What Have They Done to the Bible? A History of Modern Biblical Interpretation

by John Sandys-Wunsch

Michael Glazier/Liturgical, Collegeville, 2005. 378 pp. $39.95. ISBN 0-8146-5028-7.

Biblical exegesis from 1500 through the nineteenth century is the focus of this volume. It presents difficulties regarding consistency, cogency, and coherence within biblical documents alongside work on textual tradition and biblical languages. It also covers societal, academic, scientific, and cultural factors in each century.

The Conversion of the Imagination: Paul as Interpreter of Israel’s Scripture

by Richard B. Hays

Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 2005. 233 pp. $20.00. ISBN 0-8028-1262-7.

These essays by Richard Hays span the breadth of his work on Paul’s intertextual use of the Hebrew Scriptures, including his responses to critics and further development. Topics cover Paul’s christological employment of the Psalms, interpretation of the Law, and the theological and ethical vision Paul had for the church.

Ancient Texts for the Study of the Hebrew Bible: A Guide to the Background Literature

by Kenton L. Sparks

Hendrickson, Peabody, 2005. 514 pp. $39.95 (cloth). ISBN 1-56563-407-1.

This volume offers an introduction and survey of more than four hundred ancient Near Eastern documents that have impacted the literature of the Hebrew Bible. The variety of genres range from historiography to tales, novellas, epics, and legends.

Chalice Introduction to the New Testament

edited by Dennis Smith

Chalice Press, St. Louis, 2004. 336 pp. $. ISBN 0-8272-0485-X.

Scholars who specialize in particular fields of New Testament study collaborate in this Introduction. It moves beyond basic issues of interpretation (date, authorship, methodology, context, argument, etc.) to offer theological teachings and meaning for the present-day church.

This Is My Story: Testimonies and Sermons of Black Women in Ministry

edited by Cleophus J. LaRue

Westminster John Knox, Louisville, 2005. 203 pp. $24.95. ISBN 0-664-22776-7.

Cleophus LaRue, who once strongly opposed the ordination of women, has come full circle in this collection which presents the struggle and conviction of thirteen women to overcome obstacles to ministry. Each woman’s story is accompanied by one of her sermons.

Blow the Trumpet in Zion: Global Vision and Action for the 21st-century Black Church

edited by Iva E. Carruthers. Frederick D. Haynes III Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.

Fortress, Minneapolis, 2005. 180 pp. $15.00. ISBN 0-8006-3712-7.

Presentations from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference of 2004 constitute this volume on the prophetic role of the Black church. Black theology and preaching are brought to bear on issues of African American community and economic development, church leadership, and continuing outreach.