The Stories of Jesus' Birth: A Critical Introduction

by Edwin D. Freed

Overview

Freed's highly accessible introduction, directed at students and interested non-specialists as well as scholars, explains and examines these well-known stories from a critical perspective. "Critical" is taken in the sense of judging among alternative answers to problems that arise from such study and arguing for the preferred solution. The aim of this book is to draw the reader to the gospel accounts for the purpose of evoking critical thought rather than to persuade of a particular interpretation. In pursuit of this goal, the author shows how many diverse factors, including earlier traditions, literary styles, and the theological convictions of each gospel writer, have contributed to the composition of the narratives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780567080462
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	06/21/2004
Series:	Understanding the Bible and Its World
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Edwin D. Freed is Emeritus Professor of Religion, Gettysburg College, Pennsylvania.

Table of Contents

	Preface	7
	Abbreviations	10
	Introduction	11
Chapter 1	The Genealogies of Jesus	19
Chapter 2	Matthew's Women in the Genealogy of Jesus	31
Chapter 3	Comparisons Between the Stories of Matthew and Luke	53
Chapter 4	The Use of Old Testament Material	70
Chapter 5	Individual Pericopes in Matthew's Stories	91
Chapter 6	Luke's Stories of the Births of John and Jesus	107
Chapter 7	Luke's Portrayal of John and of Jesus	122
Chapter 8	Luke's Stories of the Shepherds and of Jesus and his Parents	136
Chapter 9	Luke's Poetic Sections (Songs or Canticles)	155
	Bibliography	171
	Index of References	173
	Index of Authors	184