Description: 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. Crossans 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 Meyers 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.
Brief description: Donald L. Denton is Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies at Westmont College, California.
Review Quotes:
""...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
"'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 ""...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