Stephen C. Barton Knihy

The volume brings together essays that explore the topic of memory and remembrance in the ancient world, taking into account the Hebrew Bible (Deuteronomy, 1 and 2 Kings), ancient Judaism (1 and 2 Maccabees, Psalms of Solomon, Dead Sea Scrolls), the classical world, the New Testament (Jesus, Synoptic Gospels and Acts, Gospel of John, Pauline letters) and Early Christianity (Petrine tradition). The essays, which focus on a wide range of sources from antiquity, open up new questions about the social and religious function of memory. As a collection, they demonstrate how much social memory theory can contribute to the understanding of the ways ancient texts were, on the one hand, shaped by conventions of memory and, on the other hand, participated in and contributed to evolving strategies for reading „the past“.

Familial tensions arising from conversion to Christianity are explored through a detailed analysis of the Gospels of Mark and Matthew. Dr. Barton employs form-critical, redaction-critical, literary-critical, and sociological perspectives to understand how these texts address family concerns. The study also contextualizes these issues within Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions, highlighting a common belief in transcending familial obligations for higher religious or philosophical commitments. Ultimately, the work reveals how the Jesus movement offered a new personal identity rooted in allegiance to Jesus and his disciples.

The Four Gospels have profoundly shaped religious thought and life, attracting extensive scholarly analysis focused on their central figure. However, there is a notable lack of interpretations that explore the unique spiritual essence each Gospel conveys and aims to inspire in its audience. This book seeks to fill that gap by examining the distinct spiritual messages within the Gospels, offering a fresh perspective on their impact and significance.