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Melanie Howard

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Dr. Melanie Howard is Associate Provost and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Simpson University. She previously served as Chair of the Biblical and Religious Studies Division at Fresno Pacific University. Prior to that, she taught at Valparaiso University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Messiah College. Dr. Howard has a PhD in New Testament from Princeton Theological Seminary, a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree in biblical studies from the University of Notre Dame, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with a major in Bible and minor in peace and conflict studies from Messiah College.

Dr. Howard has taught several courses including Jesus and the Christian Community, Women and the Bible, Introduction to the New Testament, the Gospel of Mark, 1-2 Corinthians, the General Epistles, Sermon on the Mount, Koine Greek, Biblical Theology, Biblical Interpretation (18th-21st Centuries), and Non-Traditional Hermeneutics. Her research interests include the Synoptic Gospels, literary approaches to biblical interpretation, and non-traditional biblical hermeneutics (including feminist and disability approaches to biblical interpretation).

Dr. Howard has published several articles. These include a review of recent feminist approaches to interpreting the New Testament (Currents in Biblical Research), an article on reading the Sermon on the Mount from an immigrant perspective (Soundings), a series of articles on pedagogical strategies that can be gleaned from the book of Acts (Didaktikos), an article on interpreting Jesus's healing miracles through a cultural model of disability (Conrad Grebel Review), and an article on female agency and conversion in Joseph and Aseneth (Journal of Religion and Popular Culture). She has presented several papers at annual meetings of the Society of Biblical Literature, and she was the winner of the 2013 Word & World essay prize for doctoral candidates. She has published book reviews in the Review of Biblical Literature, Princeton Theological Review, Biblical Interpretation, Mennonite Quarterly Review, Conrad Grebel Review, Catholic Biblical Quarterly, and Biblical Theology Bulletin. She is also a regular contributor to non-academic publications such as Anabaptist World, Christian Leader, and Working Preacher.

A Mennonite (an ordained minister in the MCUSA), Dr. Howard serves on a planning committee for the Mennonite Scholars and Friends Forum held at annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature. She also serves as the elected President of the Society for the Future of Higher Education.
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Papers by Melanie Howard

Hospitality, pedagogy, and mission: a model for Christian higher education from Acts 8:26-40, 15:1-35, and 17:16-34

Jesus loves the little children: a theological reading of Mark 9:14–29 for children with serious illnesses or disabilities and their caregivers

Paradigm of Peace, Silly Satire, Text of Terror: Perspectives on Matthew 5:38–48 for Immigrant Populations

Soundings: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 2018

Given the discourse surrounding immigration in the 2016 presidential election, this article inqui... more Given the discourse surrounding immigration in the 2016 presidential election, this article inquires how Jesus's teachings regarding nonresistance to evil and love of enemies (Matthew 5:38–48) may look from a Christian immigrant perspective. The article suggests that there are several possibilities. First, the article investigates peace church perspectives on the Sermon. Second, taking a cue from the Sermon's hyperbolic speech, the article explores reading the Sermon as satire. Finally, the article explores this passage as a “text of terror” and concludes that each of these paradigms offer both strengths and drawbacks given the diversity of immigrant experiences.

A game of faith: Role-playing games as an active learning strategy for value formation and faith integration in the theological classroom

Teaching Theology & Religion, 2018

Role-playing games have been a part of scholarly conversations about pedagogy for several decades... more Role-playing games have been a part of scholarly conversations about pedagogy for several decades. However, more work is needed in understanding how gaming pedagogy can best fit with and augment particular disciplines. After providing two examples of role-playing games that have been used successfully in teaching the New Testament, this article argues that role-playing games contribute to theological and religious studies classrooms by forming positive values (e.g. openness to multiple viewpoints, civility, and empathy) and assisting students in integrating their faith and learning. Because of the low-risk settings that games provide, students can practice skills that increase their achievement of learning outcomes and contribute to their value formation and faith formation. KEYWORDS role-playing games, New Testament teaching, perspective-taking, faith integration, fostering empathy in classrooms and students 1 I am grateful to several colleagues whose support made this article possible. First, I am most indebted to the "Academic Games" morning group at the Society for Values in Higher Education for igniting my imagination about how role-playing games could be used in teaching the New Testament. Most notably, group leaders David Tabb Stewart and Amy Berger were instrumental in helping me think through game design. Likewise, I am grateful to members of that group, notably Gregory Robbins, Andrew Sfekas, and David Tabb Stewart, who took time to read and make suggestions on an earlier draft of this article. My dear friend and colleague Mary Schmitt also generously gave her time to offer substantive comments that led to further development of this article. The anonymous peer reviewers who recommended this article for publication were undoubtedly vital in making suggestions that led to improvement. Additionally, I had the opportunity to present portions of this work as it developed, and I am grateful to the organizers and attendees of the "AcademicTeaching and Biblical Studies" section at the 2017 Annual Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature, including my colleague Lynn Jost, who offered generous encouragement about the value of my ideas for publication. Likewise, I appreciate Rod Janzen's gracious invitation to present this research at the December 2017 Faculty Seminar at Fresno Pacific University, and I am thankful for the colleagues who contributed to the discussion in that venue. Finally, I am indebted to departmental colleagues at Fresno Pacific University, notably Greg Camp and Brian DiPalma, who were willing to adopt The Jesus Game in their own classrooms and contribute to its ongoing improvement.

Book Review: Characters and Characterization in Luke-Acts

Biblical Theology Bulletin: Journal of Bible and Culture, 2019

Book Review: Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified, and Marginalized Women of the Bible

Biblical Theology Bulletin: Journal of Bible and Culture, 2019

Book Review: Wisdom's Feast: An Invitation to Feminist Interpretation of the Scriptures

Biblical Theology Bulletin: Journal of Bible and Culture, 2019

Book Review: Jesus as Healer: A Gospel for the Body

Biblical Theology Bulletin: Journal of Bible and Culture, 2018

164 from, for them, a fresh perspective. To read Paul rightly, the editors hold, students “must” ... more 164 from, for them, a fresh perspective. To read Paul rightly, the editors hold, students “must” engage Second Temple literature with “frequency, precision, and a willingness to acknowledge theological continuity and discontinuity” (p. 21). The introduction offers a helpful and brief introduction to the Second Temple period and its literature. Though basic, the ability of the editors to economically describe their subject area to the uninformed reader suits the aims of the book, while the directed further reading provides more than enough for those interested to begin additional study. The introduction also provides a brief comment on the state of Pauline studies in relation to Second Temple Judaism. It is perhaps with an eye on the imagined readership, however, that more space is given to a discussion of John Piper’s concerns regarding the validity of Second Temple literature for biblical studies than is apportioned to the impact of Sanders’s seminal Paul and Palestinian Judaism for the field. The format of each of the essays, it must be said, is excellent, and should be considered by anyone producing monographs for a nontechnical audience. Organized according to their progression throughout the epistle, each chapter is presented in a similar format. A focused text from Romans is paired with a thematically similar piece of Jewish literature. These comparative texts are then introduced and explained, before then being used to illuminate a particular idea in Romans, whether significant for its similarity or dissimilarity. In addition, each essay concludes with a recommendation of other Second Temple texts of relevance to the themes just explored, while a bibliography directs the reader towards appropriate critical editions of the text in questions and recent secondary literature on the subject. The subject areas of the essays are wide. However, it should be noted that there is a continuity between the chapters as each writer holds to the focus of Romans and a Second Temple text. This is a refreshing change from many a compilation of essays which seem more loosely held together by a particular methodology (with no firm subject) or subject (with no firm methodology) resulting in a book with only a few chapters of interest to any one reader. Reading Romans in Context invites the reader into a fascinating array of discussions sure to significantly illuminate the interpretive possibilities previously hidden from the intended nontechnical student. Jubilees is used to shed light on discussions of circumcision in Romans 2 (Sarah Whittle), Sirach upon Paul’s use of Abraham traditions (Mariam J. Kamell), and Philo on Romans 5:12-21 (Jonathan Worthington) and 9:1-10:21 (Orrey McFarland and David Lincicum). Meanwhile the Dead Sea Scrolls are brought into conversation with Romans 3:1-20 (Jason Maston and Aaron Sherwood) and Romans 5:1-11 (Mark D. Mathews). From the deuterocanonical texts, Nijay K. Gupta offers a fascinating piece on hospitality and 1 Maccabees, while the Jerusalem Collection is considered alongside Tobit on almsgiving by David E. Briones. The final essay, by Susan Mathew, creatively breaks with the text-centered approach of the others and expands the notion of context to include inscriptions that offer a perspective on women’s leadership. The essays are of a consistently high quality, in terms of both presentation and content, and it is imagined that they would be easily accessible to the intended readership. The volume does speak, however, to the lack of nuance given to the use of “context” within biblical studies at present. While each essay quite convincingly presents an argument for possible parallels to Paul, it is a little dissatisfying not to hear the writers speak more firmly to the likelihood of the extent to which the original hearers of Romans might detect these subtleties in the way the contributors imagine. It is difficult to know how the intended nontechnical reader avoids inadvertently imagining a caricature of the composition of the Roman Christians. This point, perhaps, highlights the main concern with the volume, which is not the quality of the individual essays, but rather how the introduction sets up the project. The intent to be introductory for the nontechnical reader results in Pauline studies being presented overly simplistically without seeming consideration for how nontechnical or less-critically trained readers might use texts prepared by “experts.” It is not immediately evident whether a non-specialist would detect from the introduction that there is much more to “context” when studying Paul than the literature of Second Temple Judaism. As such, to avoid a somewhat skewed notion of contextual work on Paul, this volume would be a useful addition to a reading list that contained some broader introductions to Paul and the study of his context. David S. Harvey Mattersey Hall Retford Rd,, Mattersey, DN10 5HD, United Kingdom

Book Review: Raised from Obscurity: A Narratival and Theological Study of the Characterization of Women in Luke-ActsRaised from Obscurity: A Narratival and Theological Study of the Characterization of Women in Luke-Acts. By ForbesGreg W. & HarrowerScott D. Fore-word by CohickLynn H.Cambridge, UK:...

Biblical Theology Bulletin: Journal of Bible and Culture, 2017

190 manuscripts. In “From ‘Text-Critical Methodology’ to ‘Manuscripts as Artefacts’: A Tribute to... more 190 manuscripts. In “From ‘Text-Critical Methodology’ to ‘Manuscripts as Artefacts’: A Tribute to Larry W. Hurtado” Thomas J. Kraus simply summarizes Hurtado’s contributions to four text-critical matters: the preference of early Christians for the codex over the scroll, the function of the nomina sacra and the staurogram, and the scribal features of ancient manuscripts. In “Origen’s List of New Testament Books in Homiliae in Josuam 7.1: A Fresh Look,” Michael J. Kruger argues for the authenticity of Origen’s list, meaning that canonical lists can be found prior to the fourth century. The final two essays in this section consider the Chester Beatty P45. Dieter T. Roth (“P45 as Early Christian Artifact: Considering the Staurogram and Punctuation in the Manuscript”) argues that the staurogram and punctuation are complex enough features of the physical manuscripts to warrant further attention. Finally, in this section, Tommy Wasserman’s essay, entitled “P45 and Codex W in Mark Revisited,” confirms Hurtado’s claim that there was a genealogical relationship between P45 and the Washington codex. Wasserman’s findings in the paper contribute to the deconstruction of the Caesarean text family, or at least the place of the Markan section of W in it. In the first essay of Part Three, “Who, What, and Why? The Worship of the Firstborn in Hebrews 1:6,” David M. Allen argues that Hebrews 1:6, taken together with Hebrews 13:21, is possibly reflective of the early Christian worship of Jesus. In “Devotion to Jesus Christ in Earliest Christianity: An Appraisal and Discussion of the Work of Larry Hurtado,” Richard J. Bauckham reviews the positions for and against placing the worship of Jesus too early in Christian history. Bauckham suggests that the debate will be extended if scholars can be willing to expand their horizons and definitions, such as on the question of sacrifice, worship, and the nature of Jewish monotheism. Taking a feminist approach to the question, Mary Ann Beavis’s essay, entitled “Hebrews and Wisdom,” argues that the influence of Wisdom circles must be accounted for in the assessment of the Christology of Hebrews. The final essay in the collection belongs to Paul Middleton: “Christology, Martyrdom, and Vindication in the Gospel of Mark and the Apocalypse: Two New Testament Views.” In it, Middleton compares the way in which the depiction of Jesus as the movement’s first martyr differs in Mark and Revelation. In Mark, the suffering of believers, in imitation of Jesus, is evidence of righteousness, whereas in the Apocalypse, suffering is not something to be embraced but overcome in cosmic victory. It is testimony to the contributions of Larry Hurtado in teaching and scholarship, in Canada and the UK alike, that this collection of essays could be written almost entirely by his former students. It is a fitting honor and gift. There is not much here that is cutting edge (though some features are), but the essays offer a fine balance of reverence and critical engagement with Hurtado’s work. Zeba Crook Carleton University Ottawa, ON

Recent Feminist Approaches to Interpreting the New Testament

Currents in Biblical Research, 2021

This article provides an overview of feminist approaches to the New Testament from the period of ... more This article provides an overview of feminist approaches to the New Testament from the period of 2000 to early 2021. Using a broad definition of ‘feminist’ (to include virtually any work focused primarily on women or female issues presented in the biblical text) and a more stringent definition of ‘New Testament’ (including only those texts that are a part of the New Testament canon, but not larger socio-historical studies or extracanonical literature), the article offers an overview of trends in feminist scholarship on the Gospels and Acts, the Pauline epistles, the General Epistles and Hebrews, and Revelation, noting that this body of scholarship may be characterized as being diverse, collaborative, and centered on female characters within the New Testament texts. With open vistas for exploration remaining, the article forecasts a rich future for feminist approaches to the New Testament.

Book Review: Good News: The Advent of Salvation in the Gospel of LukeGood News: The Advent of Salvation in the Gospel of Luke. By BelousekDarrin W. Snyder. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2014. Pp. xiv + 139. Paper, $16.95

Biblical Theology Bulletin: Journal of Bible and Culture

124 sage abroad, Acts views the Roman government more favorably, and Acts views upholding Jewish ... more 124 sage abroad, Acts views the Roman government more favorably, and Acts views upholding Jewish Law as virtuous. Ryan Carhart, “The Second Sophistic and the Cultural Idealization of Paul in Acts,” argues that Acts presents Paul as a rhetor like others of the Second Sophistic due to his receipt of paideia, the author’s appeals to older texts, both Greek and Jewish, through the use of mimēsis, and use of the genre of apologia, linking Paul to other famous figures, most notably Socrates. Acts crafts Paul’s identity in a way that revalues older traditions to craft an ideal Christian identity for second century readers. Claire Clivaz, “Reading Luke-Acts in Second-Century Alexandria: From Clement to the Shadow of Apollos,” suggests that Acts had significant influence in Alexandria in the second century. She notes that the majority of early manuscripts of Acts are Alexandrian, and some of these manuscripts link Acts to texts besides Luke or the other gospels (e.g. Acts of Paul, Apocalypse of Peter, Revelation). While Acts is “special” for Clement, he preserves other memories of early Christian history. Clivaz also suggests that the competition between Apollos and Paul in Acts shows that Acts views an Alexandrian Christianity as “still perfectible in the Lukan conception of the Christian faith” (p. 221). This collection raises important questions for how comparison works and what is at stake in terms of understanding an ancient text. It is likely to be most useful to graduate students or scholars whose work focuses primarily on Acts. Eric Stewart Augustana College Rock Island, IL 61201

Book Review: Rejected Prophets: Jesus and His Witnesses in Luke-Acts, written by Jocelyn McWhirter. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2013. Pp. 144

Biblical Interpretation, 2015

A Game of Faith: Role-Playing Games as an Active Learning Strategy for Value Formation and Faith Integration in the Theological Classroom

Teaching Theology and Religion, 2018

Role-playing games have been a part of scholarly conversations about pedagogy for several decades... more Role-playing games have been a part of scholarly conversations about pedagogy for several decades. However, more work is needed in understanding how gaming pedagogy can best fit with and augment particular disciplines. After providing two examples of role-playing games that have been used successfully in teaching the New Testament, this article argues that role-playing games contribute to theological and religious studies classrooms by forming positive values (e.g. openness to multiple viewpoints, civility, and empathy) and assisting students in integrating their faith and learning. Because of the low-risk settings that games provide, students can practice skills that increase their achievement of learning outcomes and contribute to their value formation and faith formation.

Paradigm of Peace, Silly Satire, Text of Terror: Perspectives on Matthew 5:38-48 for Immigrant Populations

Soundings, 2017

Hospitality, Pedagogy, and Mission: A Model for Christian Higher Education from Acts 8:26-40, 15:1-35, and 17:16-34

Pacific Journal, 2018

Romanticizing Conversion Narratives

Journal of Religion and Popular Culture, 2019

Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series recounts the conversion of the female protago nist, Bella, fro... more Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series recounts the conversion of the female protago nist, Bella, from human to vampire. This conversion is reminiscent of an earlier tale of con version in the Second Temple apocryphal account Joseph and Aseneth. This article argues that both works can be understood as romanticized conversion narratives that are differen tiated by the degree to which they endow their female protagonists with agency and auton omy. While both tales include common elements (for example, a similar narrative arc and gendered elements of the conversion process), there is a notable difference in the level of the woman's agency during her conversion.

Book Review of "Rejected Prophets: Jesus and His Witnesses in Luke-Acts"

Published in Biblical Interpretation 23.2 (www.brill.com/bi)

Jesus Loves the Little Children: A Theological Reading of Mark 9:14-29 for Children with Serious Illnesses or Disabilities and Their Caregivers

Book Review of "Mother Goose, Mother Jones, Mommie Dearest: Biblical Mothers and Their Children"

Hospitality, pedagogy, and mission: a model for Christian higher education from Acts 8:26-40, 15:1-35, and 17:16-34

Jesus loves the little children: a theological reading of Mark 9:14–29 for children with serious illnesses or disabilities and their caregivers

Paradigm of Peace, Silly Satire, Text of Terror: Perspectives on Matthew 5:38–48 for Immigrant Populations

Soundings: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 2018

Given the discourse surrounding immigration in the 2016 presidential election, this article inqui... more Given the discourse surrounding immigration in the 2016 presidential election, this article inquires how Jesus's teachings regarding nonresistance to evil and love of enemies (Matthew 5:38–48) may look from a Christian immigrant perspective. The article suggests that there are several possibilities. First, the article investigates peace church perspectives on the Sermon. Second, taking a cue from the Sermon's hyperbolic speech, the article explores reading the Sermon as satire. Finally, the article explores this passage as a “text of terror” and concludes that each of these paradigms offer both strengths and drawbacks given the diversity of immigrant experiences.

A game of faith: Role-playing games as an active learning strategy for value formation and faith integration in the theological classroom

Teaching Theology & Religion, 2018

Role-playing games have been a part of scholarly conversations about pedagogy for several decades... more Role-playing games have been a part of scholarly conversations about pedagogy for several decades. However, more work is needed in understanding how gaming pedagogy can best fit with and augment particular disciplines. After providing two examples of role-playing games that have been used successfully in teaching the New Testament, this article argues that role-playing games contribute to theological and religious studies classrooms by forming positive values (e.g. openness to multiple viewpoints, civility, and empathy) and assisting students in integrating their faith and learning. Because of the low-risk settings that games provide, students can practice skills that increase their achievement of learning outcomes and contribute to their value formation and faith formation. KEYWORDS role-playing games, New Testament teaching, perspective-taking, faith integration, fostering empathy in classrooms and students 1 I am grateful to several colleagues whose support made this article possible. First, I am most indebted to the "Academic Games" morning group at the Society for Values in Higher Education for igniting my imagination about how role-playing games could be used in teaching the New Testament. Most notably, group leaders David Tabb Stewart and Amy Berger were instrumental in helping me think through game design. Likewise, I am grateful to members of that group, notably Gregory Robbins, Andrew Sfekas, and David Tabb Stewart, who took time to read and make suggestions on an earlier draft of this article. My dear friend and colleague Mary Schmitt also generously gave her time to offer substantive comments that led to further development of this article. The anonymous peer reviewers who recommended this article for publication were undoubtedly vital in making suggestions that led to improvement. Additionally, I had the opportunity to present portions of this work as it developed, and I am grateful to the organizers and attendees of the "AcademicTeaching and Biblical Studies" section at the 2017 Annual Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature, including my colleague Lynn Jost, who offered generous encouragement about the value of my ideas for publication. Likewise, I appreciate Rod Janzen's gracious invitation to present this research at the December 2017 Faculty Seminar at Fresno Pacific University, and I am thankful for the colleagues who contributed to the discussion in that venue. Finally, I am indebted to departmental colleagues at Fresno Pacific University, notably Greg Camp and Brian DiPalma, who were willing to adopt The Jesus Game in their own classrooms and contribute to its ongoing improvement.

Book Review: Characters and Characterization in Luke-Acts

Biblical Theology Bulletin: Journal of Bible and Culture, 2019

Book Review: Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified, and Marginalized Women of the Bible

Biblical Theology Bulletin: Journal of Bible and Culture, 2019

Book Review: Wisdom's Feast: An Invitation to Feminist Interpretation of the Scriptures

Biblical Theology Bulletin: Journal of Bible and Culture, 2019

Book Review: Jesus as Healer: A Gospel for the Body

Biblical Theology Bulletin: Journal of Bible and Culture, 2018

164 from, for them, a fresh perspective. To read Paul rightly, the editors hold, students “must” ... more 164 from, for them, a fresh perspective. To read Paul rightly, the editors hold, students “must” engage Second Temple literature with “frequency, precision, and a willingness to acknowledge theological continuity and discontinuity” (p. 21). The introduction offers a helpful and brief introduction to the Second Temple period and its literature. Though basic, the ability of the editors to economically describe their subject area to the uninformed reader suits the aims of the book, while the directed further reading provides more than enough for those interested to begin additional study. The introduction also provides a brief comment on the state of Pauline studies in relation to Second Temple Judaism. It is perhaps with an eye on the imagined readership, however, that more space is given to a discussion of John Piper’s concerns regarding the validity of Second Temple literature for biblical studies than is apportioned to the impact of Sanders’s seminal Paul and Palestinian Judaism for the field. The format of each of the essays, it must be said, is excellent, and should be considered by anyone producing monographs for a nontechnical audience. Organized according to their progression throughout the epistle, each chapter is presented in a similar format. A focused text from Romans is paired with a thematically similar piece of Jewish literature. These comparative texts are then introduced and explained, before then being used to illuminate a particular idea in Romans, whether significant for its similarity or dissimilarity. In addition, each essay concludes with a recommendation of other Second Temple texts of relevance to the themes just explored, while a bibliography directs the reader towards appropriate critical editions of the text in questions and recent secondary literature on the subject. The subject areas of the essays are wide. However, it should be noted that there is a continuity between the chapters as each writer holds to the focus of Romans and a Second Temple text. This is a refreshing change from many a compilation of essays which seem more loosely held together by a particular methodology (with no firm subject) or subject (with no firm methodology) resulting in a book with only a few chapters of interest to any one reader. Reading Romans in Context invites the reader into a fascinating array of discussions sure to significantly illuminate the interpretive possibilities previously hidden from the intended nontechnical student. Jubilees is used to shed light on discussions of circumcision in Romans 2 (Sarah Whittle), Sirach upon Paul’s use of Abraham traditions (Mariam J. Kamell), and Philo on Romans 5:12-21 (Jonathan Worthington) and 9:1-10:21 (Orrey McFarland and David Lincicum). Meanwhile the Dead Sea Scrolls are brought into conversation with Romans 3:1-20 (Jason Maston and Aaron Sherwood) and Romans 5:1-11 (Mark D. Mathews). From the deuterocanonical texts, Nijay K. Gupta offers a fascinating piece on hospitality and 1 Maccabees, while the Jerusalem Collection is considered alongside Tobit on almsgiving by David E. Briones. The final essay, by Susan Mathew, creatively breaks with the text-centered approach of the others and expands the notion of context to include inscriptions that offer a perspective on women’s leadership. The essays are of a consistently high quality, in terms of both presentation and content, and it is imagined that they would be easily accessible to the intended readership. The volume does speak, however, to the lack of nuance given to the use of “context” within biblical studies at present. While each essay quite convincingly presents an argument for possible parallels to Paul, it is a little dissatisfying not to hear the writers speak more firmly to the likelihood of the extent to which the original hearers of Romans might detect these subtleties in the way the contributors imagine. It is difficult to know how the intended nontechnical reader avoids inadvertently imagining a caricature of the composition of the Roman Christians. This point, perhaps, highlights the main concern with the volume, which is not the quality of the individual essays, but rather how the introduction sets up the project. The intent to be introductory for the nontechnical reader results in Pauline studies being presented overly simplistically without seeming consideration for how nontechnical or less-critically trained readers might use texts prepared by “experts.” It is not immediately evident whether a non-specialist would detect from the introduction that there is much more to “context” when studying Paul than the literature of Second Temple Judaism. As such, to avoid a somewhat skewed notion of contextual work on Paul, this volume would be a useful addition to a reading list that contained some broader introductions to Paul and the study of his context. David S. Harvey Mattersey Hall Retford Rd,, Mattersey, DN10 5HD, United Kingdom

Book Review: Raised from Obscurity: A Narratival and Theological Study of the Characterization of Women in Luke-ActsRaised from Obscurity: A Narratival and Theological Study of the Characterization of Women in Luke-Acts. By ForbesGreg W. & HarrowerScott D. Fore-word by CohickLynn H.Cambridge, UK:...

Biblical Theology Bulletin: Journal of Bible and Culture, 2017

190 manuscripts. In “From ‘Text-Critical Methodology’ to ‘Manuscripts as Artefacts’: A Tribute to... more 190 manuscripts. In “From ‘Text-Critical Methodology’ to ‘Manuscripts as Artefacts’: A Tribute to Larry W. Hurtado” Thomas J. Kraus simply summarizes Hurtado’s contributions to four text-critical matters: the preference of early Christians for the codex over the scroll, the function of the nomina sacra and the staurogram, and the scribal features of ancient manuscripts. In “Origen’s List of New Testament Books in Homiliae in Josuam 7.1: A Fresh Look,” Michael J. Kruger argues for the authenticity of Origen’s list, meaning that canonical lists can be found prior to the fourth century. The final two essays in this section consider the Chester Beatty P45. Dieter T. Roth (“P45 as Early Christian Artifact: Considering the Staurogram and Punctuation in the Manuscript”) argues that the staurogram and punctuation are complex enough features of the physical manuscripts to warrant further attention. Finally, in this section, Tommy Wasserman’s essay, entitled “P45 and Codex W in Mark Revisited,” confirms Hurtado’s claim that there was a genealogical relationship between P45 and the Washington codex. Wasserman’s findings in the paper contribute to the deconstruction of the Caesarean text family, or at least the place of the Markan section of W in it. In the first essay of Part Three, “Who, What, and Why? The Worship of the Firstborn in Hebrews 1:6,” David M. Allen argues that Hebrews 1:6, taken together with Hebrews 13:21, is possibly reflective of the early Christian worship of Jesus. In “Devotion to Jesus Christ in Earliest Christianity: An Appraisal and Discussion of the Work of Larry Hurtado,” Richard J. Bauckham reviews the positions for and against placing the worship of Jesus too early in Christian history. Bauckham suggests that the debate will be extended if scholars can be willing to expand their horizons and definitions, such as on the question of sacrifice, worship, and the nature of Jewish monotheism. Taking a feminist approach to the question, Mary Ann Beavis’s essay, entitled “Hebrews and Wisdom,” argues that the influence of Wisdom circles must be accounted for in the assessment of the Christology of Hebrews. The final essay in the collection belongs to Paul Middleton: “Christology, Martyrdom, and Vindication in the Gospel of Mark and the Apocalypse: Two New Testament Views.” In it, Middleton compares the way in which the depiction of Jesus as the movement’s first martyr differs in Mark and Revelation. In Mark, the suffering of believers, in imitation of Jesus, is evidence of righteousness, whereas in the Apocalypse, suffering is not something to be embraced but overcome in cosmic victory. It is testimony to the contributions of Larry Hurtado in teaching and scholarship, in Canada and the UK alike, that this collection of essays could be written almost entirely by his former students. It is a fitting honor and gift. There is not much here that is cutting edge (though some features are), but the essays offer a fine balance of reverence and critical engagement with Hurtado’s work. Zeba Crook Carleton University Ottawa, ON

Recent Feminist Approaches to Interpreting the New Testament

Currents in Biblical Research, 2021

This article provides an overview of feminist approaches to the New Testament from the period of ... more This article provides an overview of feminist approaches to the New Testament from the period of 2000 to early 2021. Using a broad definition of ‘feminist’ (to include virtually any work focused primarily on women or female issues presented in the biblical text) and a more stringent definition of ‘New Testament’ (including only those texts that are a part of the New Testament canon, but not larger socio-historical studies or extracanonical literature), the article offers an overview of trends in feminist scholarship on the Gospels and Acts, the Pauline epistles, the General Epistles and Hebrews, and Revelation, noting that this body of scholarship may be characterized as being diverse, collaborative, and centered on female characters within the New Testament texts. With open vistas for exploration remaining, the article forecasts a rich future for feminist approaches to the New Testament.

Book Review: Good News: The Advent of Salvation in the Gospel of LukeGood News: The Advent of Salvation in the Gospel of Luke. By BelousekDarrin W. Snyder. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2014. Pp. xiv + 139. Paper, $16.95

Biblical Theology Bulletin: Journal of Bible and Culture

124 sage abroad, Acts views the Roman government more favorably, and Acts views upholding Jewish ... more 124 sage abroad, Acts views the Roman government more favorably, and Acts views upholding Jewish Law as virtuous. Ryan Carhart, “The Second Sophistic and the Cultural Idealization of Paul in Acts,” argues that Acts presents Paul as a rhetor like others of the Second Sophistic due to his receipt of paideia, the author’s appeals to older texts, both Greek and Jewish, through the use of mimēsis, and use of the genre of apologia, linking Paul to other famous figures, most notably Socrates. Acts crafts Paul’s identity in a way that revalues older traditions to craft an ideal Christian identity for second century readers. Claire Clivaz, “Reading Luke-Acts in Second-Century Alexandria: From Clement to the Shadow of Apollos,” suggests that Acts had significant influence in Alexandria in the second century. She notes that the majority of early manuscripts of Acts are Alexandrian, and some of these manuscripts link Acts to texts besides Luke or the other gospels (e.g. Acts of Paul, Apocalypse of Peter, Revelation). While Acts is “special” for Clement, he preserves other memories of early Christian history. Clivaz also suggests that the competition between Apollos and Paul in Acts shows that Acts views an Alexandrian Christianity as “still perfectible in the Lukan conception of the Christian faith” (p. 221). This collection raises important questions for how comparison works and what is at stake in terms of understanding an ancient text. It is likely to be most useful to graduate students or scholars whose work focuses primarily on Acts. Eric Stewart Augustana College Rock Island, IL 61201

Book Review: Rejected Prophets: Jesus and His Witnesses in Luke-Acts, written by Jocelyn McWhirter. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2013. Pp. 144

Biblical Interpretation, 2015

A Game of Faith: Role-Playing Games as an Active Learning Strategy for Value Formation and Faith Integration in the Theological Classroom

Teaching Theology and Religion, 2018

Role-playing games have been a part of scholarly conversations about pedagogy for several decades... more Role-playing games have been a part of scholarly conversations about pedagogy for several decades. However, more work is needed in understanding how gaming pedagogy can best fit with and augment particular disciplines. After providing two examples of role-playing games that have been used successfully in teaching the New Testament, this article argues that role-playing games contribute to theological and religious studies classrooms by forming positive values (e.g. openness to multiple viewpoints, civility, and empathy) and assisting students in integrating their faith and learning. Because of the low-risk settings that games provide, students can practice skills that increase their achievement of learning outcomes and contribute to their value formation and faith formation.

Paradigm of Peace, Silly Satire, Text of Terror: Perspectives on Matthew 5:38-48 for Immigrant Populations

Soundings, 2017

Hospitality, Pedagogy, and Mission: A Model for Christian Higher Education from Acts 8:26-40, 15:1-35, and 17:16-34

Pacific Journal, 2018

Romanticizing Conversion Narratives

Journal of Religion and Popular Culture, 2019

Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series recounts the conversion of the female protago nist, Bella, fro... more Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series recounts the conversion of the female protago nist, Bella, from human to vampire. This conversion is reminiscent of an earlier tale of con version in the Second Temple apocryphal account Joseph and Aseneth. This article argues that both works can be understood as romanticized conversion narratives that are differen tiated by the degree to which they endow their female protagonists with agency and auton omy. While both tales include common elements (for example, a similar narrative arc and gendered elements of the conversion process), there is a notable difference in the level of the woman's agency during her conversion.

Book Review of "Rejected Prophets: Jesus and His Witnesses in Luke-Acts"

Published in Biblical Interpretation 23.2 (www.brill.com/bi)

Jesus Loves the Little Children: A Theological Reading of Mark 9:14-29 for Children with Serious Illnesses or Disabilities and Their Caregivers

Book Review of "Mother Goose, Mother Jones, Mommie Dearest: Biblical Mothers and Their Children"

"Women & the Bible" Course Syllabus

"Gospel of Mark" Syllabus

"1-2 Corinthians" Syllabus

"Sermon on the Mount" Syllabus

"Jesus & the Christian Community" Syllabus

"General Epistles" Syllabus

An expositional study of selected writings from the Old Testament and New Testament. These writin... more An expositional study of selected writings from the Old Testament and New Testament. These writings are studied in an attempt to understand their original meaning and their relevance for the contemporary Christian church. Biblical literature courses are taught on a four-year cycle covering the entire biblical canon. Students may contact the biblical and religious studies faculty for more specific information about the cycle of courses as planned. Prerequisites: (BIB-100A and BIB-100B) or BIB-100 or BIB-300. (FPU Catalog)

"The Christian Tradition" Syllabus

This syllabus is for a required undergraduate sophomore-level course.

"Encountering the New Testament" Syllabus

Course taught as a General Education requirement at Messiah College January 2012-January 2015

"Non-Traditional Approaches to New Testament Literature" Syllabus

Course taught at Princeton Theological Seminary, Fall 2014