"...destined to be a standard text and reference book in Catholic circles for many years to come" --Emmanuel Published to widespread critical acclaim, this is an impressive and sweeping study of the New Testament canon: the preeminent source of Christian doctrine and the center of scholarly discussion/controversy for decades. Introduction to the New Testament presents the full spectrum of thought regarding the New Testament with clarity and completeness, and in a welcome and prestigious entry to this most important field of study. Marked by thorough research, Collins's study covers the formation of the New Testament and the history of its research; the various exegetical methods used on the twenty-seven books that comprise the New Testament, explaining the methods and giving examples of each one's use. A concluding section gives an overview of New Testament exegesis in the Catholic Church today, including the latest developments within different schools of interpretation. Throughout, Collins emphasizes inspiration and its part in Catholic biblical studies. In its Image paperback edition, this volume will be welcomed by a broad spectrum of scholars, students, teachers and interested laity. It is, as John Meier remarks in the book's Introduction, "one of the most important contributions to American biblical studies in the last few decades."
Collins's book is an excellent introduction to biblical exegesis. Covers the basics -- text criticism, form criticism, etc. -- in a clear and readable style. Presents good examples, and also discusses the various codices, their late discovery compared to the KJV, and impact on biblical scholarship. I have read enough biblical criticism to recognize a classic when I see one. Collins is, as I recall, a priest, so he is not hostile to the subject, nor offensive to the believer. He just presents the nature and results of good scholarly criticism. If only someone would put this out in paperback! This book started me on a 5 year exploration. If you are lucky, it will be at a library near you.
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