Reading in Christian Communities

"This book will be of interest for those concerned with patristic exegesis and the contemporary discussion of how that exegesis, and texts generally, are to be interpreted." -Journal of Ecclesiastical History "A stimulating engagement of postmodern hermeneutics and the field of patristics, Reading in Christian Communities assists theologians and historians in understanding the ways in which the interpretation of texts develops out of particular cultures and, in turn, influences those cultures." -Journal of Early Christian Studies "...a very fitting tribute.... The scholarly authors of these essays are all colleagues, students, or friends of Greer, and the essays are intended as a tribute to him and a continuation of his work. Both with regard to the content of the essays and the reflections on the modern hermeneutical problem, this is a welcome addition to the ever growing literature on the subject." -The Heythrop Journal "...[A] substantial contribution to the post-modern theological conversation." -Perspectives in Religious Studies "In their focus on reading and exegesis as means to create communities these essays, each in their own way, contribute much to the 'contexts' they seek to illuminate, both the historical ones of early Christianity and late Antiquity as well as the modern, or perhaps post-modern, Christian contexts of their authors. The most striking among the many things that connects these essays is, however, at least for this reader, the sense of deep affection for Rowan Greer the person and teacher, which permeates all of them and which is perhaps the most precious contribution of all." -Journal of Ancient Christianity "This is a wide-ranging collection of essays providing a fitting tribute to the work of Rowan Greer. The combination of detailed studies and more general methodological discussion works well because there is good feed across from one to the other. The key theme is both theological and hermeneutical, focusing on interpretive communities and their vital role in reading scripture. The historical dimension of these studies illuminates the current situation. This is a timely work, as well as a fascinatingly varied collection." -Frances Young, Edward Cadbury Professor of Theology, University of Birmingham "An unusually rich and nuanced set of essays celebrating and enacting the current renaissance and reconceptualization of the field of patristic biblical engagement that Rowan Greer has done so much to instigate. A must-read for those who wish to be a part of this vibrant conversation." -Margaret M. Mitchell, Associate Professor of New Testament and Chair, Department of New Testament and Early Christian Literature, The University of Chicago

Charles A. Bobertz is professor of theology at St. John's University School of Theology and Seminary, Collegeville, Minnesota. David Brakke is the Joe R. Engle Chair in the History of Christianity at Ohio State University.