Historical Dictionary of Jesus
By (author) Daniel J. Harrington, SJ
Publication date:
06 August 2010Length of book:
206 pagesPublisher
Scarecrow PressDimensions:
228x148mm6x9"
ISBN-13: 9780810876675
Jesus of Nazareth is arguably the most famous and influential human being who has ever lived on earth. In the Historical Dictionary of Jesus, author Daniel J. Harrington delves into the ancient literary sources about Jesus, modern methods of approaching these sources, the major events in Jesus' life, persons and places associated with him, the form and content of his teachings, what can be said about his death and the claim that he was raised from the dead, and the contributions of major modern scholars to the quest of the historical Jesus.
The book consists of three parts: an introduction to the major topics pertaining to Jesus as a historical figure; a cross-referenced dictionary containing 400 entries on a range of topics, including things Jesus did and said, ancient sources of historical data, and modern scholarship and interpretation; and a bibliography listing some of the most important books related to Jesus and the world in which he lived. This concise and objective reference work provides a clear and accurate introduction to the study of Jesus as a historical figure.
The book consists of three parts: an introduction to the major topics pertaining to Jesus as a historical figure; a cross-referenced dictionary containing 400 entries on a range of topics, including things Jesus did and said, ancient sources of historical data, and modern scholarship and interpretation; and a bibliography listing some of the most important books related to Jesus and the world in which he lived. This concise and objective reference work provides a clear and accurate introduction to the study of Jesus as a historical figure.
Jesus of Nazareth has had an enormous impact on human history. Yet just about all the information we have about him is contained in documents that were written some time after his death by authors who regarded him as more than a Jewish peasant turned religious teacher. Harrington, a noted biblical scholar, takes on the daunting task of reconstructing the life and teachings of Jesus in some 400 brief entries. The people, places, and events in Jesus’ life are covered in entries such as Galilee, Mary Magdalene, and Trial of Jesus. Some scholars view the parables of Jesus as presenting his actual teachings and possibly his very own words, so many (e.g., Good Samaritan, parable of the) are included. Such topics as Humor, Money, and Table fellowship further describe Jesus’ teachings and the manner in which he taught. Although the dictionary is not intended as an apologetic work, theological topics such as Incarnation, Logos, and Son of Man are mentioned in the source documents so therefore merit inclusion. One of the most interesting entries and also one of the longest is Jewish interpretations of Jesus, wherein Jewish perspectives over the centuries are introduced. A concise introductory essay gives an overview of 'the major topics pertaining to Jesus as a historical figure,' and the dictionary concludes with a bibliography of recommended works.... Historical Dictionary of Jesus is a fine place to start for accessible and authoritative information. Recommended for theological, research, and large public libraries.