Studies In The New Testament Midrash Haggadah And The Character Of The Community

Taking into account the backgrounds of Graeco-Roman and Jewish 'triumphal entries', this volume deals with the Lukan version of Jesus' entry to Jerusalem and his subsequent 'cleaning' of its Temple. It is argued that Luke's account has been shaped by identifiable political and theological considerations, including the phenomenon of parousia and the place of Israel in the plan of God. Early chapters explore Luke's political milieu together with various entry phenomena from the ancient world, including the advent of governors, emperors and Jewish kings; a close examination of the Lukan text and context follow. This study breaks new ground in contributing to our understanding of how specific contemporary political issues and theological concerns led to the shaping of Luke 19:28-48 and context.

'Fish in the Bible: Psychosocial Analysis of Contemporary Meanings, Values, and Effects of Christian Symbolism' analyzes why and to what end tales and truths about fish presented in the Bible hold water in Christian societies today. Fish in the Bible argues that portraits of fish and fishermen presented in the Bible have been both embraced and rejected by contemporary cultures with primarily Christian constituents (e.g. American culture). This book does not make an ethical argument; rather, it explores manners in which Christians have selectively rejected or accepted depictions and symbols of fish and fishermen. It explores differences between Christian maxims presented in Bible verses and the beliefs and actions of societies operating under Christian moral majorities. Fish in the Bible also considers the evolution of symbolism and metaphors in Christian society using parables and tales found in the Bible. 'Fish in the Bible' works on several specialized topics to argue that, overall, depictions of fish and fishermen in the Bible significantly and subtly shape Christian cultures even when Christians ignore or dismiss the robust ways in which fish and fishermen are characterized and treated in the Bible. Fish serve as a metaphor for God’s power, judgment, sin, and fertility; they are used to instill boundaries and standards in practitioners; and sometimes fish are worshiped, demonized, and subjugated. There is no clear or singular message regarding fish or fishermen; and Christian societies are left to abide by a patchwork of representations to formulate their own opinions and judgments. Social and behavioral science, as well as cultural customs, commerce, and current events demonstrate Christians’ navigation and interpretations of what their understandings and treatment of fish and fishermen ought to be. An Introduction and Conclusion summarize and synopsize implications raised by symbolism and literalism in certain contexts, stories, and verses demonstrating potentially pervasive significances of fish in Christian cultures throughout the world. The foundations of this research are law, social and behavioral science, policy and politics, history, cultural studies, religious studies, animal studies, animal welfare, criminal justice, sociology, anthropology, and current events.

First Published in 1987. This is Volume six of the annual published under the auspices of the Institute of Jewish Law of the Boston University School of Law. The symposium on the Philosophy of Jewish Law, which forms the main content of both this and the next issue, represents a major contribution to an area of investigation which has attracted increasing interest in recent years.

First Published in 1987. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.