Jesus in History, Legend, Scripture, and Tradition: A World Encyclopedia [2 volumes]

by Leslie Houlden, Antone Minard

Overview

This multifaceted work contextualizes Jesus in religion and culture by bringing together articles on folklore, history, literature, philosophy, popular culture, and theology.

Many books have been written about Jesus, but this two-volume work takes a different approach than most. What sets it apart is that it emphasizes Jesus' lasting impact on world history and his legacy in the imagination over 2,000 years. Written as an introduction, the encyclopedia is equally suitable for Christians who wish to better understand the history and philosophy of their religion and for non-Christians who wish to grasp Christianity in its historical and social contexts.

Alphabetically arranged entries cover representations of Jesus in the bible and the writings of key theologians, examining the essentials of philosophical and religious views across history. The set also includes hundreds of entries that reflect on the role Jesus has played in popular culture and contemporary vernacular religion—perspectives that are not usually placed alongside theology. Through the encyclopedia, students will see how artists, writers, philosophers, church figures, and others have imagined Jesus and been influenced by their perceptions of him. At the same time, primary documents will encourage students to compare and contrast ideas and evaluate arguments that have arisen over 20 centuries.

• Offers hundreds of alphabetically arranged entries that detail the presence of Jesus in world civilization and creative works over the last 2,000 years, showing how religion informs world history and culture
• Includes some 40 primary documents to provide firsthand accounts of the influence of Jesus on world history and culture
• Presents an extensive selection of images to help students visualize key topics
• Supports the Common Core State Standards by promoting critical thinking skills
• Supports National Center for History in Schools (NCHS) content standards for world history, particularly those related to the origins and influence of Christianity: Era 3, Standard 3B; Era 4, Standard 4A; Era 5, Standard 2C; Era 6, Standard 2B

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781610698030
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	06/23/2015
Pages:	768
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.40(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Leslie Houlden is an Anglican priest and a retired professor of the University of London.

Antone Minard, PhD, is lecturer in the Department of Humanities at Simon Fraser University and in the Department of Classical, Near Eastern, and Religious Studies at the University of British Columbia.

Editorial Reviews

"In retaining much of the original content, the revised edition stands on a firm foundation. The new content may broaden the work’s appeal. Recommended for academic and large public libraries." - Booklist

"The quality of the content is good, above all for use in an academic (college library, early years of university) setting. . . . As a desk reference work it would be a useful addition to the working theologian or priest/minister engaged in church and community work." - Reference Reviews

"Summing Up: Recommended. Undergraduates and general readers." - Choice

From the Publisher

★ 04/15/2016
Houlden, an Anglican priest and retired professor of the University of London, and Minard (dept. of humanities, Simon Frasier Univ.; dept. of classical, near Eastern, & religious studies, Univ. of British Columbia; The Celts: History, Life, and Culture) deliver a well-written, comprehensive new edition of this encyclopedia dealing with the theology, history, and culture of the person of Jesus Christ. The entries explain the major controversies and themes surrounding Jesus as well as his impact upon all aspects of our culture—both historic and current. In the 2003 edition, Houlden states, "This encyclopedia focuses on as many aspects as possible of the phenomenon of Jesus in the past 2,000 years: first, as a figure of the first century; then as the object of both thought and devotion in every succeeding period, giving rise to both brilliance and complexity; also as a major influence and subject in art, music, and literature, down to the present." The current editor, Minard, updated, expanded, and slightly shifted the emphasis of the entries from a British outlook to a more global perspective. The combined work of the editors has accomplished their vision without bogging down casual readers or short-changing researchers. The selections concentrate clearly on the character of Jesus, not Christianity or other theological topics. While this is necessary, it can cause some entries (such as "Teresa of Avila") to feel incomplete, since the text omits other details that might provide fuller context. Overall, the summaries are succinct and readable. Useful features include a topical list of entries, numerous cross-references, a general bibliography, entry-specific bibliographies, and an appendix of 18 primary sources from the first to the early 20th century. VERDICT Scholars and laypersons alike interested in Jesus Christ will find this an excellent choice. For academic and public libraries.—Ray Arnett, Fremont Area Dist. Lib., MI

Library Journal