Norman Perrin was one of the most innovative New Testament scholars of the twentieth century. This volume brings together some of his best-known works on historical Jesus research, parables, redaction criticism, and New Testament theology. With an introduction and bibliography as well as updated notes, this volume brings Perrin's insights to a new generation of students and scholars.
The book addresses Christians who celebrate the resurrection yet grapple with the complexities of the gospel accounts. Professor Perrin aims to guide readers through a thoughtful exploration of these narratives, encouraging deeper understanding and reflection on the significance of the resurrection stories in their faith journey.
For the past several decades New Testament scholarship has been strongly influenced by a discipline that arose in post-war Germany and is here called redaction criticism. Professor Perrin defines redaction criticism as as the discipline concerned with the theological motivation of an author as it is revealed in the collection, arrangement, editing, and modification of traditional material or the creation of new forms within the traditions of early Christianity. With lively style and technical expertise, he explores the origins, the nature, and the implications of this new approach to the Bible. Laymen eager for a chance to look over the biblical scholar's shoulder as he goes about his work, seminary and college students who want to see how modern scientific methods are utilized in the study of the Bible, and pastors who want to keep up with what is going on in biblical studies will find this book of great interest. A glossary and annotated bibliography enhance its value.