Julia Snyder and Daniel H. Weiss, eds. Scripture and Violence. London: Routledge, 2021
In the public sphere, it is often assumed that acts of violence carried out by Muslims are inspir... more In the public sphere, it is often assumed that acts of violence carried out by Muslims are inspired by their religious commitment and encouraged by the Qur’an. Some people express similar concerns about the scriptures and actions of Christians and Jews. Might they be right? What role do scriptural texts play in motivating and justifying violence in these three traditions?
Scripture and Violence explores the complex relationship between scriptural texts and real-world acts of violence. A variety of issues are addressed, including the prevalent modern tendency to express more concern about other people’s texts and violence than one’s own, to treat interpretation and application of scriptural passages as self-evident, and to assume that the actions of religious people are directly motivated by what they read in scriptures. Contributions come from a diverse group of scholars of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity with varying perspectives on the issues.
Highlighting the complex relationship between texts and human actions, this is an essential read for students and academics studying religion and violence, Abrahamic religions, or scriptural interpretation. Scripture and Violence will also be of interest to researchers working on religion and politics, sociology and anthropology of religion, socio-political approaches to scriptural texts, and issues surrounding religion, secularity, and the public sphere. This volume could also form a basis for discussions in churches, synagogues, mosques, interfaith settings, and government agencies.
“Anti-imperial” readings of ancient texts are popular, but are they right? What does it mean to e... more “Anti-imperial” readings of ancient texts are popular, but are they right? What does it mean to engage in “political” interpretation of ancient texts? What can Biblical scholars learn from Classicists about the emperor cult? These are a few of the questions addressed in this volume. Highlighting the work of scholars in Eastern and Western Europe, it offers fresh perspectives on “political” aspects of early Jewish and Christian texts. Contributions include exegetical studies with literary and historical interests, as well as critical hermeneutical reflection. Essays analyze texts from the Hebrew Bible, Septuagint, and New Testament, plus Josephus and extra-canonical Christian literature.
Like all skilful authors, the composer of the biblical books of Luke and Acts understood that a g... more Like all skilful authors, the composer of the biblical books of Luke and Acts understood that a good story requires more than a gripping plot — a persuasive narrative also needs well-portrayed, plot-enhancing characters. This book brings together a set of new essays examining characters and characterization in those books from a variety of methodological perspectives.
The essays illustrate how narratological, cognitive, sociolinguistic, reader-response, feminist, redaction, reception historical, comparative literature and other approaches can be fruitfully applied to the question of Luke’s techniques of characterization. Theoretical and methodological discussions are complemented with case studies of specific Lukan characters. Together, the essays reflect the understanding that while many of the literary techniques involved in characterization attest a certain universality, each writer also brings his or her own unique perspective and talent to the portrayal and use of characters. Analysis of a writer’s characters and style of characterization can enhance appreciation of that writer’s work.
When a Christian writer refers to Jesus as “the Lord,” what does it signify? Is it primarily a wa... more When a Christian writer refers to Jesus as “the Lord,” what does it signify? Is it primarily a way of making a political or theological statement, or might social concerns have had more influence on the writer's choice of words? Studies of early Christianity regularly depend on a nuanced understanding of lexical significance, but current research often fails to consider social aspects of “what words mean.” Julia A. Snyder argues that methodological improvements are needed in how lexical significance in ancient Greek texts is determined, based on an analysis of the relationship between speech patterns and addressee identity in the Acts of the Apostles, Acts of John, and Acts of Philip. She also illustrates how sociolinguistic variation contributes to characterization and the construction of Christian identity in the narratives, how it sheds light on the rewriting of ancient texts, and how it informs the question of whether apostolic narratives were produced for evangelistic purposes.
What role has the “Old Testament” played in the self-understanding of Christians over the centuri... more What role has the “Old Testament” played in the self-understanding of Christians over the centuries, and what can we learn from the fact that Israel’s scriptures are often cited in early Christian texts? Using the Acts of Philip as a case study, this article argues that we should not assume all early Christian writers thought of these as “my own scriptures.” When we encounter citations from Israel’s scriptures in Christian texts, a variety of interpretive options should be considered, including the possibility that some writers saw Israel’s scriptures as “other people’s scriptures, not ours,” or would have consigned them a limited role in the Christian life, treating them as relevant for apologetics and evangelism—or for talking about apologetics and evangelism—but not for ongoing Christian discipleship. The article offers a new interpretation of Acts Phil. 5–7 and also examines Qur’anic citations in the Dialogue of Timothy I and the Caliph.
Many modern collections of Christian apocrypha group texts under headings such as “gospels,” “act... more Many modern collections of Christian apocrypha group texts under headings such as “gospels,” “acts,” “epistles,” and “apocalypses.” But do these conventional genre categories help or hurt? That question is the focus of this short piece, which draws on a story called the Acts of Christ and Peter in Rome as a case study of a Christian text that breaks the mold of conventional genre categories.
The Cambridge Companion to the New Testament, edited by Patrick Gray, 333–47. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2021
Most modern Christian Bibles have exactly the same set of books in the New Testament. How did the... more Most modern Christian Bibles have exactly the same set of books in the New Testament. How did these particular books end up getting included? And what other books have Christians found valuable over the centuries? This article is a short, accessible introduction to the topic of New Testament canon.
The Oxford Handbook on Pauline Studies, edited by Matthew V. Novenson and R. Barry Matlock. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2022
The apostle Paul is featured as a character in a wide variety of early Christian narratives. This... more The apostle Paul is featured as a character in a wide variety of early Christian narratives. This essay considers first how Paul is portrayed in a number of different story-style narratives, including the Acts of the Apostles, the Acts of Thecla, the Ephesus Act, and two different accounts of Paul’s martyrdom. Attention is drawn to the creative energy storytellers poured into telling tales about the famous apostle. The essay argues that many storytellers seem to have felt free to shape their stories according to their own ingenuity and interests, rather than being preoccupied with producing ‘historically accurate’ accounts. It also highlights a range of factors that may have influenced how Paul is portrayed in any given narrative, including plot concerns, pre-existing traditions about other characters with whom Paul shares the stage, and recourse to stock motifs and story templates. In addition to this exploration of story-style narratives, the essay also examines how Paul functions as an authoritative voice in two narratives of slightly different genres, a fictional letter exchange known as 3 Corinthians or the Corinthian Correspondence, and a tour of the afterlife known as the Apocalypse of Paul.
New Testament Apocrypha: More Noncanonical Scriptures – Volume 3, edited by Tony Burke. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2022
This is an introduction and English translation of a story called the Acts of Christ and Peter in... more This is an introduction and English translation of a story called the Acts of Christ and Peter in Rome.
The Apostles Peter, Paul, John, Thomas and Philip with their Companions in Late Antiquity, edited by Tobias Nicklas et al., 100–17. Leuven: Peeters, 2021
What role might a minority self-perception have played in shaping the things said in early Christ... more What role might a minority self-perception have played in shaping the things said in early Christian texts about sex and marriage? In this essay, I look first at a letter written by the apostle Paul in the first century CE, and then at some slightly later stories about other apostles. I inquire what led Paul to say in 1 Corinthians that it is better for unmarried people not to get married, and argue that concerns about intermarriage with ‘pagans’ may have been an important factor in the mix. Then I suggest that anxieties about intermarriage may also have contributed to the initial emergence of the sexual renunciation topos that appears in so many later stories about the apostles. These stories may not reflect negative attitudes toward sex or marriage per se to the degree that is often thought.
Scripture and Violence, edited by Julia Snyder and Daniel H. Weiss, 1–21. London: Routledge, 2021
This essay briefly surveys some of the many topics that need to be addressed if one wants to thin... more This essay briefly surveys some of the many topics that need to be addressed if one wants to think seriously about “scripture and violence.” I first make general comments about “violence.” What is it? Is it something “religious” communities have a unique responsibility to address? I then explore some questions more specifically about “scripture and violence.” What role do passages from the Bible and the Qur’an play in motivating or justifying violence in the world today? What is involved in interpreting and applying scriptural texts? And what leads people to think or say that those who consider certain scriptures “sacred” might be more inclined to violence – or less inclined to violence – than others? I also introduce the other chapters in the book.
The Reception of Jesus in the First Three Centuries, vol. 2, edited by Jens Schröter and Christine Jacobi. London: Bloomsbury T&T Clark , 2019
This essay explores the reception of Jesus as a character and traditions about Jesus (including n... more This essay explores the reception of Jesus as a character and traditions about Jesus (including now "canonical" traditions) in several stories about the apostles. It remarks on the creative license that storytellers apparently felt to adapt and modify received material, as well as their deployment of Jesus as a character in brand new stories.
Schrift im Streit: Jüdische, christliche und muslimische Perspektiven. Auf dem Weg zu einer interreligiösen Hermeneutik, edited by Ute E. Eisen et al. EXUZ. Münster: Lit Verlag, 2020
This essay provides an introduction to the practice of "Scriptural Reasoning," in which people af... more This essay provides an introduction to the practice of "Scriptural Reasoning," in which people affiliated with different faith traditions meet and discuss texts from those traditions together. Scriptural Reasoning is most often practiced by Jews, Christians, and Muslims, although some groups also have members from other backgrounds. For more information about Scriptural Reasoning, see www.scripturalreasoning.org.
The Dictionary of the Bible and Ancient Media, edited by Tom Thatcher et al. London: Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 2017
With Tobias Nicklas. Discusses early Christian literature as one form of communication among othe... more With Tobias Nicklas. Discusses early Christian literature as one form of communication among others in the early Christian movement. Examines the interaction between written and other media.
Kompendium der frühchristlichen Wundererzählungen, edited by Ruben Zimmermann, et al. Vol. 2: Die Wunder der Apostel. Gütersloh: Gütersloher Verlagshaus, 2017
Analysis and interpretation of a miracle story in the Acts of Philip.
Gegenspieler: Zur Auseinandersetzung mit dem Gegner in frühjüdischer und urchristlicher Literatur, edited by Ulrich Mell and Michael Tilly (WUNT 428), Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2019
I analyze the portrayal of several literary antagonists in the Vercelli Acts of Peter, and their ... more I analyze the portrayal of several literary antagonists in the Vercelli Acts of Peter, and their function within the narrative.
Julia Snyder and Daniel H. Weiss, eds. Scripture and Violence. London: Routledge, 2021
In the public sphere, it is often assumed that acts of violence carried out by Muslims are inspir... more In the public sphere, it is often assumed that acts of violence carried out by Muslims are inspired by their religious commitment and encouraged by the Qur’an. Some people express similar concerns about the scriptures and actions of Christians and Jews. Might they be right? What role do scriptural texts play in motivating and justifying violence in these three traditions?
Scripture and Violence explores the complex relationship between scriptural texts and real-world acts of violence. A variety of issues are addressed, including the prevalent modern tendency to express more concern about other people’s texts and violence than one’s own, to treat interpretation and application of scriptural passages as self-evident, and to assume that the actions of religious people are directly motivated by what they read in scriptures. Contributions come from a diverse group of scholars of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity with varying perspectives on the issues.
Highlighting the complex relationship between texts and human actions, this is an essential read for students and academics studying religion and violence, Abrahamic religions, or scriptural interpretation. Scripture and Violence will also be of interest to researchers working on religion and politics, sociology and anthropology of religion, socio-political approaches to scriptural texts, and issues surrounding religion, secularity, and the public sphere. This volume could also form a basis for discussions in churches, synagogues, mosques, interfaith settings, and government agencies.
“Anti-imperial” readings of ancient texts are popular, but are they right? What does it mean to e... more “Anti-imperial” readings of ancient texts are popular, but are they right? What does it mean to engage in “political” interpretation of ancient texts? What can Biblical scholars learn from Classicists about the emperor cult? These are a few of the questions addressed in this volume. Highlighting the work of scholars in Eastern and Western Europe, it offers fresh perspectives on “political” aspects of early Jewish and Christian texts. Contributions include exegetical studies with literary and historical interests, as well as critical hermeneutical reflection. Essays analyze texts from the Hebrew Bible, Septuagint, and New Testament, plus Josephus and extra-canonical Christian literature.
Like all skilful authors, the composer of the biblical books of Luke and Acts understood that a g... more Like all skilful authors, the composer of the biblical books of Luke and Acts understood that a good story requires more than a gripping plot — a persuasive narrative also needs well-portrayed, plot-enhancing characters. This book brings together a set of new essays examining characters and characterization in those books from a variety of methodological perspectives.
The essays illustrate how narratological, cognitive, sociolinguistic, reader-response, feminist, redaction, reception historical, comparative literature and other approaches can be fruitfully applied to the question of Luke’s techniques of characterization. Theoretical and methodological discussions are complemented with case studies of specific Lukan characters. Together, the essays reflect the understanding that while many of the literary techniques involved in characterization attest a certain universality, each writer also brings his or her own unique perspective and talent to the portrayal and use of characters. Analysis of a writer’s characters and style of characterization can enhance appreciation of that writer’s work.
When a Christian writer refers to Jesus as “the Lord,” what does it signify? Is it primarily a wa... more When a Christian writer refers to Jesus as “the Lord,” what does it signify? Is it primarily a way of making a political or theological statement, or might social concerns have had more influence on the writer's choice of words? Studies of early Christianity regularly depend on a nuanced understanding of lexical significance, but current research often fails to consider social aspects of “what words mean.” Julia A. Snyder argues that methodological improvements are needed in how lexical significance in ancient Greek texts is determined, based on an analysis of the relationship between speech patterns and addressee identity in the Acts of the Apostles, Acts of John, and Acts of Philip. She also illustrates how sociolinguistic variation contributes to characterization and the construction of Christian identity in the narratives, how it sheds light on the rewriting of ancient texts, and how it informs the question of whether apostolic narratives were produced for evangelistic purposes.
What role has the “Old Testament” played in the self-understanding of Christians over the centuri... more What role has the “Old Testament” played in the self-understanding of Christians over the centuries, and what can we learn from the fact that Israel’s scriptures are often cited in early Christian texts? Using the Acts of Philip as a case study, this article argues that we should not assume all early Christian writers thought of these as “my own scriptures.” When we encounter citations from Israel’s scriptures in Christian texts, a variety of interpretive options should be considered, including the possibility that some writers saw Israel’s scriptures as “other people’s scriptures, not ours,” or would have consigned them a limited role in the Christian life, treating them as relevant for apologetics and evangelism—or for talking about apologetics and evangelism—but not for ongoing Christian discipleship. The article offers a new interpretation of Acts Phil. 5–7 and also examines Qur’anic citations in the Dialogue of Timothy I and the Caliph.
Many modern collections of Christian apocrypha group texts under headings such as “gospels,” “act... more Many modern collections of Christian apocrypha group texts under headings such as “gospels,” “acts,” “epistles,” and “apocalypses.” But do these conventional genre categories help or hurt? That question is the focus of this short piece, which draws on a story called the Acts of Christ and Peter in Rome as a case study of a Christian text that breaks the mold of conventional genre categories.
The Cambridge Companion to the New Testament, edited by Patrick Gray, 333–47. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2021
Most modern Christian Bibles have exactly the same set of books in the New Testament. How did the... more Most modern Christian Bibles have exactly the same set of books in the New Testament. How did these particular books end up getting included? And what other books have Christians found valuable over the centuries? This article is a short, accessible introduction to the topic of New Testament canon.
The Oxford Handbook on Pauline Studies, edited by Matthew V. Novenson and R. Barry Matlock. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2022
The apostle Paul is featured as a character in a wide variety of early Christian narratives. This... more The apostle Paul is featured as a character in a wide variety of early Christian narratives. This essay considers first how Paul is portrayed in a number of different story-style narratives, including the Acts of the Apostles, the Acts of Thecla, the Ephesus Act, and two different accounts of Paul’s martyrdom. Attention is drawn to the creative energy storytellers poured into telling tales about the famous apostle. The essay argues that many storytellers seem to have felt free to shape their stories according to their own ingenuity and interests, rather than being preoccupied with producing ‘historically accurate’ accounts. It also highlights a range of factors that may have influenced how Paul is portrayed in any given narrative, including plot concerns, pre-existing traditions about other characters with whom Paul shares the stage, and recourse to stock motifs and story templates. In addition to this exploration of story-style narratives, the essay also examines how Paul functions as an authoritative voice in two narratives of slightly different genres, a fictional letter exchange known as 3 Corinthians or the Corinthian Correspondence, and a tour of the afterlife known as the Apocalypse of Paul.
New Testament Apocrypha: More Noncanonical Scriptures – Volume 3, edited by Tony Burke. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2022
This is an introduction and English translation of a story called the Acts of Christ and Peter in... more This is an introduction and English translation of a story called the Acts of Christ and Peter in Rome.
The Apostles Peter, Paul, John, Thomas and Philip with their Companions in Late Antiquity, edited by Tobias Nicklas et al., 100–17. Leuven: Peeters, 2021
What role might a minority self-perception have played in shaping the things said in early Christ... more What role might a minority self-perception have played in shaping the things said in early Christian texts about sex and marriage? In this essay, I look first at a letter written by the apostle Paul in the first century CE, and then at some slightly later stories about other apostles. I inquire what led Paul to say in 1 Corinthians that it is better for unmarried people not to get married, and argue that concerns about intermarriage with ‘pagans’ may have been an important factor in the mix. Then I suggest that anxieties about intermarriage may also have contributed to the initial emergence of the sexual renunciation topos that appears in so many later stories about the apostles. These stories may not reflect negative attitudes toward sex or marriage per se to the degree that is often thought.
Scripture and Violence, edited by Julia Snyder and Daniel H. Weiss, 1–21. London: Routledge, 2021
This essay briefly surveys some of the many topics that need to be addressed if one wants to thin... more This essay briefly surveys some of the many topics that need to be addressed if one wants to think seriously about “scripture and violence.” I first make general comments about “violence.” What is it? Is it something “religious” communities have a unique responsibility to address? I then explore some questions more specifically about “scripture and violence.” What role do passages from the Bible and the Qur’an play in motivating or justifying violence in the world today? What is involved in interpreting and applying scriptural texts? And what leads people to think or say that those who consider certain scriptures “sacred” might be more inclined to violence – or less inclined to violence – than others? I also introduce the other chapters in the book.
The Reception of Jesus in the First Three Centuries, vol. 2, edited by Jens Schröter and Christine Jacobi. London: Bloomsbury T&T Clark , 2019
This essay explores the reception of Jesus as a character and traditions about Jesus (including n... more This essay explores the reception of Jesus as a character and traditions about Jesus (including now "canonical" traditions) in several stories about the apostles. It remarks on the creative license that storytellers apparently felt to adapt and modify received material, as well as their deployment of Jesus as a character in brand new stories.
Schrift im Streit: Jüdische, christliche und muslimische Perspektiven. Auf dem Weg zu einer interreligiösen Hermeneutik, edited by Ute E. Eisen et al. EXUZ. Münster: Lit Verlag, 2020
This essay provides an introduction to the practice of "Scriptural Reasoning," in which people af... more This essay provides an introduction to the practice of "Scriptural Reasoning," in which people affiliated with different faith traditions meet and discuss texts from those traditions together. Scriptural Reasoning is most often practiced by Jews, Christians, and Muslims, although some groups also have members from other backgrounds. For more information about Scriptural Reasoning, see www.scripturalreasoning.org.
The Dictionary of the Bible and Ancient Media, edited by Tom Thatcher et al. London: Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 2017
With Tobias Nicklas. Discusses early Christian literature as one form of communication among othe... more With Tobias Nicklas. Discusses early Christian literature as one form of communication among others in the early Christian movement. Examines the interaction between written and other media.
Kompendium der frühchristlichen Wundererzählungen, edited by Ruben Zimmermann, et al. Vol. 2: Die Wunder der Apostel. Gütersloh: Gütersloher Verlagshaus, 2017
Analysis and interpretation of a miracle story in the Acts of Philip.
Gegenspieler: Zur Auseinandersetzung mit dem Gegner in frühjüdischer und urchristlicher Literatur, edited by Ulrich Mell and Michael Tilly (WUNT 428), Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2019
I analyze the portrayal of several literary antagonists in the Vercelli Acts of Peter, and their ... more I analyze the portrayal of several literary antagonists in the Vercelli Acts of Peter, and their function within the narrative.
Characters and Characterization in Luke-Acts, edited by Frank E. Dicken and Julia A. Snyder. Library of New Testament Studies 548. London: Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 2016
How do the words attributed to characters in dialogue reflect the social structure of the story w... more How do the words attributed to characters in dialogue reflect the social structure of the story world? This essay draws on insights from Sociolinguistics to investigate the “social overtones” of characters'’ words in the Vaticanus and Bezan versions of Acts. It shows that while characters in Vaticanus are given words that have the potential to evoke their own social location or that of their addressees (highlighting, e.g., their Christian identity or Judean affiliation), Bezae sometimes has more neutral variants. Vaticanus, thus, exploits the sociolinguistic potential of dialogue to contribute to characterization to a greater degree.
In Julia A. Snyder and Korinna Zamfir, eds., in cooperation with Spencer Healey, Reading the Political in Jewish and Christian Texts (BiTS 38), 227-256. Leuven: Peeters, 2020
This essay discusses political perspectives in several extrabiblical stories about the apostles: ... more This essay discusses political perspectives in several extrabiblical stories about the apostles: the Acts of Peter, Acts of Thekla, Acts of Paul (Ephesus and Martyrdom episodes), and Acts of John at Rome. It investigates the literary function of references to political figures, observing that their presence both decorates the literary backdrop and serves to advance the plot. The essay also argues that these narratives should not be described as "anti-imperial," drawing on Philostratus' Life of Apollonius of Tyana as a reference text.
Scholars of reception history often look to extra-canonical narratives about the apostles for evi... more Scholars of reception history often look to extra-canonical narratives about the apostles for evidence that the canonical Acts of the Apostles influenced later Christian literary output. This is particularly the case for those seeking to understand the enigmatic “we” narrators of the Acts of the Apostles and Acts of John. This article reevaluates the internal (first person) narrator of the Acts of John and argues that the widespread scholarly characterization of its narrative voice as “sporadic” constitutes a misreading of the text. Scholarly study of the canonical Acts of the Apostles has influenced interpretation of the later work. Also considered are questions of genre, referential claims, literary dependence, and the reasons why “we” narration has been employed.
Between Canonical and Apocryphal Texts: Processes of Reception, Rewriting and Interpretation in Early Judaism and Early Christianity (WUNT), edited by Jörg Frey, Claire Clivaz, and Tobias Nicklas, 2018
It is often assumed that the so-called "apocryphal acts" represent reception history of the canon... more It is often assumed that the so-called "apocryphal acts" represent reception history of the canonical Acts of the Apostles. Do they? I revisit the issues.
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Books by Julia Snyder
Scripture and Violence explores the complex relationship between scriptural texts and real-world acts of violence. A variety of issues are addressed, including the prevalent modern tendency to express more concern about other people’s texts and violence than one’s own, to treat interpretation and application of scriptural passages as self-evident, and to assume that the actions of religious people are directly motivated by what they read in scriptures. Contributions come from a diverse group of scholars of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity with varying perspectives on the issues.
Highlighting the complex relationship between texts and human actions, this is an essential read for students and academics studying religion and violence, Abrahamic religions, or scriptural interpretation. Scripture and Violence will also be of interest to researchers working on religion and politics, sociology and anthropology of religion, socio-political approaches to scriptural texts, and issues surrounding religion, secularity, and the public sphere. This volume could also form a basis for discussions in churches, synagogues, mosques, interfaith settings, and government agencies.
The essays illustrate how narratological, cognitive, sociolinguistic, reader-response, feminist, redaction, reception historical, comparative literature and other approaches can be fruitfully applied to the question of Luke’s techniques of characterization. Theoretical and methodological discussions are complemented with case studies of specific Lukan characters. Together, the essays reflect the understanding that while many of the literary techniques involved in characterization attest a certain universality, each writer also brings his or her own unique perspective and talent to the portrayal and use of characters. Analysis of a writer’s characters and style of characterization can enhance appreciation of that writer’s work.
Papers by Julia Snyder
Scripture and Violence explores the complex relationship between scriptural texts and real-world acts of violence. A variety of issues are addressed, including the prevalent modern tendency to express more concern about other people’s texts and violence than one’s own, to treat interpretation and application of scriptural passages as self-evident, and to assume that the actions of religious people are directly motivated by what they read in scriptures. Contributions come from a diverse group of scholars of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity with varying perspectives on the issues.
Highlighting the complex relationship between texts and human actions, this is an essential read for students and academics studying religion and violence, Abrahamic religions, or scriptural interpretation. Scripture and Violence will also be of interest to researchers working on religion and politics, sociology and anthropology of religion, socio-political approaches to scriptural texts, and issues surrounding religion, secularity, and the public sphere. This volume could also form a basis for discussions in churches, synagogues, mosques, interfaith settings, and government agencies.
The essays illustrate how narratological, cognitive, sociolinguistic, reader-response, feminist, redaction, reception historical, comparative literature and other approaches can be fruitfully applied to the question of Luke’s techniques of characterization. Theoretical and methodological discussions are complemented with case studies of specific Lukan characters. Together, the essays reflect the understanding that while many of the literary techniques involved in characterization attest a certain universality, each writer also brings his or her own unique perspective and talent to the portrayal and use of characters. Analysis of a writer’s characters and style of characterization can enhance appreciation of that writer’s work.