The Great Reversal: Ethics and the New Testament

by Allen Verhey

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 1984

Overview

In this study of New Testament ethics, Verhey examines the ethics of Jesus, for it is there the tradition begins, and analyzes how the early church handed down Jesus' words and deeds in the development of a moral tradition. He also examines that tradition as it came to canonical expression in the New Testament writings.

Verhey then focuses on the use of the New Testament in the continuing moral tradition of the church, surveying proposals for the use of Scripture, identifying critical methodological questions, and defending a “modest proposal” for the use of Scripture.

Praise for the Print Edition

Equally well-versed in Biblical criticism and ethical theory, Dr. Verhey has done much to bridge the gap between these two fields. His careful depiction of the various ethics in the New Testament has shown how the Bible can and should illuminate and inform our moral existence.

—Stanley Hauerwas, University of Notre Dame

A major contribution to the growing body of literature on the relationship between the Bible and Christian Ethics…. It sets a standard for all future work in this area… Essential for serious students of the Bible and Christian Ethics.

—C. Freeman Sleeper, Roanoke College

The best of the recent studies which try to bridge the distance between critical New Testament scholarship and Ethics…. Particularly important for its close and consistent focus on the texts and issues themselves. While never idiosyncratic, it retains a fresh vision and sustains a clear argument.

—Luke Timothy Johnson, Indiana University

Product Details

• Title: The Great Reversal: Ethics and the New Testament
• Author: Allen Verhey
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 1984
• Pages: 247

About Allen Verhey

Dr. Allen Verhey’s, work has focused on the application of Christian ethics, especially in the area of medical and health practice. He has published widely, the author, editor or co-editor of 12 books, Reading the Bible in the Strange World of Medicine, is his latest. Verhey was director of the Institute of Religion at the Texas Medical Center for 2 years and served as the Blekkink professor of religion at Hope College for 10 years before coming to Duke Divinity.

Sample Pages from The Great Reversal: Ethics and the New Testament