Luke: A Social Identity Commentary

(Hardback)

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In this commentary, Robert L. Brawley provides comprehensive coverage of issues and concerns related to Luke from the perspective of social identity. He argues that the Gospel of Luke is strongly concerned with the formation of identity from the very start of the text, which aims at the creation of a socially responsible community in continuity with that communitys collective past. Brawley establishes a theoretical framework that focuses his interpretation - ranging from the narrative world and sociological issues to postcolonialism and hierarchies of dominance - and uses these perspectives to provide a clear overview of historical and critical issues related to an understanding of Luke. He then provides a thorough outline of and commentary on the text of the Gospel. Brawleys engagement with the text serves as an invaluable resource for scholars, students, clergy, and others interested in their own discoveries of the resources of Luke.

Reviews

Robert Brawley provides an invaluable contribution to Lukan scholarship by offering a reading of Lukes text through the lens of social identity theory; such a lens not only illuminates Lukes Gospel, but offers a methodological framework for illuminating other New Testament texts as well. I heartily recommend this commentary to the specialist and non-specialist alike. * Brittany E. Wilson, Duke University Divinity School, USA *
A fresh, stimulating construal of Lukes Gospel; drawing on social identity theory but firmly anchored in a nuanced understanding of narrative analysis as practiced by those who see texts as social constructions of reality, rather than mimetic representations of some presumed ontic reality. This commentarys interpretations focus on the interplay between the language of the text and the complex social dynamics reflected in the text, and how this interpretive calculus functions in forming the identity of those who produced these texts and heard them read or performed. * Carl R. Holladay, Emory University, USA *
Identity and collective memory help to illumine, but do not overwhelm, this reading of Lukes Gospel. Instead, we are treated to an interpretation of Luke that foregrounds Lukes narrative even while it attends to the ancient cultural encyclopedia and is shaped by contemporary interests. Robert Brawleys important contributions to Lukan scholarship span some three decades. What a gift, then, that he has written this full commentary on the Third Gospel. * Joel B. Green, Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Fuller Theological Seminary, USA *
Robert Brawley has written a book that practices exactly what historical-critical exegesis should be for. His Social Identity Commentary on the Gospel of Luke does not confine itself to a mere reconstruction of the past, but it unlocks the text in a way that makes it speak to todays readers. It enables them to become aware of their own social identity, and by this they are drawn into Lukes story of Jesus. Due to its richness of exegetical suggestions and hermeneutical insights, this commentary represents a very promising beginning of a highly interesting series. It is to be hoped for that it will find many readers. * Michael Wolter, The University of Bonn, Germany *

Author Bio

Robert L. Brawley is the Albert G. McGraw Professor Emeritus of New Testament at McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, USA.