Tyler D. Mayfield Knihy

Historically, form critical studies of prophetic literature have answered mainly historical questions. However, scholars recently have begun to address literary topics as well. This study of the book of Ezekiel addresses two such topics—literary structure and literary setting—in order to read Ezekiel as a deliberate work of literature, a prophetic composition with a highly-structured form and an intentional placement of units. Mayfield provides a discussion of the role of literary markers in structure and proposes a literary structure of the book based on two formulas: the chronological formula, which divides the book into 13 macrounits, and the prophetic word formula. Then, the author argues for contextual readings of selected Ezekiel passages using literary structure to highlight literary settings. One of these contextual readings presents the unlikely macrounits, Ezek 24-25 and Ezek 32:17-33:20, as transitional units within the book.

Reframing religious diversity through the stories of Cain, Ishmael, and Esau The way we read the Bible matters for the way we engage the pluralistic world around us. For instance, if we understand the book of Genesis as narrowly focused on primary characters like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, we'll miss the larger story and end up with the impression that God only cares about those who are "chosen." In fact, the narratives of marginalized biblical characters reveal that God protects and provides for them also. What might this mean for Christians living in a world of religious difference today? In Father Abraham's Many Children, Tyler Mayfield reflects on the stories of three of the most significant "other brothers" in the Bible--namely, on God's continued engagement with Cain after he murders Abel, Ishmael's circumcision as a sign of God's covenant, and Esau's reconciliation with Jacob. From these stories, Mayfield draws out a more generous theology of religious diversity, so that Christians might be better equipped to authentically love their neighbors of multiple faith traditions--as God loves, and has always loved, all humanity.

Whether through a hymn, Handel’s  Messiah , or the lectionary reading, the book of Isaiah provides a familiar voice for congregations during the season of Advent. So how do we create faithful, Christian interpretations of Isaiah for today while respecting the interpretations of our Jewish neighbors?  Integrating biblical scholarship with pastoral concern, Tyler Mayfield invites readers to view Isaiah through two lenses. He demonstrates using near vision to see how the Christian liturgical season of Advent shapes readings of Isaiah and using far vision to clarify our relationship to Jews and Judaism—showing along the way how near vision and far vision are both required to read Isaiah clearly and responsibly.