Historiography and Hermeneutics in Jesus Studies: An Examinaiton of the Work of John Dominic Crossan and Ben F. Meyer

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This work identifies two distinct methodological approaches in Jesus studies, as represented by the work of two prominent historical Jesus scholars, Dominic Crossan and Ben Meyer. Crossan's work is the apotheosis of a venerable approach centered on "tradition criticism." Meyer offered a critique of this approach in the form of a historiographic "holism." This work brings Meyer's proposals to light in a sharp comparison with the historiographic assumptions he criticized. It goes beyond Meyer, recognizing the full significance of narrativity in historical method.

Reviews

"...if you want to see what a thoughtful, modernist historical critic has to say that is critical of biblical historical criticism- i.e., from within', as it were. Or if you're looking for succinct, insightful discussion of the views of either Crossan or Meyer. The book is generally well written... There is a helpful introduction and an extensive bibliography, and indexes of names and biblical citations."- George Aichele, The Bible and Critical Theory, Vol. 2, Number 1, 2006 -- George Aichele
'The author examines the work of two historical Jesus scholars who stand out in the field for their rigorous attention to method, and makes a case for the late BEn Meyer;s method as presenting advances over that of Crossan.' ~ International Review of Biblical Studies, vol 51, 2004/05
'This book is a must read for anyone interested in historical Jesus research...for its analyses thereof. In fact, it must count as one of the finest explorations of historiography in Jesus research.' ~ Pieter F Craffert, Neotestamentica 40.1 (2006) -- Pieter F Craffert
"Donald L. Denton has written a helpful book which presents the case for holism', broadly conceived, in a convincing and interesting way, and in so doing makes a number of acute remarks about the two scholars with whom he is principally concerned." James Carleton Paget, University of Cambridge, The Journal of Theological Studies
"...Denton provides an in-depth analysis of historiography that includes discussion not only of Crossan and Meyer but of other significant Jesus scholars as well. I highly recommend this book to those interested in NT historiography and for specialists in the field of historical Jesus studies." - Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society * Journal of Evangelical Theological Society *

Author Bio

Donald L. Denton is Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies at Westmont College, California.