This book explores a variety of biblical texts in order to clarify and better understand the relationship between the individual and the community in ancient Israel. Although much of the argument is focused upon Deuteronomy and the deuteronomistic history, other pentateuchal and prophetic texts are also probed. In particular, certain instances of divine retribution that are corporate in nature are explored, and it is argued that such punishments are quite common and completely understandable of the basic theological ideas that are operative in such cases. The examination turns to other biblical texts that appear to reject the notion of corporate divine retribution (e.g., Ezekiel 18). Here the focus is on whether these texts do in fact reject all forms of corporate divine retribution and how large a shift these texts signal in the biblical understanding of the relationship between the individual and the community. Finally, Kaminsky asserts that certain theological features explored in this study can be used by those scholars who argue that the enlightenment idea of individualism needs to be balanced by a renewed philosophical and theological emphasis on the individual's responsibility to the larger society.

Corporate Responsibility in the Hebrew Bible (The Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies)

Religion & Spirituality

Kaminsky, Joel S.

Christian Books & Bibles

T&T Clark

God's favor towards some serves God's plan for the larger world.  The fact that the Jewish people are especially chosen by God is an idea affirmed by both early Christians and rabbis. However, the idea that God would favor one person or group over another is highly problematic in today's democratic and pluralistic society. Being the Chosen is often seen as better ignored or even repudiated by both Christians and Jews.   According to Joel Kaminsky, God's larger plan for the world is worked out through the three-way relationship between God, Israel, and the nations of the world. He asserts that we need to reexamine the Bible in light of this matter. What is needed is a better understanding of what the Bible really says about God's choosing. Beginning with the familiar stories in Genesis (Cain and Abel; Isaac and Ishmael; Jacob and Esau; Joseph and his brothers; but also Hagar and Sarah; Leah and Rachel; Isaac and Rebekah), Kaminsky shows how God chooses, how humans participate, what we know from the Bible about God's intentions, and whether God's plan for the chosen people succeeds. The book continues through the Old Testament, asking about the fates of those whom God chooses to favor, those whom God rejects, and those who are neither favored nor rejected. Finally, Kaminsky shows how both the New Testament authors and the rabbis affirmed the Old Testament view of God's election. Each chapter engages modern problems with a theology of election and every chapter affirms the biblical paradox the God's choice in favor of some serves God's plan to benefit all.

Yet I Loved Jacob: Reclaiming the Biblical Concept of Election

ABINGDON PRESS *

The "Other" in Second Temple Judaism: Essays in Honor of John J. Collins

Harlow, Daniel C.

Goff, Matthew

Hogan, Karina Martin

Eerdmans

This comprehensive introduction to the various collections of biblical literature used by Jews, Catholics, and Protestants gives the beginner clear, concise, and engaging entries into each book while covering major controversies. The authors show how various biblical books have influenced and continue to have an impact upon western ethics, politics, and, of course, religion. Using artistic renderings and charts, this book is student-friendly but communicates a depth of learning in a responsible and balanced fashion.

The Abingdon Introduction to the Bible: Understanding Jewish and Christian Scriptures

Lohr, Joel N.

Reasoner, Mark

An engaging introduction showing how the Hebrew Bible forms faith, then and now. Introductions to the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament) tend toward extensive scholarly discussion with little to introduce the student to the tremendous influence this seminal collection has had on contemporary society or to the complexities of reading ancient religious literature today. Further, few books, if any, discuss the differing ways Jews and Christians approach this common scripture, or how each group appropriates its teachings in divergent, conflicting, and often complex ways. Related to this issue is the problem of how scholarly approaches to reading this literature often stand in stark contrast to popular and religious approaches. This disparity of methods usually startles the inexperienced student and can be alarming, indeed shocking, to religious practitioners. This book offers a critical yet sympathetic overview of the Hebrew Bible and the field of biblical studies, as well as introduces the reader to Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant interpretations of it. Avoiding jargon and convoluted prose, this highly accessible volume provides textboxes, charts, a timeline, a glossary, and regularly includes artistic renderings of biblical scenes to keep lay and beginning readers engaged.

The Hebrew Bible for Beginners: A Jewish & Christian Introduction

This comprehensive introduction to the various collections of biblical literature used by Jews, Catholics, and Protestants gives the beginner clear, concise, and engaging entries into each book while covering major controversies. The authors show how various biblical books have influenced and continue to have an impact upon western ethics, politics, and, of course, religion. Using artistic renderings and charts, this book is student-friendly but communicates a depth of learning in a responsible and balanced fashion. A CHOICE Magazine Outstanding Academic Title of 2014.

Corporate Responsibility in the Hebrew Bible (The Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies, 196)

Sheffield Academic+press

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Books by Kaminsky, Joel S.