Jesus Christ in History and Scripture highlights two related bases for the current revolution in Jesus studies: (1) a critically-chastened world view that is satisfied with provisional results and (2) a creative (or "poetic") use of the sources of study of Jesus.

The existence of suffering poses an obvious problem for the monotheistic religions. Why does an all-powerful, benevolent God allow humans to suffer? And given that God does, what is the appropriate human response? In modern times Jewish theologians in particular, faced with the enormity of the Holocaust, have struggled to come to grips with these issues. In Responses to Suffering in Classical Rabbinic Literature, David Kraemer offers the first comprehensive history of teachings related to suffering in rabbinic literature of the ancient world. The age of formative Judaism was filled with suffering for its people. From the conquering of Palestine by Rome, and the destruction of the Temple at Jerusalem, to persecution at the hands of Hadrian, Jewish faith in a just and merciful God was tested repeatedly. The seemingly unjustified affliction elicited varying responses from rabbis. Beginning with the Mishnah (c. 200 C.E.), Kraemer examines traditions on suffering, divine justice, national catastrophe, and the like, in all major rabbinic works of late antiquity. The earliest rabbinic works, Kraemer shows, adhere to the "orthodox" biblical opinion which sees suffering as punishment for sins. But rabbis quickly began to record other explanations and responses. Palestinian rabbinic tradition, even at the end of this period, condemns any who would question or deny God's justice. In contrast, the Babylonian Talmud permits such questioning, itself giving voice to lengthy deliberations which reject the efficacy of suffering and question the justice of some suffering which humans are forced to endure. Bringing to bear recent methods in the history of religions, literary criticism, canonical criticism, and the sociology of religion, Kraemer offers an analysis of the development of attitudes that are central to and remain contemporary concerns of any religious society.

This one-stop reference book on the vital relationship between Scripture and ethics offers needed orientation and perspective for students, pastors, and scholars. Written to respond to the movement among biblical scholars and ethicists to recover the Bible for moral formation, it is the best reference work available on the intersection of these two fields. The volume shows how Christian Scripture and Christian ethics are necessarily intertwined and offers up-to-date treatment of five hundred biblical, traditional, and contemporary topics, ranging from adultery, bioethics, and Colossians to vegetarianism, work, and Zephaniah. The stellar ecumenical list of contributors consists of more than two hundred leading scholars from the fields of biblical studies and ethics, including Darrell Bock, David Gushee, Amy Laura Hall, Daniel Harrington, Dennis Olson, Christine Pohl, Glen Stassen, and Max Stackhouse.

Susan Garrett focuses on the theme of the temptation and testing of Jesus, as reflected in the Gospel of Mark, arguing that by his endurance Jesus opened up the path and provides the example for those who follow the "way of the Lord.

Suffering, while part of the human condition, is a state of being we would rather ignore. L. Ann Jervis here presents a convincing argument that human suffering is worth considering, and she offers the words of Paul as proof. Paul's insights into the predicament and significance of suffering provide the foundation for some of Christianity's most profound and unique contributions to understanding human life. Examination of three of his letters -- Thessalonians, Philippians, and Romans -- reveals his important reflections on accepting the suffering of believers with the conviction that, even as we suffer, God's plan for creation does not include suffering, and God will ultimately banish it. As a result, believing sufferers are not victims of suffering. Jervis hopes that hearing Paul's words on suffering in a fresh light may allow readers to be deeply marked, like the saints and shapers of Christianity, by the power of a gospel of which it is not necessary to be ashamed, precisely because it is not easy but transformative.

The Understanding the Bible Commentary Series helps readers navigate the strange and sometimes intimidating literary terrain of the Bible. These accessible volumes break down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers. The contributors tackle the task of interpretation using the full range of critical methodologies and practices, yet they do so as people of faith who hold the text in the highest regard. Pastors, teachers, and lay people alike will cherish the truth found in this commentary series.