Exploring the intersection of international politics and media influence, this work draws on the insights of Noam Chomsky, Edward Herman, and Edward Said to analyze contemporary Christian origins and New Testament scholarship. It critiques the roles of media, intellectuals, and academics in shaping narratives and perceptions, offering a thought-provoking examination of how these elements interact within the context of religious studies.
Constructing the Historical Jesus in a Period of Cultural Complexity
The book presents a collection of essays that explore the cultural and ideological roots of historical Jesus studies from the nineteenth century. It critically examines the underlying presuppositions of contemporary interpretations of Jesus, emphasizing the concept of 'cultural complexity' to reveal how hegemony influences these narratives. Through this lens, the essays challenge traditional perspectives and encourage a deeper understanding of the multifaceted cultural contexts surrounding the figure of Jesus.
A major biography of Jesus from a historical materialist perspective
Christianity's multifaceted role in English political discourse.
When the German Battleship Bismarck was commissioned in 1940 she was one of the fastest and most powerful ships afloat. To the Royal Navy and the security of Allied shipping in the Atlantic she posed an enormous threat - she must be destroyed. When she broke out into the Atlantic in 1941, some of Britain's most powerful ships were sent to pursue and sink her. The first encounter proved disastrous for the British Battleship HMS Hood, which was sunk at 0800 on 24 May. Bismarck had sustained several hits from HMS Prince of Wales but the Royal Navy were unsure of the extent of the damage and whether she would attempt to return to Germany for major repairs or sail for France to lick her wounds. Previous written accounts suggest that the whereabouts and course of Bismarck were unknown to the Allies until discovered by a RAF Catalina at 1030 on 26 May. This was followed an hour later by the arrival of a Fairey Swordfish flying off HMS Ark Royal. This aircraft hit the Bismarck with her torpedo and severely damaged her steering gear. It was now only a matter of time before the full firepower of the British capital ships would close in and destroy Germany's greatest ship. This new book revises previous theory of the events, in which earlier publications have failed to reveal the full extent of the capabilities of both British and German Radar or the significance of British ULTRA signal intercepts.
The book delves into the ideological framework surrounding modern explorations of the historical Jesus, emphasizing cultural and political dimensions. It critically engages with themes of postmodernism and multiculturalism, while also addressing how liberal perspectives often obscure underlying power dynamics. Through this analysis, it seeks to uncover the complexities of interpreting Jesus in today's neoliberal context.
The book explains how we get from an apocalyptic priest who promoted a theocracy favouring the lower orders and the decapitation of the leading church and secular authorities to someone who promoted democracy and vague notions about love and tolerance. The book also explains why he has gone out of fashion and whether he can make another comeback.
Offers a contemporary approach to New Testament Studies. The author discusses Paul and Christian origins in continental philosophy, as well as offering a more traditional analysis of Paul's theology and the quest for the historical Jesus. It is suitable for those engaged in serious study of the Bible.