The Song of Songs: The Honeybee in the Garden

Illuminations and Commentary by Debra Band; Bible Translations by The Jewish Publication Society and David Band

Jewish Publication Society, Philadelphia, 2005. 144 pp. $75.00 (cloth). ISBN 0-8276-0811-X.

Through calligraphy and beautiful artwork, the artist brings together in visual context the two major interpretations of the Song of Songs: romantic love and that of allegorical divine love and redemption. This edition is filled with 65 full-page illuminations that draw from both classic rabbinic texts and modern scholarship.

Song of Songs

by Richard S. Hess

Baker Commentary on the Old Testament: Wisdom and Psalms. Baker, Grand Rapids, 2005. 285 pp. $29.99 (cloth). ISBN 0-8010-2712-8.

Geared toward clergy and seminary students, this new series is also accessible to nonscholars. It begins with the poetic integrity of the Song of Songs. The poetic structure is given prominence, with the implications of the literary imagery developed in theological and practical notes.

The Song of Songs: Interpreted by Early Christian and Medieval Commentators

translated and edited by Richard A. Norris, Jr.

The Church’s Bible. Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 2003. 346pp. $40.00 (cloth). ISBN 0-8028-2579-6.

This first volume of a new commentary series includes works by Origen, Gregory the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, Bernard of Clairvaux, Ambrose of Milan, Bede the Venerable, Augustine of Hippo and more. The translation is in idiomatic English, arranged as verse-by-verse commentary, to demonstrate early Christian understanding of the believer’s relation to God.

Psalms in Community: Jewish and Christian Textual, Liturgical and Artistic Traditions

edited by Harold W. Attridge and Margot E. Fassler

Symposium. Society of Biblical Literature, Atlanta, 2004. 480 pp. $49.95. ISBN 1-58983-07804.

Twenty-five contributors represent biblical studies, liturgical studies, musicology, art history, theology, and literature. Bringing a diachronic perspective, they explore the appropriation of the Psalms in the lives of Jews and Christians.

The Face of New Testament Studies: A Survey of Recent Research

edited by Scot McKnight and Grant R. Osborne

Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, 2004. 544 pp. $32.99. ISBN 0-8010-2707-1.

In this handbook of New Testament scholarship, twenty-two contributors provide up-to-date “macroscopic” overviews of their respective fields of expertise. The areas of study surveyed include the historical, social, and literary contexts of the New Testament, recent advances in textual criticism and Greek grammar, and current issues in the interpretation of each New Testament book.

The Ending of Mark and the Ends of God: Essays in Memory of Donald Harrisville Juel

edited by Beverly Roberts Gaventa and Patrick Miller

Westminster John Knox, Louisville, 2005. 184 pp. $24.95. ISBN 0-664-22739-2.

Juel’s work on the unsettling nature of the open-endedness of the Gospel of Mark inspires this collection of essays by theologians and biblical scholars. Contributors examine the relationship of this unsettling aspect of God’s actions to their work on Christian theology, ministry, or culture.

Navigating Romans through Cultures: Challenging Readings by Charting a New Course

edited by Yeo Khiok-khng

T&T Clark, Harrisburg, 2004. 326 pp. $35.00. ISBN 0-567-02501-2.

Scholars from Europe, Africa, Latin America, North America, and Asia offer critical and contextualized readings of Paul’s letters to the Romans. Interpretation of “the gospel of Christ to all nations” (Rom. 16:26) through these various cultures broadens an understanding of this facet of Paul’s ministry.

Distant Voices Drawing Near: Essays in Honor of Antoinette Clark Wire

edited by Holly E. Hearon

Liturgical Press, Collegeville, 2004. 258 pp. $29.95. ISBN 0-8146-5157-7.

The contributors engage the topics of Christian origins and the role of women in the biblical world, feminist biblical interpretation, and cross-cultural studies. Included are readings from contextual, cross-textual, and intertextual perspectives.

The Holy Spirit and Christian Origins: Essays in Honor of James D. G. Dunn

edited by Graham N. Stanton, Bruce W. Longenecker, and Stephen C. Barton

Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 2004. 404 pp. $50.00 (cloth). ISBN 0-8028-2822-1.

Incorporating Scripture and early church history, twenty-seven leading scholars probe the topic of the Holy Spirit in the convictions of the early Christian communities. The collection offers groundbreaking research in biblical studies along with engagement with the work of James D. G. Dunn.

What’s the Matter with Preaching?

edited by Mike Graves

Westminster John Knox, Louisville, 2004. 182 pp. $ 19.95. ISBN 0-664-22632-9.

Contemporary preachers take a fresh look at Harry Emerson Fosdick’s question from 1928. They offer helpful suggestions for improving the state of preaching while identifying such issues as demonstration over declaration, resonance, the preacher’s agenda, theology and content.

What About the Soul? Neuroscience and Christian Anthropology

edited by Joel Green

Abingdon, Nashville, 2004. 228 pp. $39.00. ISBN 0-687-02345-9.

Neurological research presents challenges to the concept of the soul or spirit as distinct from the brain. Thirteen writers explore the meaning of anthropology, dualism, identity, life after death, and pastoral counseling in light of these modern scientific issues.

Loving God with Our Minds: The Pastor as Theologian

edited by Michael Welker and Cynthia A. Jarvis

Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 2004. 397 pp. $45.00 (cloth). ISBN 0-8028-2857-4.

This volume explores a broad scope of contemporary theological inquiry. Topics include cultural, social, political and ethical challenges; dialogue with the sciences and humanities; the role of theology in preaching and teaching; and themes from Reformed and ecumenical theology.

A More Profound Alleluia: Theology and Worship in Harmony

edited by Leanne Van Dyk

Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, 2005. 175 pp. $15.00. ISBN 0-8028-2854-X.

Elements of worship are paired with related Christian teachings in each chapter to demonstrate that the expression of doctrine is found within the drama of worship and the roots of liturgy are in doctrine. In addition to hymn texts, the book makes use of congregational anecdotes, church history, and themes from novels and films.