christianity and Judaism and Their Significance for the Character of Christianity
Focusing on the emergence of Christian distinctiveness in the first century, the book delves into the separation of Christianity and Judaism. It outlines four foundational aspects of Judaism—monotheism, election and land, Torah, and Temple—before exploring key issues related to Jesus, such as his relationship with the Temple, the Stephen affair, and his teachings on God and the law. Dunn presents a thorough examination of the theological debates between Jews and Christians, culminating in a discussion on the significant parting of the ways.
Exploring the complexities of worship, the author delves into profound questions about its definition and significance in relation to divinity. The text examines the early Christian understanding of Jesus' exaltation and its implications for recognizing his divine status. It suggests that worshiping Jesus may not be an alternative to worshiping God but rather a different expression of that worship. Renowned New Testament scholar James Dunn provides insightful guidance through these challenging inquiries, encouraging readers to reflect deeply on the nature of worship.
This book emphasizes the application of Scripture to modern life, moving beyond mere description to engage with contemporary issues. It seeks to provide readers with insights that connect biblical teachings to everyday challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of faith in action. The focus is on practical relevance, encouraging readers to reflect on how ancient texts can inform and guide their current experiences and decisions.
"The collection of essays highlights a dimension of Paul's theology of justification which has been rather neglected: that his teaching emerged as an integral part of his understanding of his commission to preach the gospel to non-Jews; and that his dismissal of justification 'by works of the law' was directed not so much against Jewish 'legalism' but rather against his fellow Jews' assumption that the law remained a dividing wall separating Christian Jews from Christian Gentiles. The long opening essay interacts with critiques of this 'new perspective on Paul' and seeks to carry forward the debate on Jewish soteriology, on the relation of justification by faith to judgment 'according to works', on Christian 'fulfilment' of the law, and on the crucial role of Christ, his death and resurrection."--BOOK JACKET.
A New Testament Inquiry Into the Origins of the Doctrine of the Incarnation
The book explores the evolution of Christology during a transformative period in early Christianity, highlighting the shift from messianic expectations to a developed understanding of Jesus as divine. It examines how the New Testament documents reflect this transition, showcasing the profound theological advancements that occurred as followers began to articulate their beliefs about Jesus' nature and identity as "God."
Akten des west-östlichen Neutestamentler-/innen-Symposiums von Neamt vom 4.-11. September 1998
Im Herbst 1998 fand in der Theologischen Akademie des Klosters Neamt in Rumänien ein erstes Symposium orthodoxer und katholischer sowie evangelischer Neutestamentler statt. Namhafte Wissenschaftler aus Ost- und Westeuropa arbeiteten an grundlegenden Fragen der Hermeneutik der Bibel. Dabei ging es nicht darum, die konfessionellen Vorverständnisse auszublenden, sondern sie für das Verstehen der Bibel fruchtbar zu machen. Die Beiträge stehen für einen ökumenischen Dialog und die Suche nach einer christologischen Hermeneutik, die das Neue Testament heute als Buch der Kirche verstehen will. Die Texte sind in deutscher oder englischer Sprache geschrieben, mit einer kurzen Zusammenfassung in der jeweils anderen Sprache.