Ben Witherington III Collection (5 vols.)

by Ben Witherington III

Publisher:

Baylor University Press

, 2005–2009

Overview

Ben Witherington III, a well-known New Testament scholar, exegete, and commentator brings new insight to several oft-debated areas of Christian doctrine and methods of interpretation with the Ben Witherington III Collection (5 vols.). In this collection, Witherington opens the Scriptures and addresses the following subjects:

• The Bible: the formation of its canon, history of its translations, hermeneutical principles, and more
• Communion: its background, significance, and complexities
• Protestant Reformers: whether Luther, Calvin, or Wesley’s ideas on various topics— sin, sovereignty, grace, and more—have firm biblical foundations
• Baptism: its implications and the debate over believer’s and infant baptism
• Rhetorical Criticism: the use of rhetoric in the composition of the New Testament

The Ben Witherington III Collection (5 vols.) carefully assesses these topics with a firm biblical basis and provides readers with a deeper understanding of the foundations—as well as the contemporary implications they bring. Perfect for scholars, students, pastors, and laypersons alike, the Logos edition of these theological works is fully searchable and easily accessible. Scripture passages are linked directly to your English translations and to the original Greek text, and important theological concepts are linked to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of resources in your digital library.

Key Features

• Provides a thorough look at the theology surrounding the Bible, communion, baptism, and numerous doctrines
• Includes a socio-rhetorical perspective on the New Testament

Product Details

• Title: Ben Witherington III Collection
• Author: Ben Witherington III
• Publisher: Baylor
• Volumes: 5
• Pages: 1,142

The Living Word of God: Rethinking the Theology of the Bible

• Author: Ben Witherington III
• Publisher: Baylor
• Publication Date: 2008
• Pages: 291

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In this volume Ben Witherington asks, “What does it mean to call the Bible ‘God’s word’?” In doing so, he takes on other recent studies which downplay the connection between history and theology, or between historical accuracy and truth claims. Witherington argues that the Bible is not merely to be viewed as a Word about God. Instead, he says that the Bible exhorts us to see the Bible as a living Word from God.

If we believe that Scripture is God’s word and that God cannot err, then it follows the Bible is inerrant. But what would have constituted an error in the biblical cultures? What does Scripture testify about itself and the nature of its reliability? Ben Witherington, prolific New Testament Professor at Asbury Seminary, addresses these and related questions, including the formation of the canon, the history of Bible translations, how to choose among the many English-language versions, and basic hermeneutical principles. Almost every reader will disagree at some point, but the vast majority of his positions are compelling and clear. Warmly to be recommended.

—Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary

Whatever Ben Witherington writes goes to the top of my ‘must read’ list. His new book doesn’t disappoint. It’s insightful, creative, provocative, and challenging—in other words, it’s pure Ben!

—Lee Strobel, Author of The Case for the Real Jesus

Making a Meal of It: Rethinking the Theology of the Lord’s Supper

• Author: Ben Witherington III
• Publisher: Baylor
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 170

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Making a Meal of It explores the background and implication of the Lord’s Supper. Delving into its historical and Scriptural origins, Witherington argues that the Lord’s Supper is a sacramental celebration of the community of God, designed to incorporate people of varying backgrounds. Excavating the diverse ways in which Scripture and early Christian tradition speak about the Lord’s Supper, Witherington advocates that the meal is primarily about who the people of God are and how they should thus live together.

Witherington provides compelling answers to many of the crucial issues.

—Clinton E. Arnold, Professor and Chairman, Department of New Testament, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

In Making a Meal of It, Ben Witherington provides a competent guide to the numerous complexities surrounding the Lord’s Supper, one that, in the end, helps the reader to understand this central Christian ceremony as something much more than either magic or mere symbolism. From socio-cultural background information to incisive exegetical observations, from careful historical survey to very practical application; this book will benefit anyone who desires to better understand-and more fully experience—the true kingdom mystery of the Lord’s Supper.

—Paul Rhodes Eddy, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Bethel University

The Problem with Evangelical Theology: Testing the Exegetical Foundations of Calvinism, Dispensationalism, and Wesleyanism

• Author: Ben Witherington III
• Publisher: Baylor
• Publication Date: 2005
• Pages: 325

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

There is no doubting the legacy of the Protestant Reformers and their successors. Luther, Calvin, and Wesley not only spawned specific denominational traditions, but their writings have been instrumental in forging a broadly embraced evangelical theology as well.

In this volume, Ben Witherington wrestles with some of the big ideas of these major traditional theological systems (sin, God’s sovereignty, prophecy, grace, and the Holy Spirit), asking tough questions about their biblical foundations. Witherington argues that evangelicalism sometimes wrongly assumes a biblical warrant for some of its more popular beliefs, and, further, he pushes the reader to engage the larger story and plot of the Bible to understand these central elements of belief.

Ben Witherington reminds us that being Reformed is a continual process. He calls Evangelical Christians to a fresh look at their claim to take Scripture seriously. Few scholars are better placed to do so. Witherington is authoritative and writes here with his usual compelling style.

—Trevor Hart, Principal of St Mary’s College and Head of the School of Divinity, University of St Andrews

Evangelicals of all stripes need to take account of Witherington’s contentions here—to make us exegetically honest and theologically responsible. He takes on the three streams of evangelicalism: Reformed, Wesleyan, and Dispensationalist views to examine their exegetical foundations and theological structures. The result is critique, but also a call for biblical orthodoxy and proclamation of biblical truth in postmodern society. His perspectives should gain a wide hearing.

—Donald K. McKim, Executive Editor for Theology and Reference, Westminster John Knox Press

Troubled Waters: Rethinking the Theology of Baptism

• Author: Ben Witherington III
• Publisher: Baylor
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 153

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Baptism has been a contested practice from the very beginning of the church. In this volume, Ben Witherington rethinks the theology of baptism and does so in constant conversation with the classic theological positions and central New Testament texts. By placing baptism in the context of the covenant, Witherington shows how advocates of both believer’s baptism and infant baptism have added some water to both their theology and practice of baptism.

[Witherington] offers pastoral guidance and correctives for both baptismal practices so that the fuller goals for Christian baptism will be achieved.

—David A. deSilva, Trustees’ Professor of New Testament and Greek, Ashland Theological Seminary

Baptism debates flooded churches and seminaries a generation back and, without settling issues once and for all, the flood subsided. Standing now alone, with a peaceful olive branch in his hand, is Ben Witherington, asking Christians once again to go back both to those debates and to the Bible. Let’s join him.

—Scot McKnight, Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies, North Park University

What’s in the Word: Rethinking the Socio-Rhetorical Character of the New Testament

• Author: Ben Witherington III
• Publisher: Baylor
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 203

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Written in clear, and at times colorful, prose, Ben Witherington’s What’s in the Word explains how the recognition of the oral and socio-rhetorical character of the New Testament and its environment necessitates a change in how the New Testament literature is read. Expanding on the work in which he has been fruitfully engaged for over a quarter century, Witherington challenges the previously assured results of historical criticism and demonstrates chapter by chapter how the socio-rhetorical study shifts the paradigm.

Taken together, the chapters in What’s in the Word coalesce around three of Witherington’s ongoing academic concerns: orality and rhetoric; New Testament history, including issues of authenticity and canonicity; and the exegesis of given words in their canonical and socio-cultural contexts. Always unpredictable, this book never fails to pique interest and proffer instruction.

Witherington here shows how fruitful socio-rhetorical perspective can be. His lively and accessible style make for stimulating reading.

—Richard Bauckham, Professor of New Testament, St. Mary’s College, University of St. Andrews

This book’s fascinating observations give stimulating guidance in hearing the texts as they were very likely meant to be heard.

—Richard J. Erickson, Associate Professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary

This book tackles a series of contentious subjects with clarity and verve. It may even change your mind on some.

—Darrell Bock, Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

. . . a fascinating discussion. . . . [Witherington] is correct that social history and Greco-Roman rhetoric are now more purposely employed in interpretation and have made significant advances in our understanding of the New Testament—advances he masterfully demonstrates throughout this volume.

—Interpretation

. . . interesting, varied, provocative, well-written, and worthwhile.

——Journal for the Study of the New Testament

About Ben Witherington

Ben Witherington III (PhD, Durham University) is Amos Professor for Doctoral Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky, and is on the doctoral faculty at St. Andrews University, Scotland. Witherington has twice won the Christianity Today best biblical studies book-of-the-year award, and his many books include We Have Seen His Glory: A Vision of Kingdom Worship and socio-rhetorical commentaries on Mark, Acts, Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Galatians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians, and 1 and 2 Thessalonians.