The Oxford Handbook of Johannine Studies (Oxford Handbooks)

The contribution of the Johannine literature to the development of Christian theology, and particularly to Christology, is uncontested, although careful distinction between the implications of its language, especially that of sonship, in a first century 'Jewish' context and in the subsequent theological controversies of the early Church has been particularly important if not always easily sustained. Recent study has shaken off the weight of subsequent Christian appropriation of Johannine language which has sometimes made readers immune to the ambiguities and challenging tensions in its thought. The Oxford Handbook of Johannine Studies begins with chapters concentrating on discussions of the background and context of the Johannine literature, leading to the different ways of reading the text, and thence to the primary theological themes within them, before concluding with some discussion of the reception of the Johannine literature in the early church. Inevitably, given their different genres and levels of complexity, some chapters pay most if not all attention to the Gospel, whereas others are more able to give a more substantial place to the letters. All the contributors have themselves made significant contributions to their topic. They have sought to give a balanced introduction to the relevant scholarship and debate, but they have also been able to present the issues from their own perspective. The Handbook will help those less familiar with the Johannine literature to get a sense of the major areas of debate and why the field continues to be one of vibrant and exciting study, and that those who are already part of the conversation will find new insights to enliven their own on-going engagement with these writings. Cover The Oxford Handbook of Johannine Studies Copyright Contents Abbreviations Contributors 1. Introduction 2. The Text of the Gospel and Letters of John 3. Literary Sources of the Gospel and Letters of John 4. John and Other Gospels 5. The Story of the Johannine Community and its Literature 6. The Beloved Disciple, the Fourth Evangelist, and the Authorship of the Fourth Gospel 7. The Gospel of John and Archaeology 8. The Jews of the Fourth Gospel 9. The Johannine Literature in a Greek Context 10. The Johannine Literature and Contemporary Jewish Literature 11. The Johannine Literature and the Gnostics 12. The Fourth Gospel as Narrative and Drama 13. Ideological Readings of the Fourth Gospel 14. Gender and the Fourth Gospel 15. Social-​Scientific Readings of the Gospel and Letters of John 16. Symbolism and ‘Signs’ in the Fourth Gospel 17. Dualism and the World in the Gospel and Letters of John 18. Eschatology and Time in the Gospel of John 19. The Person of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John 20. The Purpose of the Ministry and Death of Jesus in the Gospel of John 21. Faith, Eternal Life, and the Spirit in the Gospel of John 22. Ethics in Community in the Gospel and Letters of John 23. Temple, Festivals, and Scripture in the Gospel of John 24. The Johannine Literature and the Canon 25. Johannine Commentaries in the Early Church Index Locorum General Index "The Oxford Handbook of Johannine Studies offers a comprehensive introduction to and discussion of contemporary study of the Gospel and Letters of John. The 24 chapters, all written by leading specialists in the field, cover the text and literary sources of the Johannine literature; its historical origins and context; and its conceptual background in Greek and Jewish thought, as well as its relationship to and reception among the Gnostics. Separate chapters discuss recent approaches to the Gospel and Letters from narrative, gender-related, ideological, and sociological perspectives, as well as their use of symbolism. The major Johannine theological themes are all discussed, including the role of ‘the Jews’, the attitude to Scripture and law, dualism, eschatology, the person and purpose of Jesus, the experience of eternal life and the Spirit, and ethics. The place of the Johannine literature in the church’s canon and the emergence of a commentary tradition close the volume. Each chapter gives a balanced overview of scholarly debate, while also offering a clearly presented response from the perspective of the author."-- Provided by publisher An authoritative handbook on the Johannine literature with contributions from leading specialists in the field. An essential work of reference for students of the New Testament, as well as for those with a more general interest in Biblical literature, while also providing a valuable resource for more advanced readers