The Fifth Gospel: Isaiah in the History of Christianity

New
Paperback
1996
$59.91

There is currently much interest in the history of interpretation, reader-response and the sociology of sacred texts - in what the text does as much as what it means. Isaiah, 'more evangelist than prophet' according to Jerome and others, provides an ideal case study, because of his profound influence on the language and imagery of Christianity. With illustrations from art, music, literature and the media as well as commentaries, sermons and official church pronouncements, Professor Sawyer shows how Isaiah has been used in all kinds of context, from the cult of the Virgin Mary, mediaeval passion iconography and antisemitic propaganda to Christian feminism and liberation theology. This first attempt at a comprehensive critical study of an essential part of biblical interpretation will provide a model for further research, and ensure that commentaries will never be the same again.

Synopsis

There is currently much interest in the history of interpretation, reader-response and the sociology of sacred texts - in what the text does as much as what it means. Isaiah, 'more evangelist than prophet' according to Jerome and others, provides an ideal case study, because of his profound influence on the language and imagery of Christianity. With illustrations from art, music, literature and the media as well as commentaries, sermons and official church pronouncements, Professor Sawyer shows how Isaiah has been used in all kinds of context, from the cult of the Virgin Mary, mediaeval passion iconography and antisemitic propaganda to Christian feminism and liberation theology. This first attempt at a comprehensive critical study of an essential part of biblical interpretation will provide a model for further research, and ensure that commentaries will never be the same again.

$59.91

Quantity

10 in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 332
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 21 Mar 1996
ISBN 10: 0521565960
ISBN 13: 9780521565967
Book Overview: New type of commentary on Isaiah's continuing influence on language and imagery.

Media Reviews

'... a fascinating work of exploration, so rich that summary is quite impossible.' The Expository Times
'... John Sawyer writes engagingly, taking the reader on a cultural journey through time and over geographical, literary, gender and subject barriers.' Timothy Lim, Church Times
'Sawyer evidences his skill with exegetical, historical, theological and artisitic dimensions of the text. The reader of his book is invited, with enormous effectiveness, into the interpretive practice of the church, whose imaginative use of the Isaiah text is indeed a dense one. Sawyer illuminates that density in a manner which will enliven our own re-reading of the text, as a church willing to exercise courage, sensitivity and inventiveness in our own time.' Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur
...Sawyer's new book is unusually important for at least two reasons. In the first place Sawyer presents a fascinating survey of the book of Isaiah's contribution to Christian history....At the same time, Sawyer pushes the boundaries of traditional biblical studies by pursuing Isaiah in terms not of its original meanings, but of its influence as Christian literature....one can easily lose oneself in the sheer volume of evidence Sawyer introduces. In this case, losing oneself can be a joy due to the richness of Sawyer's sources and the artful way he weaves them together. Catholic Issues
[Sawyer's] coverage is extensive, his mastery of varied material is impressive, and he is laudably sensitive to the issue of anti-Jewish polemic....should be added to all collections that support serious study of the bible as a document of multiple meanings and continuing relevance. Choice
The Fifth Gospel is a success. It is clearly written, informative, and a pleasure to browse. The reader will certainly share Sawyer's hope that the book will prod future writers to expand the conception of the critical biblical commentary to include, in some fashion, the histroy of interpretation....the book offers a pleasurable window onto the riches of biblical in the Christian tradition, one that will prove attractive to clergy, laity, student, and teacher alike. The handsomely produced book includes 38 black-and-white plates, and a useful index of biblical passages that allows the reader to investigate the interpretation of nearly every verse in the book of Isaiah. R. Kendall Soulen, Anglican Theological Review
Enthusiatically recommended to theologians and church historians, as well as the biblical scholars for whom it was intended. Barbara Pitkin, Religious Studies Review
...Sawyer has produced an extremely useful book for both pastors and teachers. The book contains a vast amount of information about the interpretation of both individual texts and larger sections of the prophecy which will be of use to pastors as they prepare sermons and especially Bible classes. Tim Saleska, Concordia