Modern Genre Theory: An Introduction for Biblical Studies

by Andrew Judd Narrated by Les Horovitz

Overview

How a better understanding of genre leads to a better understanding of the biblical text.

The Bible, with its gloriously rich diversity of ancient genres, demands a flexible and historically aware approach to genre. Different conceptions of narrative, poetry, gospel, epistle, wisdom, and apocalyptic texts lead to vastly different readings, and our disagreements about what the Bible means often boil down to different assumptions about what the biblical text is. As secular genre theory has experienced a recent renaissance, biblical studies has been left in the dark ages of rigid taxonomies and stubborn essentialism.

The Bible deserves better.

This book offers students in biblical studies an accessible but comprehensive introduction to modern genre theory, providing access to literary tools for understanding how writers and readers use genre to make meaning.

Modern Genre Theory describes the current state of biblical genre theory (as well as the meaning of form criticism and why it needs to die). Scholar of biblical hermeneutics Andrew Judd then presents a better alternative of interpretation based on the best developments in secular literary theory, linguistics, and rhetorical studies.

Drawing on advancements in modern genre theory, Judd:

• Proposes a working definition of genre for biblical studies.
• Identifies twelve tenets of modern genre theory that follow from seeing genres in their historical and social context.
• Offers eight case studies in biblical exegesis to show how a better understanding of genre leads to a better understanding of the Bible.

From the creation accounts of Genesis to the visions of Revelation, it is important to get a handle on genre. This book offers a way to reading the Bible better.

Tables, discussion questions, further reading, and a glossary can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download.

Editorial Reviews

Ellen F. Davis

'Reading this book is like being in the room with the best kind of teacher: learned but not stuffy, someone who knows the scholarly territory and its pitfalls and has a sure instinct for the right kind of question to ask of a biblical text. Andrew Judd's book should be heavily used; it makes biblical studies as interesting, fun, and intellectually freeing as it should be.'

Brandon Hurlbert

'Andrew Judd has written a profoundly helpful introduction on Modern Genre Theory that will be a resource to both scholars and those just beginning their engagement with scripture. With witty prose and scholarly rigour, Judd offers an insightful critique of how the field of biblical studies has disastrously misunderstood how genre works. The book offers a constructive way forward by pairing discussions on theory with engaging examples from biblical literature. Easily the best and most fun book on literary theory you will ever read.'

R. W. L. Moberly

'In this remarkable and eye-opening book, Andrew Judd is both learned and accessible, scholarly and popular. Any and every student of the Bible should read it, as they will understand the whole Bible better as a result.'

Andrew T. Abernethy

'Like toddlers, we interpreters have been babbling about genre for some time, but Andrew Judd has given us a book that will help us mature. This will soon be the go-to book for students and scholars on genre theory and its import for biblical studies. Engaging, informative, and accessible—highly recommended!'

Graeme Goldsworthy

'How human language works, particularly in its written form, is a concern that Bible readers cannot ignore. The analysis of the various genres of biblical literature is part and parcel of reading and understanding the Bible. Andrew Judd has done us a great service by identifying the issues that face us in dealing with biblical texts. Writing in engagingly accessible prose, he unravels some of the major genres and carefully lays out the ways and means that ordinary Christians can use to distinguish the various ways biblical texts convey God's word to us in our own time.'

John J. Collins

'This is a lively, engaging, and sometimes provocative review of modern genre theory and its relevance for biblical studies.'

Jeannine Brown

'A robust genre theory has been woefully neglected in biblical studies. So argues Andrew Judd in Modern Genre Theory. I agree and heartily commend his book to all scholars and students of the Bible. But don't be misdirected by its title. While the book does indeed address genre theory, it introduces theory in so captivating a way that you'll hardly recognize the genre. Judd deftly weaves theory—drawn from linguistic and rhetorical domains—with a multitude of illustrations, analogies, and practical applications to biblical genres. Judd's witty register, often humorous examples, and clear prose make this an enjoyable, as well as an essential, read for biblical hermeneutics.'

Stanley E. Porter

'The question of genre is a recurring and nagging problem of textual interpretation. Andrew Judd addresses the major issues head on and provides a summary of the major theories, as well as an explication of major examples. One of the bonuses of the book is a clear introduction to some important recent theorizing about genre from a linguistic standpoint that appreciates situational context. This book should prove insightful and helpful for those desiring a timely introduction to the important field of genre studies.'

Rev. Dr. Michael F. Bird

'Forget what you think you know about biblical studies and genre! Dr. Andrew Judd shows us that genre theory is way more complicated than people think and yet he explains concisely and clearly how genres work, how they apply in biblical studies, and why we really need to know about literary genres if we want to understand Genesis 1 or Revelation 22. An outstanding book and a must-read for anyone who wants to know how to understand the Bible in its diverse literary expressions.'

John Frow

'Andrew Judd's exposition of contemporary genre theory is at once a lucid summary of the state of the art and an illuminating intervention in the field of biblical studies.'

J. R. Martin

'This witty accessible introduction to genre is a delight to read. Although addressed to scholars in biblical studies, it richly deserves a wider readership — who can draw on its scholarship and appreciate its pedagogic finesse. I can't think of a better guide to modern approaches to genre.'

Patrick Schreiner

'This book is as fun to read as it is precise. Too many still work from outdated theories on genre. Judd's book helpfully moves the conversation forward by introducing the insights gained from modern genre theory. He does so in a way that is not reactive but measured; he not only speaks of theory but applies theory to specific texts. I have now found my new favorite book on genre and will encourage all who study the Bible to read it and learn from it.'

Constantine R. Campbell

'Genre is at the heart of reading and reading is at the heart of knowing and understanding the Scriptures. If you don't have a handle on genre, good luck with reading the Bible well. Andrew Judd's Modern Genre Theory is therefore a gift to students, professors, and, well, anyone who wants to read the Bible well. With a mix of flair, humour, scholarship, and immense clarity, this book is the most helpful introduction to genre theory for readers of the Bible. It is a great exemplar of its genre!'

John Anthony Dunne

'Modern Genre Theory is not a dry or stuffy book about genre. Andy Judd writes with such a delightfully friendly tone, making this very informative book not only filled with clarity and insight, but also wit and humor. I highly recommend this book, which you could expect from the genre of book endorsement, but I truly mean it because I derived so much enjoyment from learning more about genre!'

Product Details

BN ID:	2940191403281
Publisher:	Zondervan Academic
Publication date:	07/02/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged

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