Publisher Description

Philip Davies argues that the Bible may belong to the church or synagogue as an instrument of religious practice, but as an object of academic study it belongs to the world as a whole and as such can function in theory and practice as a secular discourse. A number of exegetical studies suggests that a genuinely academic discourse about biblical writings—one that distances itself from received canons of interpretation—can expose a subtext of deceit within the Creation narratives, re-conceptualize the relationship between Abraham and his deity, reveal lament psalms as texts of oppression, and identify the death of Daniel's God.In a new chapter, Davies evaluates how the film Monty Python's Life of Brian contributes to "life of Jesus" research. Here is a challenge to conventional biblical scholarship and a bid to define and establish a genuine academic discipline of biblical studies.

Author Biography

Philip R. Davies is Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at the University of Sheffield, UK.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: About this BookChapter 2: Two Nations, One WombChapter 3: What is a Bible?Chapter 4: Who to Believe?Chapter 5: Male Bonding: A Tale of Two BuddiesChapter 6: 'Take it to the Lord in Prayer': The Peasants LamentChapter 7: Daniel Sees the Death of GodChapter 8: Life of Brian Research

Review

"...Davies appears to be addressing a more advanced scholar. His book is as timely and controversial now as it was when he write it, and if you haven't read it yet, you should."- George Aichele, The Bible and Critical Theory, Vol. 1, Number 3, 2005

Long Description

Do religious writings make sense to any reader who does not accept the reality of the deities to which they refer? Do Christians understand the Old Testament better than the Jews understand their Bible'....The Bible, argues this book, may belong to the Church or synagogue as an instrument of religious practice, but as an object of academic study it belongs to the world as a whole., and as such can function in theory and practice as a secular discourse.....A number of exegetical studies suggests that a genuinely academic discourse about biblical writings - one that distances itself from received canons of interpretation - can expose a subtext of deceit within the Creation narratives, re-conceptualize the relationship between Abraham and his deity, reveal lament psalms as texts of oppression, and identify the death of Daniel's God.....In a new chapter, Davies evaluates how the film Monty Python's Life of Brian contributes to 'Life of Jesus' research. Here is a challenge to conventional biblical scholarship and a bid to define and establish a genuine academic discipline of biblical studies.

Review Quote

"...Davies appears to be addressing a more advanced scholar. His book is as timely and controversial now as it was when he write it, and if you haven't read it yet, you should."- George Aichele, The Bible and Critical Theory, Vol. 1, Number 3, 2005

Details