The Historiographical Jesus: Memory, Typology, and the Son of David

by Anthony Le Donne

Overview

The Historiographical Jesus introduces a new theory and approach for studying the life of Jesus. Anthony Le Donne uses the precepts of social memory theory to identify "memory refraction" in the Jesus tradition--the refocusing distortion that occurs as the stories and sayings of Jesus were handed down and consciously and unconsciously framed in new settings with new applications. Recognition of this refraction allows historians to escape the problematic dichotomy between memory and typology. The author focuses on the title "Son of David" as it was used in Jewish and Christian traditions to demonstrate both how his new theory functions and to advance historical Jesus research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781602585157
Publisher:	Baylor University Press
Publication date:	11/01/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	324
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Anthony Le Donne is Associate Professor of New Testament at United Theological Seminary.

Table of Contents

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Hermeneutics and History
3. History and Memory
4. Memory and Typology
5. Son of David and Typology
6. The Therapeutic Son of David
7. Jesus’ Temple Procession
8. The "Son of David" Question
9. Concluding Analysis

What People are Saying About This

This work could point the way to a whole new approach to distinguishing authentic Jesus material.

David Brack

As historical positivism continues to crumble, Le Donne paves a way forward for Jesus research. While building on previous work of Dunn and others, Le Donne proceeds to find his own voice and moves the conversation forward. Anyone involved with historical Jesus research should interact with this work on some level.

Craig A. Evans

This work could point the way to a whole new approach to distinguishing authentic Jesus material.

Robert H. Gundry

Le Donne's project is exceedingly well-researched in both primary and secondary literature. This work has the potential of bringing social memory into the forefront of historical Jesus studies and of adding considerations of social memory to the criteria of historical authenticity already in use.

Editorial Reviews

... this volume is a welcome addition to Gospel studies and offers a refreshingly sane and lucid approach to historical Jesus research... Le Donne has made a significant contribution that should be carefully considered by students and scholars alike.

Journal for the Study of the New Testament - Kelly Iverson

This book holds value for both historical-Jesus scholars as well as those interested in Gospel exegesis.

Bibliotheca Sacra - Benjamin I. Simpson

Le Donne succeeds, as he sets out to do, in presenting a compelling demonstration of history as memory refraction.

Catholic Biblical Quarterly

... with its focus on typology and history, this work represents a fine critical adaptation of social memory theory. It proves to be a significant contribution to the field of historical Jesus research.

The Expository Times

Le Donne reveals a strong grasp of both philosophical and historiographical literature, as well as the necessary Second Temple and early Christian texts. He is a trustworthy guide for such an endeavor as this.

Freedom in Orthodoxy - Johnny Walker

Le Donne's project is exceedingly well-researched in both primary and secondary literature. This work has the potential of bringing social memory into the forefront of historical Jesus studies and of adding considerations of social memory to the criteria of historical authenticity already in use.
--Robert H. Gundry, Scholar-in-Residence, Westmont College, Author of major commentaries on Matthew and Mark, and of The Old is Better

"Le Donne succeed, as he sets out ot do, in presenting a compelling demonstration of history as memory refraction."--Catholic Biblical Quarterly (2012, 74:1)

"... with its focus on typology and history, this work represents a fine critical adaptation of social memory theory. It proves to be a significant contribution to the field of historical Jesus research."
--The Expository Times (2012, 123:7)

"... this volume is a welcome addition to Gospel studies and offers a refreshingly sane and lucid approach to historical Jesus research.... Le Donne has made a significant contribution that should be carefully considered by students and scholars alike."
--Kelly Iverson, Journal for the Study of the New Testament (2011, 33:5)

"This work could point the way to a whole new approach to distinguishing authentic Jesus material."
--Craig A. Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Acadia Divinity College of Acadia University

From the Publisher