Bruce J. Malina

John J. Pilch

"Two leading scholars in the social-scientific study of the New Testament world turn their lenses on the Book of Acts in this latest addition....." [from back cover]

Social-science Commentary on the Book of Acts

"Wellness is a way of life, a life-style that is based on an experience of God and shaped in response to that experience. this life-style views and lives life as purposeful and pleasurable, seeks out life-sustaining and life-enriching options that are freely and personally chosen at every opportunity. It enhances self-esteem and continually challenges one's values, striving always to sink ever-deeper roots into spiritual values and religious beliefs." --from the Introduction

Wellness Spirituality

The fifty-six essays in this book present cultural reflections on the gospel reading assigned for each Sunday in Cycle A of the Roman Lectionary. Each essay highlights aspects of the first-century, Eastern Mediterranean cultural world in which Jesus lived and suggests a cross-cultural comparison with contemporary Western culture. With this background information, readers can make more fitting applications of the Scripture to modern life situations. Used as an aid in preaching, Lectionary-based catechesis, or Scripture study, or for the interest and knowledge it brings, The Cultural World of Jesus will add form and substance to your understanding of ?the Word that dwelt among us.? Subsequent volumes will cover the Gospels for Cycle B and C.?... an invaluable resource for preachers, and very interesting for anyone seeking deeper insight into the gospel.? AIM?Homilists on the lookout for a fresher approach to interpreting the lectionary texts will enjoy this book.? The Bible Today

Sunday by Sunday

The Cultural World of Jesus

"Which Bible translation is the best to use or to buy?" "Which does the Church recommend?" In Choosing a Bible Translation, John Pilch discusses two kinds of Bible translations: word-for-word (literal or formal correspondence), and meaning-for-meaning (literary or dynamic equivalence) and comments on the merits of each for the needs of Bible readers. Pilch also emphasizes some challenges that translators of the biblical texts face such as the use of inclusive language, social systems, textual variants, and sensitivity to cultural awareness. He provides readers with a host of resources for choosing Bibles on computer software, obtaining electronic copies of translations, and for locating translations on the Internet.?If you?re in the market for a new Bible for yourself or someone else, this will be useful. In 24 pages it goes through the different kinds of translations and which translation is more suitable for serious study or for enjoyment.? NZ Catholic"It is brief without sacrificing substance." Josephinum Journal of Theology?. . . gives a very careful analysis and practical suggestions to assist one in finding a suitable English version of the Bible for personal use, in either study or devotion.? The Catholic Answer?John Pilch has produced a helpful guide through the maze of competing translations that will allow students of the Bible to choose intelligently according to their own needs and interests.? Carl Kazmierski Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity University of Ottawa Ottawa, Canada?A lively survey by an expert of the range of biblical translations available today and an eye-opening, reliable guide to the versions best for meditation, serious study, and public reading.? Professor John H. Elliott?A wealth of information and insight is packed into this short book. . . . Pilch combines a remarkably clear and interesting writing style with his scholarly insights, making this an invaluable tool for teachers and students.? Mary Ann Getty, S.T.D. St. Vincent College Latrobe, Pennsylvania"At a time when there is a confusing number of translations and paraphrases of the Bible available this book has appeared as a very welcome guide for the general reader. . . . Top marks for Pilch for producing this accessible and valuable guide." Raymond Hobbs

Choosing a Bible Translation

This latest addition to the Fortress Social-Science Commentaries on New Testament writings illuminates the values, perceptions, and social codes of the Mediterranean culture that shaped Paul and his interactions - both harmonious and conflicted - with others, Malina and Pilch add new dimensions to our understanding of the apostle as a social change agent, his coworkers as innovators, and his gospel as an assertion of the honor of the God of Israel.

Social-science Commentary on the Letters of Paul

A groundbreaking first social-science commentary on this popular book of the Bible.

Social-science Commentary on the Book of Revelation

Bruce Malina

Values are culturally specific. This handbook explains select biblical social values in their Mediterranean cultural contexts. Some examples of values are altruism, freedom, family-centeredness, obedience, parenting, and power. Though the English words for the values described here would be familiar to readers (e.g., altruism) the meanings of such words differ between cultures. In the Mediterranean world, for instance, altruism is a duty incumbent upon anyone who has surplus. It is interpersonal and group specific. In the West, especially in the United States, altruism is impersonal and universally oriented generosity that operates in a highly organized context. This handbook not only presents the Mediterranean meanings of these value words but also contrasts those meanings with Western ones.

Handbook of Biblical Social Values, Third Edition

Bruce John Malina

Fourteen members of The Context Group honor Bruce J. Malina and his scholarship in this volume by following his consistent example of developing or using explicit social scientific models to interpret documents from the ancient Mediterranean world. Ordinary features of that cultural world such as gossip, reciprocity, a pervasive military presence, the power of women, and becoming a follower of Jesus stand out with greater clarity in the Bible when a reader understands the cultural matrix in which such social dynamics function. These essays reflect The Context Group s more than twenty years of collaborative experience in researching the cultural context of the Bible. New insights are built on the solidly established foundations of their earlier cross-cultural studies. Readers will find the individual essays enlightening and challenging. Taken as a whole they form a valuable resource and a stimulating and helpful aid to further study. John J. Pilch, Ph.D., a founding member of The Context Group, is Professor of Biblical Literature at Georgetown University, Washington, DC.

John J. Pilch

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