Description
The volumes in Belief: A Theological Commentary on the Bible from Westminster John Knox Press offer a fresh and invigorating approach to all the books of the Bible. Building on a wide range of sources from biblical studies and the Christian tradition, noted scholars focus less on traditional historical and literary angles in favor of a theologically focused commentary that considers the contemporary relevance of the texts. This series is an invaluable resource for those who want to probe beyond the backgrounds and words of biblical texts to their deep theological meanings for the
church today.
William Placher’s inaugural volume in this exciting series offers theological perspectives on what most scholars believe to be the earliest Gospel—the Gospel of Mark. The result is an accessibly written theological commentary focusing on the questions Mark’s Gospel raises for us today. This is sure to be of immense value for all who want to hear the astonishing story Mark tells about “the good news of Jesus Christ” (Mark 1:1).
Praise for the Series
“One could not ask for a better introduction to this promising series than William Placher’s commentary on Mark. As one of the original editors, Placher knew what was needed and has now given us a great gift in his powerful interpretation of the Gospel of Mark. Clarity, verve, humor, and deep faith pervade this study. I could not put it down.” —Patrick D. Miller, Charles T. Haley Professor of Old Testament Theology Emeritus, Princeton Theological Seminary
“This welcome series holds great promise for a new engagement between biblical texts and constructive theology. Readers can anticipate a great deal that may be both fresh and faithful.” —Walter Brueggemann, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament Emeritus, Columbia Theological Seminary
“The series offers an impressive variety of theological voices representing a broad range of traditions, styles, and locations, all asking what the upshot of the biblical texts is for pressing theological issues in our day, both issues that
are perennial and issues that are peculiar to “modernity.” For anyone who wants to think about what the Bible has to say to theological discussions today, the voices within this series will be as arresting and provocative as the variety of voices within the Bible itself.” —David H. Kelsey, Luther A. Weigle Professor of Theology Emeritus, Yale University Divinity School
“An outstanding lineup of respected theologians shares with us their perspectives on the theological dimensions of the texts that are the primary source for the church’s witness. Every volume should be eagerly anticipated.” —Bruce C. Birch, Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Theology, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC
Reviews
"As one who preaches regularly and teaches both clergy and laity, I find the Belief series to be just the kind of resource I depend upon for my own preparation and to recommend to adults who wish to move carefully through a book of the Bible. The approach is scholarly rich, theologically nuanced, and accessible to the thoughtful reader."
—Patricia J. Lull, Bishop of the Saint Paul Area Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
"For the preacher who seeks to do justice not only to biblical texts in all their complexity, but also to the richness of historical and contemporary theology, the Belief series offers a vital new tool."
—Maxwell Grant, Senior Minister, Second Congregational Church of Greenwich, United Church of Christ
"Again and again, the careful scholarship and liveliness of the witness of each author have not only brought theological insight, but also new frameworks for preaching and looking at my own life of faith. This is an excellent series, the best one I have found for parish ministry."
—Kelly Nelson, Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Crawfordsville, Indiana
"I highly recommend the Belief series! The authors are widely respected theologians who aid pastors and teaching by bringing the biblical text into creative theological conversation with contemporary concerns."
—Roy Howard, Pastor, St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, North Bethesda, Maryland
"As a retired Campus Pastor, I have read only Mark, by the late, much lamented William C. Placher of Wabash College, but if others in the series are even nearly as good, buy them!"
—Steve Shoemaker, Ph.D., Religion, Duke (Theology & Literature) Presbyterian Campus Minister, NCSU, 1973-81, Univ. of Illinois, 1981-2008