Overview

The publication of Richard Burridge's What Are the Gospels? in 1992 inaugurated a transformation in Gospel studies by overturning the previous consensus about Gospel uniqueness. Burridge argued convincingly for an understanding of the Gospels as biographies, a ubiquitous genre in the Graeco-Roman world. To establish this claim, Burridge compared each of the four canonical Gospels to the many extant Graeco-Roman biographies. Drawing on insights from literary theory, he demonstrated that the previously widespread view of the Gospels as unique compositions was false. Burridge went on to discuss what a properly """"biographical"""" perspective might mean for Gospel interpretation, which was amply demonstrated in the revised second edition reflecting on how his view had become the new consensus. This third, twenty-fifth anniversary edition not only celebrates the continuing influence of What Are the Gospels?, but also features a major new contribution in which Burridge analyzes recent debates and scholarship about the Gospels. Burridge both answers his critics and reflects upon the new directions now being taken by those who accept the biographical approach. This new edition also features as an appendix a significant article in which he tackles the related problem of the genre of Acts. A proven book with lasting staying power, What Are the Gospels? is not only still as relevant and instructive as it was when first published, but will also doubtlessly inspire new research and scholarship in the years ahead.

Full Product Details

Author:   Richard A. Burridge
Publisher:   Baylor University Press
Imprint:   Baylor University Press
Edition:   25th Revised edition
Weight:   0.700kg
ISBN:  

9781481308755

ISBN 10:   1481308750
Pages:   524
Publication Date:   24 February 2020
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition Foreword to the Second Edition Preface to the Second Edition Preface to the Original Edition Abbreviations [new to the 25th anniversary edition] Gospels and Biography, 2000-2018: A Critical Review and Implications for Future Research A. The Literary Theory of Genre B. Gospel Scholarship and Commentaries C. Gospel Genre and Audience D. The Genre of Acts E. Roman Catholic Reactions F. Biography and Historiography G. Further Implications for New Research Conclusion Critical Review Bibliography PART ONE: THE PROBLEM 1. Historical Survey 2. Genre Criticism and Literary Theory 3. Genre Criticism and Graeco-Roman 4. Evaluation of Recent Debate PART TWO: THE PROPOSED SOLUTION 5. Generic Features 6. The Generic Features of Early Graeco-Roman Bioi?á 7. The Generic Features of Later Graeco-Roman Bioi 8. The Synoptic Gospels 9. The Fourth Gospel 10. Conclusions and Implications 11. Reactions and Developments Appendix I: Analysis Charts of Verb Subjects Appendix II: Gospel Genre, Christological Controversy and the Absence of Rabbinic Biography Appendix III: The Genre of Acts Revisited Select Bibliography Index of Passages Index of Names and Subjects

Reviews

Burridge's book is a standard and exemplary resource for historical research on the Gospels. -- Ben Witherington III

Author Information

Richard Burridge is Visiting Professor of Biblical Interpretation at King's College London.

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