G. Sujin Pak - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by G. Sujin Pak

Research paper thumbnail of John Calvin

John Calvin

Protestants and Mysticism in Reformation Europe, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of The Judaizing Calvin: Sixteenth-Century Debates over the Messianic Psalms. By G. Sujin Pak. Oxford Studies in Historical Theology. New York: Oxford University Press, 2010. xii + 217 pp. $65.00 cloth

Church History, 2010

The Judaizing Calvin began as a doctoral dissertation at Duke University under the direction of D... more The Judaizing Calvin began as a doctoral dissertation at Duke University under the direction of David Steinmetz, the editor of the series in which this book now appears. Pak seeks to uncover Calvin's place in the exegetical history of eight messianic psalms (2, 8, 16, 22, 45, 72, 110, and 118) by contrasting his approach to five earlier commentators and the Glossa Ordinaria. In addition, Pak reviews and moderates a debate between the Lutheran polemicist Aegidius Hunnius and the Reformed theologian David Pareus regarding Calvin's allegedly "judaizing" exegetical hermeneutics. Pak also suggests ways in which theologians might build upon the hermeneutical foundation laid by Calvin in order to establish more positive relations between Christians and Jews.

Research paper thumbnail of Argula Von Grumbach and Katharina Schütz Zell as Biblical Interpreters

Argula Von Grumbach and Katharina Schütz Zell as Biblical Interpreters

Fortress Press eBooks, Oct 4, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Calvin's Visual Exegesis of Old Testament Prophecy: Figural Reading and the Sacramental Character of Scripture

Calvin's Visual Exegesis of Old Testament Prophecy: Figural Reading and the Sacramental Character of Scripture

International Journal of Systematic Theology, Sep 6, 2022

This article provides a study of John Calvin's treatment of the Old Testament prophets' l... more This article provides a study of John Calvin's treatment of the Old Testament prophets' language, images and metaphors to illuminate the distinctly visual character of his theology. It explores Calvin's theology of Scripture as shaped by the visual theology rooted in his exegesis of the Old Testament prophetic books. The author argues that the Old Testament prophets serve as supreme models for imitation of how to make God's Word come alive through visual images and powerful metaphors. Furthermore, the article draws connections between Calvin's engagement with the prophets' language of ‘painting’, ‘mirror’, ‘vivid representation’ and ‘visible symbol’ and his descriptions of biblical theophanies and the power of sacraments. Bringing these elements side by side, a vivid portrait emerges of Calvin's conception of Scripture as a visual sign. The author argues that this visual sign‐character of Scripture undergirds a deeper commitment of Calvin's – a conviction of Scripture's sacramental character and functions. Consequently, the article argues that the visual features of Calvin's theology – where visual aspects unite his theologies of Scripture and the sacraments – set forth Scripture itself as a sacrament and call students of Calvin to take more seriously the visual and material commitments of his theology.

Research paper thumbnail of Olivi and the Interpretation of Matthew in the High Middle Ages

The Sixteenth century journal, Apr 1, 2005

appeared in 1977, the last in 2004, and this is a long enough space to shake their determination ... more appeared in 1977, the last in 2004, and this is a long enough space to shake their determination that each article shall be up-to-date with modern research, especially when they determined on such excellent bibliographies. We are still promised an index volume to the whole. They have created an essential tool for Reformation studies and also, for patristic. It is pleasing that this volume begins with a full article on Wigand, the first of modern church historians, and later has thoughtful considerations of Zeitgeschichte, Kirchliche. As usual the German biblical critics of the nineteenth century are well represented, here Wrede the most impressive. Z is an important letter, with Zwingli and then Zu ¨rich at the top, and with our Cs, like Censorship and Celibacy (important) and the Centre Party (not very full) ; and studies of the complexities of tithe and rates of interest, and Jehovah's Witnesses and Glossolalia (Zungenrede) and Cyprus. Wyclif has an unusually long article. Wu ¨rttemberg is given the length it deserves. They always illuminate the history of universities -here Wittenberg and Wu ¨rzburg and Yale. Bonds of imperfection. Christian politics, past and present.

Research paper thumbnail of All Things Made New: The Reformation and Its Legacy by Diarmaid MacCulloch

Theology Today, 2018

Diarmaid MacCulloch, a gifted historian and recipient of many book prizes for his exceptional sch... more Diarmaid MacCulloch, a gifted historian and recipient of many book prizes for his exceptional scholarship, does not disappoint in his recent book All Things Made New. In witty and clear prose, MacCulloch makes the story of the Protestant reformations-the English Reformation in particular-accessible to a wide audience beyond specialists in early modern history. The only thing that might disappoint is that the book is not new work from MacCulloch; rather, it is a compilation of several substantial pieces previously published in various journals and edited volumes. Nonetheless, the placement of these essays into a single book provides a service far beyond the convenience of having them in one place. The essays interconnect brilliantly to deliver detailed studies of Henry VIII, Thomas Cranmer, the Tudor queens, William Byrd, and Richard Hooker, as well as analyses of the significant texts of the Book of Common Prayer, the King James Bible, and The Bay Psalm Book. They also work collectively to speak to larger topics and questions in Reformation studies, effecting a deep coherence of content and purpose across the book. All Things Made New has three parts. Part I consists of six brief chapters that tackle subjects ranging from the Protestant reformers' views of angels and of the Virgin Mary and analyses of John Calvin, the Council of Trent, and the Italian Inquisition. These six essays serve to deepen an overarching theme of the book concerning the Protestant reformations' struggle over issues of authority. Parts II and III focus more directly on the English Reformation and constitute the heart of the book. Part II entails nine chapters that investigate various key figures and texts of the English Reformation. The author argues that King Henry VIII's principle of balance shaped and illuminated the underlying logic of his policies. Additionally, MacCulloch elucidates Cranmer's initial use of concord by persuasion followed by concord by coercion when the prior policy failed to reach the desired outcome (thus busting any myth of Cranmer's so-called ''tolerance''). He provides a compelling comparative study between the personalities and policies of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, and his account of William Byrd underwrites a larger argument that the English cathedrals and English choral music were crucial elements that set the English Reformation apart from the continent. Lastly, he illuminates the

Research paper thumbnail of Reforming Priesthood in Reformation Zurich: Heinrich Bullinger’s End-Times Agenda, by Jon D. Wood

Reforming Priesthood in Reformation Zurich: Heinrich Bullinger’s End-Times Agenda, by Jon D. Wood

Journal of Reformed Theology, Mar 27, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Book Review: Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

Book Review: Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

Interpretation, 2009

to flourish, is not a human construct but is divine in origin and responsive to human actions. Gl... more to flourish, is not a human construct but is divine in origin and responsive to human actions. Global warming is a judgment on our false view of ourselves, epitomized in modern imperialism and neo-liberal global capitalism. Northcott presents this thesis by means of a thick description of the many dimensions and issues in global warming: the science behind it, the different responsibilities of developed versus developing nations for it, the value of carbon trading (which he finds ambiguous) and a carbon tax (which he supports), as well as a thoughtful reflection on the specifics of energy, housing, transportation, and food from a Christian perspective. If one is looking for a clearly-written, one-volume book that summarizes the current science of global warming, lays out the critical political issues that lie in the way of addressing it, and does all this from a prophetic Christian perspective, then this is the book. The book's perspective is definitely "prophetic," and by that I mean that it does not touch on the other major stream in Christian faith: the sacramental. It focuses on what God has done (created the earth and liberated it) and our necessary response: a no-nonsense obligation to act in just, fair ways as Christians and as privileged Westerners. This means such tough-minded stands as measuring the ecological footprint of developed countries to include all their "external emissions" (global outsourcing, transportation, etc.). Northcott does not mince words or duties: developed countries must lead the way in global mitigating strategies because it is the right thing to do. This is a powerful message, though I admit to missing the other side: the "world charged with the grandeur of God" (Gerard Manley Hopkins) that sacramental Christianity offers as a reason to love and care for the earth. Northcott's "solution" to the crisis of global warming is basically one of individual repentance and change—the re-constitution of the self by Christ in the church. While his advice holds considerable weight for Christians, I believe it would be applicable to a wider audience if he had emphasized the similarities between the religious sense of radical interrelationship and interdependence with the ecological. One of the most hopeful features of our otherwise not-veryhopeful situation is the proximity between the postmodern, ecological understanding of who we human beings are in the scheme of things to that of many of the world's religions. Northcott is right: there are indeed two anthropologies— that of neoliberal global capitalism and that of most religions and of the earth itself.

Research paper thumbnail of Church Mother: The Writings of a Protestant Reformer in Sixteenth-Century Germany – By Katharina Schütz Zell

Religious Studies Review, Dec 1, 2009

in 2005. Papers included are by J. BeDuhn (who organized the congress), B.

Research paper thumbnail of John Calvin and Roman Catholicism: Critique and Engagement, Then and Now - Edited by Randall C. Zachman

Religious Studies Review, Mar 1, 2010

This book consists essentially of the edition of the Gospel of Thomas published in the fifteenth ... more This book consists essentially of the edition of the Gospel of Thomas published in the fifteenth edition of the Synopsis Quatuor Evangeliorum (Kurt Aland, ed., 1996), with slight revisions, together with a commentary on each logion. The Coptic text of each logion is followed by a Greek retroversion whenever it has a parallel in the NT. The Greek parallel in the Oxyrhynchus papyri is also presented where extant, followed by an English translation of the Coptic text. The commentary is intended to facilitate understanding of the Coptic text, with philological and historical exegesis and discussion of parallel traditions in early Christian literature. In his introduction, Plisch deals with such issues as tradition history, time of composition, authorship, and provenance. Plisch places the Gospel of Thomas in a Syrian milieu, and argues that some of the sayings present very early tradition, while others stem from as late as the second quarter of the second century. Schenke Robinson's English translation of the German is excellent. While it is unfortunate that Plisch was unable to take into account the important work on Thomas by A. DeConick, his edition and commentary is a valuable contribution to scholarship on that gospel.

Research paper thumbnail of Calvin's Ladder: A Spiritual Theology of Ascent and Ascension - By Julie Canlis

Modern Theology, Sep 7, 2011

tasks.' Similarly, philosophical theology could benefit from a closer encounter with the great th... more tasks.' Similarly, philosophical theology could benefit from a closer encounter with the great themes of the Christian heritage, and a better understanding of the biblical logic by which these themes emerged into conceptual form. (pp. 348-9) Indeed, continuing the conversation is well worthwhile, and PTET is at least a starting point in this task.

Research paper thumbnail of Luther, Martin

Luther, Martin

Encyclopedia of the Bible Online, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Book Review: Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

Book Review: Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology, 2009

to flourish, is not a human construct but is divine in origin and responsive to human actions. Gl... more to flourish, is not a human construct but is divine in origin and responsive to human actions. Global warming is a judgment on our false view of ourselves, epitomized in modern imperialism and neo-liberal global capitalism. Northcott presents this thesis by means of a thick description of the many dimensions and issues in global warming: the science behind it, the different responsibilities of developed versus developing nations for it, the value of carbon trading (which he finds ambiguous) and a carbon tax (which he supports), as well as a thoughtful reflection on the specifics of energy, housing, transportation, and food from a Christian perspective. If one is looking for a clearly-written, one-volume book that summarizes the current science of global warming, lays out the critical political issues that lie in the way of addressing it, and does all this from a prophetic Christian perspective, then this is the book. The book's perspective is definitely "prophetic," and by that I mean that it does not touch on the other major stream in Christian faith: the sacramental. It focuses on what God has done (created the earth and liberated it) and our necessary response: a no-nonsense obligation to act in just, fair ways as Christians and as privileged Westerners. This means such tough-minded stands as measuring the ecological footprint of developed countries to include all their "external emissions" (global outsourcing, transportation, etc.). Northcott does not mince words or duties: developed countries must lead the way in global mitigating strategies because it is the right thing to do. This is a powerful message, though I admit to missing the other side: the "world charged with the grandeur of God" (Gerard Manley Hopkins) that sacramental Christianity offers as a reason to love and care for the earth. Northcott's "solution" to the crisis of global warming is basically one of individual repentance and change—the re-constitution of the self by Christ in the church. While his advice holds considerable weight for Christians, I believe it would be applicable to a wider audience if he had emphasized the similarities between the religious sense of radical interrelationship and interdependence with the ecological. One of the most hopeful features of our otherwise not-veryhopeful situation is the proximity between the postmodern, ecological understanding of who we human beings are in the scheme of things to that of many of the world's religions. Northcott is right: there are indeed two anthropologies— that of neoliberal global capitalism and that of most religions and of the earth itself.

Research paper thumbnail of Medieval and Late‐Medieval Interpreters

Medieval and Late‐Medieval Interpreters

Oxford University Press eBooks, Oct 1, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Prophecy and the Radicals

Prophecy and the Radicals

Oxford University Press eBooks, Jun 21, 2018

Several radical groups—particularly Anabaptists and Spiritualists—in Wittenberg, Zurich, and Stra... more Several radical groups—particularly Anabaptists and Spiritualists—in Wittenberg, Zurich, and Strasbourg proffered different performances of prophecy that emphasized its visionary, ecstatic forms and even affirmed the possibility of new revelation above and beyond Scripture. Luther, Zwingli, and Bucer responded to Andreas Karlstadt, Gabriel Zwilling, the Zwickau Prophets, Thomas Müntzer, Swiss Anabaptists, Melchior Hoffman, Balthasar Hubmaier, Hans Denck, Caspar Schwenckfeld, and Pilgram Marpeck by casting many of them as false prophets and often lumped them together under their most extreme forms rather than recognizing the variations among them. Radical groups differed on the topic of prophecy: some prioritized Scripture, while others prioritized the Spirit. Luther and Zwingli reframed their view of the prophet and prophecy in direct response to these radical threats to tighten the parameters of lay participation and identify the prophet more closely with the Protestant pastoral office.

Research paper thumbnail of The Protestant Reformers and the Jews: Excavating Contexts, Unearthing Logic

Religions, Apr 20, 2017

This article highlights the important initial tasks of excavating the pertinent contexts of the s... more This article highlights the important initial tasks of excavating the pertinent contexts of the sixteenth-century Protestant reformers and discerning what is at stake for them (i.e., "unearthing logic") in order to analyze their views of and teachings about Jews and Judaism. Pertinent contexts include the immediate contexts to which Luther and Calvin responded (e.g., Jewish "blasphemy" and/or Christian Hebraism), as well as attending to the significant theological frameworks in which they each operated. Equally important is activity of sifting through the discrepancies in the secondary literature's depictions of Luther and Calvin's place in the history of Christian-Jewish relations. The article highlights biblical interpretation-particularly the defense of Scripture's perspicuity-as the distinctive locus of the reformers' angst concerning Jews and Judaism. In conclusion, the author offers some lessons from church history for discerning what Christian faithfulness might look like in response to this troubling history.

Research paper thumbnail of Enemies of the Cross. Suffering, Truth, and Mysticism in the Early Reformation, by Vincent Evener

Enemies of the Cross. Suffering, Truth, and Mysticism in the Early Reformation, by Vincent Evener

Church History and Religious Culture, Mar 21, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of The Perspicuity of Scripture, Justification by Faith Alone, and the Role of the Church in Reading Scripture with the Protestant Reformers

Research paper thumbnail of Wulfert de Greef. Of One Tree: Calvin on Jews and Christians in the Context of the Late Middle Ages

Studies in Christian-Jewish Relations

Research paper thumbnail of Enemies of the Cross. Suffering, Truth, and Mysticism in the Early Reformation, by Vincent Evener

Enemies of the Cross. Suffering, Truth, and Mysticism in the Early Reformation, by Vincent Evener

Church History and Religious Culture

Research paper thumbnail of John Calvin

John Calvin

Protestants and Mysticism in Reformation Europe, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of The Judaizing Calvin: Sixteenth-Century Debates over the Messianic Psalms. By G. Sujin Pak. Oxford Studies in Historical Theology. New York: Oxford University Press, 2010. xii + 217 pp. $65.00 cloth

Church History, 2010

The Judaizing Calvin began as a doctoral dissertation at Duke University under the direction of D... more The Judaizing Calvin began as a doctoral dissertation at Duke University under the direction of David Steinmetz, the editor of the series in which this book now appears. Pak seeks to uncover Calvin's place in the exegetical history of eight messianic psalms (2, 8, 16, 22, 45, 72, 110, and 118) by contrasting his approach to five earlier commentators and the Glossa Ordinaria. In addition, Pak reviews and moderates a debate between the Lutheran polemicist Aegidius Hunnius and the Reformed theologian David Pareus regarding Calvin's allegedly "judaizing" exegetical hermeneutics. Pak also suggests ways in which theologians might build upon the hermeneutical foundation laid by Calvin in order to establish more positive relations between Christians and Jews.

Research paper thumbnail of Argula Von Grumbach and Katharina Schütz Zell as Biblical Interpreters

Argula Von Grumbach and Katharina Schütz Zell as Biblical Interpreters

Fortress Press eBooks, Oct 4, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Calvin's Visual Exegesis of Old Testament Prophecy: Figural Reading and the Sacramental Character of Scripture

Calvin's Visual Exegesis of Old Testament Prophecy: Figural Reading and the Sacramental Character of Scripture

International Journal of Systematic Theology, Sep 6, 2022

This article provides a study of John Calvin's treatment of the Old Testament prophets' l... more This article provides a study of John Calvin's treatment of the Old Testament prophets' language, images and metaphors to illuminate the distinctly visual character of his theology. It explores Calvin's theology of Scripture as shaped by the visual theology rooted in his exegesis of the Old Testament prophetic books. The author argues that the Old Testament prophets serve as supreme models for imitation of how to make God's Word come alive through visual images and powerful metaphors. Furthermore, the article draws connections between Calvin's engagement with the prophets' language of ‘painting’, ‘mirror’, ‘vivid representation’ and ‘visible symbol’ and his descriptions of biblical theophanies and the power of sacraments. Bringing these elements side by side, a vivid portrait emerges of Calvin's conception of Scripture as a visual sign. The author argues that this visual sign‐character of Scripture undergirds a deeper commitment of Calvin's – a conviction of Scripture's sacramental character and functions. Consequently, the article argues that the visual features of Calvin's theology – where visual aspects unite his theologies of Scripture and the sacraments – set forth Scripture itself as a sacrament and call students of Calvin to take more seriously the visual and material commitments of his theology.

Research paper thumbnail of Olivi and the Interpretation of Matthew in the High Middle Ages

The Sixteenth century journal, Apr 1, 2005

appeared in 1977, the last in 2004, and this is a long enough space to shake their determination ... more appeared in 1977, the last in 2004, and this is a long enough space to shake their determination that each article shall be up-to-date with modern research, especially when they determined on such excellent bibliographies. We are still promised an index volume to the whole. They have created an essential tool for Reformation studies and also, for patristic. It is pleasing that this volume begins with a full article on Wigand, the first of modern church historians, and later has thoughtful considerations of Zeitgeschichte, Kirchliche. As usual the German biblical critics of the nineteenth century are well represented, here Wrede the most impressive. Z is an important letter, with Zwingli and then Zu ¨rich at the top, and with our Cs, like Censorship and Celibacy (important) and the Centre Party (not very full) ; and studies of the complexities of tithe and rates of interest, and Jehovah's Witnesses and Glossolalia (Zungenrede) and Cyprus. Wyclif has an unusually long article. Wu ¨rttemberg is given the length it deserves. They always illuminate the history of universities -here Wittenberg and Wu ¨rzburg and Yale. Bonds of imperfection. Christian politics, past and present.

Research paper thumbnail of All Things Made New: The Reformation and Its Legacy by Diarmaid MacCulloch

Theology Today, 2018

Diarmaid MacCulloch, a gifted historian and recipient of many book prizes for his exceptional sch... more Diarmaid MacCulloch, a gifted historian and recipient of many book prizes for his exceptional scholarship, does not disappoint in his recent book All Things Made New. In witty and clear prose, MacCulloch makes the story of the Protestant reformations-the English Reformation in particular-accessible to a wide audience beyond specialists in early modern history. The only thing that might disappoint is that the book is not new work from MacCulloch; rather, it is a compilation of several substantial pieces previously published in various journals and edited volumes. Nonetheless, the placement of these essays into a single book provides a service far beyond the convenience of having them in one place. The essays interconnect brilliantly to deliver detailed studies of Henry VIII, Thomas Cranmer, the Tudor queens, William Byrd, and Richard Hooker, as well as analyses of the significant texts of the Book of Common Prayer, the King James Bible, and The Bay Psalm Book. They also work collectively to speak to larger topics and questions in Reformation studies, effecting a deep coherence of content and purpose across the book. All Things Made New has three parts. Part I consists of six brief chapters that tackle subjects ranging from the Protestant reformers' views of angels and of the Virgin Mary and analyses of John Calvin, the Council of Trent, and the Italian Inquisition. These six essays serve to deepen an overarching theme of the book concerning the Protestant reformations' struggle over issues of authority. Parts II and III focus more directly on the English Reformation and constitute the heart of the book. Part II entails nine chapters that investigate various key figures and texts of the English Reformation. The author argues that King Henry VIII's principle of balance shaped and illuminated the underlying logic of his policies. Additionally, MacCulloch elucidates Cranmer's initial use of concord by persuasion followed by concord by coercion when the prior policy failed to reach the desired outcome (thus busting any myth of Cranmer's so-called ''tolerance''). He provides a compelling comparative study between the personalities and policies of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, and his account of William Byrd underwrites a larger argument that the English cathedrals and English choral music were crucial elements that set the English Reformation apart from the continent. Lastly, he illuminates the

Research paper thumbnail of Reforming Priesthood in Reformation Zurich: Heinrich Bullinger’s End-Times Agenda, by Jon D. Wood

Reforming Priesthood in Reformation Zurich: Heinrich Bullinger’s End-Times Agenda, by Jon D. Wood

Journal of Reformed Theology, Mar 27, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Book Review: Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

Book Review: Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

Interpretation, 2009

to flourish, is not a human construct but is divine in origin and responsive to human actions. Gl... more to flourish, is not a human construct but is divine in origin and responsive to human actions. Global warming is a judgment on our false view of ourselves, epitomized in modern imperialism and neo-liberal global capitalism. Northcott presents this thesis by means of a thick description of the many dimensions and issues in global warming: the science behind it, the different responsibilities of developed versus developing nations for it, the value of carbon trading (which he finds ambiguous) and a carbon tax (which he supports), as well as a thoughtful reflection on the specifics of energy, housing, transportation, and food from a Christian perspective. If one is looking for a clearly-written, one-volume book that summarizes the current science of global warming, lays out the critical political issues that lie in the way of addressing it, and does all this from a prophetic Christian perspective, then this is the book. The book's perspective is definitely "prophetic," and by that I mean that it does not touch on the other major stream in Christian faith: the sacramental. It focuses on what God has done (created the earth and liberated it) and our necessary response: a no-nonsense obligation to act in just, fair ways as Christians and as privileged Westerners. This means such tough-minded stands as measuring the ecological footprint of developed countries to include all their "external emissions" (global outsourcing, transportation, etc.). Northcott does not mince words or duties: developed countries must lead the way in global mitigating strategies because it is the right thing to do. This is a powerful message, though I admit to missing the other side: the "world charged with the grandeur of God" (Gerard Manley Hopkins) that sacramental Christianity offers as a reason to love and care for the earth. Northcott's "solution" to the crisis of global warming is basically one of individual repentance and change—the re-constitution of the self by Christ in the church. While his advice holds considerable weight for Christians, I believe it would be applicable to a wider audience if he had emphasized the similarities between the religious sense of radical interrelationship and interdependence with the ecological. One of the most hopeful features of our otherwise not-veryhopeful situation is the proximity between the postmodern, ecological understanding of who we human beings are in the scheme of things to that of many of the world's religions. Northcott is right: there are indeed two anthropologies— that of neoliberal global capitalism and that of most religions and of the earth itself.

Research paper thumbnail of Church Mother: The Writings of a Protestant Reformer in Sixteenth-Century Germany – By Katharina Schütz Zell

Religious Studies Review, Dec 1, 2009

in 2005. Papers included are by J. BeDuhn (who organized the congress), B.

Research paper thumbnail of John Calvin and Roman Catholicism: Critique and Engagement, Then and Now - Edited by Randall C. Zachman

Religious Studies Review, Mar 1, 2010

This book consists essentially of the edition of the Gospel of Thomas published in the fifteenth ... more This book consists essentially of the edition of the Gospel of Thomas published in the fifteenth edition of the Synopsis Quatuor Evangeliorum (Kurt Aland, ed., 1996), with slight revisions, together with a commentary on each logion. The Coptic text of each logion is followed by a Greek retroversion whenever it has a parallel in the NT. The Greek parallel in the Oxyrhynchus papyri is also presented where extant, followed by an English translation of the Coptic text. The commentary is intended to facilitate understanding of the Coptic text, with philological and historical exegesis and discussion of parallel traditions in early Christian literature. In his introduction, Plisch deals with such issues as tradition history, time of composition, authorship, and provenance. Plisch places the Gospel of Thomas in a Syrian milieu, and argues that some of the sayings present very early tradition, while others stem from as late as the second quarter of the second century. Schenke Robinson's English translation of the German is excellent. While it is unfortunate that Plisch was unable to take into account the important work on Thomas by A. DeConick, his edition and commentary is a valuable contribution to scholarship on that gospel.

Research paper thumbnail of Calvin's Ladder: A Spiritual Theology of Ascent and Ascension - By Julie Canlis

Modern Theology, Sep 7, 2011

tasks.' Similarly, philosophical theology could benefit from a closer encounter with the great th... more tasks.' Similarly, philosophical theology could benefit from a closer encounter with the great themes of the Christian heritage, and a better understanding of the biblical logic by which these themes emerged into conceptual form. (pp. 348-9) Indeed, continuing the conversation is well worthwhile, and PTET is at least a starting point in this task.

Research paper thumbnail of Luther, Martin

Luther, Martin

Encyclopedia of the Bible Online, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Book Review: Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

Book Review: Calvin's Theology of the Psalms

Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology, 2009

to flourish, is not a human construct but is divine in origin and responsive to human actions. Gl... more to flourish, is not a human construct but is divine in origin and responsive to human actions. Global warming is a judgment on our false view of ourselves, epitomized in modern imperialism and neo-liberal global capitalism. Northcott presents this thesis by means of a thick description of the many dimensions and issues in global warming: the science behind it, the different responsibilities of developed versus developing nations for it, the value of carbon trading (which he finds ambiguous) and a carbon tax (which he supports), as well as a thoughtful reflection on the specifics of energy, housing, transportation, and food from a Christian perspective. If one is looking for a clearly-written, one-volume book that summarizes the current science of global warming, lays out the critical political issues that lie in the way of addressing it, and does all this from a prophetic Christian perspective, then this is the book. The book's perspective is definitely "prophetic," and by that I mean that it does not touch on the other major stream in Christian faith: the sacramental. It focuses on what God has done (created the earth and liberated it) and our necessary response: a no-nonsense obligation to act in just, fair ways as Christians and as privileged Westerners. This means such tough-minded stands as measuring the ecological footprint of developed countries to include all their "external emissions" (global outsourcing, transportation, etc.). Northcott does not mince words or duties: developed countries must lead the way in global mitigating strategies because it is the right thing to do. This is a powerful message, though I admit to missing the other side: the "world charged with the grandeur of God" (Gerard Manley Hopkins) that sacramental Christianity offers as a reason to love and care for the earth. Northcott's "solution" to the crisis of global warming is basically one of individual repentance and change—the re-constitution of the self by Christ in the church. While his advice holds considerable weight for Christians, I believe it would be applicable to a wider audience if he had emphasized the similarities between the religious sense of radical interrelationship and interdependence with the ecological. One of the most hopeful features of our otherwise not-veryhopeful situation is the proximity between the postmodern, ecological understanding of who we human beings are in the scheme of things to that of many of the world's religions. Northcott is right: there are indeed two anthropologies— that of neoliberal global capitalism and that of most religions and of the earth itself.

Research paper thumbnail of Medieval and Late‐Medieval Interpreters

Medieval and Late‐Medieval Interpreters

Oxford University Press eBooks, Oct 1, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Prophecy and the Radicals

Prophecy and the Radicals

Oxford University Press eBooks, Jun 21, 2018

Several radical groups—particularly Anabaptists and Spiritualists—in Wittenberg, Zurich, and Stra... more Several radical groups—particularly Anabaptists and Spiritualists—in Wittenberg, Zurich, and Strasbourg proffered different performances of prophecy that emphasized its visionary, ecstatic forms and even affirmed the possibility of new revelation above and beyond Scripture. Luther, Zwingli, and Bucer responded to Andreas Karlstadt, Gabriel Zwilling, the Zwickau Prophets, Thomas Müntzer, Swiss Anabaptists, Melchior Hoffman, Balthasar Hubmaier, Hans Denck, Caspar Schwenckfeld, and Pilgram Marpeck by casting many of them as false prophets and often lumped them together under their most extreme forms rather than recognizing the variations among them. Radical groups differed on the topic of prophecy: some prioritized Scripture, while others prioritized the Spirit. Luther and Zwingli reframed their view of the prophet and prophecy in direct response to these radical threats to tighten the parameters of lay participation and identify the prophet more closely with the Protestant pastoral office.

Research paper thumbnail of The Protestant Reformers and the Jews: Excavating Contexts, Unearthing Logic

Religions, Apr 20, 2017

This article highlights the important initial tasks of excavating the pertinent contexts of the s... more This article highlights the important initial tasks of excavating the pertinent contexts of the sixteenth-century Protestant reformers and discerning what is at stake for them (i.e., "unearthing logic") in order to analyze their views of and teachings about Jews and Judaism. Pertinent contexts include the immediate contexts to which Luther and Calvin responded (e.g., Jewish "blasphemy" and/or Christian Hebraism), as well as attending to the significant theological frameworks in which they each operated. Equally important is activity of sifting through the discrepancies in the secondary literature's depictions of Luther and Calvin's place in the history of Christian-Jewish relations. The article highlights biblical interpretation-particularly the defense of Scripture's perspicuity-as the distinctive locus of the reformers' angst concerning Jews and Judaism. In conclusion, the author offers some lessons from church history for discerning what Christian faithfulness might look like in response to this troubling history.

Research paper thumbnail of Enemies of the Cross. Suffering, Truth, and Mysticism in the Early Reformation, by Vincent Evener

Enemies of the Cross. Suffering, Truth, and Mysticism in the Early Reformation, by Vincent Evener

Church History and Religious Culture, Mar 21, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of The Perspicuity of Scripture, Justification by Faith Alone, and the Role of the Church in Reading Scripture with the Protestant Reformers

Research paper thumbnail of Wulfert de Greef. Of One Tree: Calvin on Jews and Christians in the Context of the Late Middle Ages

Studies in Christian-Jewish Relations

Research paper thumbnail of Enemies of the Cross. Suffering, Truth, and Mysticism in the Early Reformation, by Vincent Evener

Enemies of the Cross. Suffering, Truth, and Mysticism in the Early Reformation, by Vincent Evener

Church History and Religious Culture