Review for Interpretation, April 2000.

Jesus Christ in History and Scripture. A Poetic and Sectarian Perspective. By Edgar V. McKnight. Mercer University Press, Macon, 1999. 332 pages. $ 20.00. ISBN 0-86554-677-0.

This book has an almost magisterial scope: to examine the study of Jesus and the Gospels within the context of hermeneutical and literary reflection about the Scriptures. This scope is both intriguing, and, at the same time, frustrating. It is intriguing because McKnight suggests a broad perspective – educated by post-modern and literary concerns – within which to frame the current discussion about research into Jesus. But it is frustrating because one is ultimately left with little direct engagement with the current historical Jesus research: the theoretical discussion seems to be disconnected with the discussion of J. D. Crossan and N.T. Wright.

McKnight offers an interesting primer in gospel and historical Jesus studies, surveying source, form and redaction criticism. In subsequent chapters he surveys some of the hermeneutical approaches that have influenced students of the gospels and guided the various approaches to studying the life of Jesus. The hermeneutical chapters, while a survey, are relatively dense. McKnight, further, offers a sketch of the historical Jesus research, from pre-critical to modern efforts. Finally, he offers a summary chapter in which he attempts to argue for the hermeneutical validity of a reader-oriented literary interpretation of the gospels. Finally, he presents two provocative essays in which he explores some possible ways of using the gospels, and their theological validity.

McKnight offers a thoughtful approach, by a mature scholar, to gospel studies. His arguments for the hermeneutical validity of literary approaches are important. But this is not an easy book, because it attempts to do so much – and all the pieces do not ultimately form a unity. Moreover, while some sections seem to be aimed at non-specialists, others expect some theological sophistication. Still, for those interested in gospel and life of Jesus studies, this presents important and provocative perspectives.

Mark A. Matson

Milligan College