by: Steven L. Bridge

• Format

  E-Book

  ISBN

  9781441237118

  Pub. Date

  Jul 2004

  SRP

  $17.00

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About

On March 23, 1998, director James Cameron made an indelible mark on Academy Award history. It wasn't because his film, Titanic, captured so many Oscars. Nor was it because of the movie's unprecedented box-office success. Rather, Cameron will forever be remembered in Hollywood's annals because, upon accepting his award for Best Director, he enthusiastically declared, "I am the king of the World!"

Taken literally, Cameron's exclamation denotes a claim to absolute sovereignty. Understandably, public derision followed. What Cameron's critics failed to consider, however, was the premise behind his expression. The line is borrowed from Titanic. In that context, it has an altogether different meaning. Rather than self-adulation, it speaks of joy in the face of such good fortune. Undoubtedly, that is what Cameron meant to convey, but his point escaped those unfamiliar with his premise.

This real-life analogy sets the stage for Getting the Gospels. As Cameron drew upon Titanic, early Christians drew similarly upon their religious and literary backgrounds to communicate their Good News of Jesus Christ. Yet without this background, modern readers may misinterpret certain Biblical texts.

Getting the Gospels examines what the evangelists knew and how their presuppositions inform, enrich, and transform their writings. The book follows Jesus' life through twelve case studies selected from each of the four Gospels. Each chapter blends scholarly research and contemporary comparisons to underscore the imperative role that such premises play in the interpretation of the New Testament.

Reviews

"With its short but packed chapters, accessible writing style, and allusions to pop culture, this introduction to the four gospels contains enough meat for scholars, presented in a way that will be palatable for the general reader. Bridge argues that much of the gospels' original context has been lost, and helps readers understand that crucial context. . . . Bridge carefully separates the unique strands of the gospels and shows readers the different ways they present Jesus' birth, ministry, and passion. With contagious enthusiasm and a fine attention to detail that never loses sight of the big picture, this little book is a gem of accessible biblical scholarship."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Bridge convincingly makes his case that historical context matters for interpreting the gospel texts. His treatments of the various texts are engaging and truly inform and enrich a traditional reading of those texts. This book would be a valuable resource for ministers and teachers in Churches and would be an excellent choice for adult or even youth study groups. College or seminary instructors of introductory Bible courses may find uses for the book as well. . . . This book offers dynamic insights on reading the gospel texts, insights that will not only inform average readers of the Bible, but will also inspire them to engage these texts with excitement and expectation."--Lexington Theological Quarterly

"This book . . . is intended to give a mature and sound introduction to serious Gospel study. To this end, it works and works well. It is highly readable, informative, and develops a critical understanding of the Gospels, while at the same time encouraging the reader to engage with the Gospels. This is an excellent book for undergraduate students. . . . It finishes with an apologia for the actual resurrection of Jesus, which some might consider to 'cross the line' from NT study to proselytizing. Yet even this contributes to the book's overall thrust, viz., that the reader engages with the canonical Gospels, not in a sanitized, detached manner, but rather in a way that above all appreciates what each of the canonical Gospels is actually 'getting at.'"--Journal for the Study of the New Testament

"This is a popular introduction to the gospels, with many exegetical examples and diagrams. Complete with bibliography and indexes, the book can be recommended to the beginning student (who is immediately taken into the subject) and the teacher (who will see how one can go about teaching the gospels). A delightful book."--International Review of Biblical Studies

"With great enthusiasm, [Bridge] seeks to revitalize familiar pericopae by reminding us of their original social, political, and cultural contexts. . . . His prose is informed and delightful."--Expository Times

"An unusual and engaging approach to explaining selected events in the life of Jesus. . . . Highly recommended for church libraries, especially those serving high school and college students."--Church & Synagogue Libraries

"A book that discusses particular difficult passages in the Gospels and brings helpful background information to bear on the interpretation of those passages in an attempt to make them less baffling. . . . Bridge notes that much of this book has emerged from his work in the classroom. This origin is everywhere apparent and has resulted in a lively, interesting, and entertaining book."--Review of Biblical Literature

"A readable and often amusing study void of technical jargon. . . . Recommended for public and undergraduate libraries."--Library Journal

"Geared to a popular audience, this is a fresh introduction to the origin, content, and distinctive theology of each of the Gospels. . . . Those seeking to be acquainted with the Gospels in a deeper way or biblical study groups might find this a helpful resource."--The Bible Today

"Getting the Gospels is set apart from other introductions by its consistent references to popular culture, allowing the reader to apprehend biblical issues via modern examples. . . . In regards to the primary audience of general readers, undoubtedly Bridge has provided a useful introduction to the Gospels and Jesus. This book is ideal for an adult Bible study group wanting to understand more of the gospels' historical background, though it may also be beneficial as an introductory classroom text in a college setting."--Restoration Quarterly

"Bridge is at his best when describing how the four evangelists employed different purposes for what material they used as well as noting their varying structural arrangements in presenting the material. Another notable strength of the book is the skillful use of creative introductory material. . . . This book is interesting, informative, and a good read for one sitting. Although somewhat short, Bridge manages to fill it with historical nuggets, good comparisons . . . and 'aha!' moments."--Southwest Journal of Theology

"Delivers fascinating historical and biblical secrets that unlock meaning and relevance in the four Gospels and the life of Christ. . . . Unique gospel insights for those who preach it."--Outreach Magazine

"Getting the Gospels aids lay readers and younger students in interpreting scenes and stories whose richness, 2,000 years later, is lost on us. Bridge compares 12 case studies from Jesus' life and shows what the four Gospel writers understood about them that may not be explicit to contemporary readers."--Christianity Today

"The book is attractively presented and Bridge is regularly stimulating. Although it will principally benefit young adult believers, even teachers will find some refreshing examples and insights as Bridge illustrates some of the Gospels' varying styles and aims with the aid of modern cinema, sport, news, classic literature, and Renaissance art."--Reformed Theological Review