Irony in the Matthean Passion Narrative - Softcover

Berg, InHee C.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1451470339 ISBN 13: 9781451470338

Publisher: Fortress Press, 2014

Synopsis

Irony (as used here) is a rhetorical and literary device for revealing "what is hidden behind what is seen." It thus offers the reader a superior understanding by means of the distinction between reality and its shadow. The book provides a history of different definitions of irony, from Aristophanes to Booth; discusses the constitutive formal elements of irony and the functions of irony; then studies particular aspects of the Matthean Passion Narrative that require the reader to recognize a deeper truth beneath the surface of the narrative. This engaging study gives important insight into the literary qualities in the Gospel of Matthew. This work is a unique resource destined for use by scholars and students of the New Testament.

About this title

About the Author:

InHee C. Berg is associate professor in religious studies at Concordia University College of Alberta; her research focuses on rhetorical- literary aspects of the Gospels, religion and literature, gender and Christianity, and Jewish-Christian relations.

Review:

"Dr. Berg's analysis of irony in Matthew's Passion Narrative as it pertains to Jesus' death breaks new ground in the study of the First Gospel. Her careful description of irony in both ancient and modern contexts is valuable in and of itself. The application of that work to Matthew's ancient narrative, however, produces insights for both the implied reader of the Gospel as well as to readers who would appropriate the values and meaning of Matthew's story of Jesus for today. Berg's work will certainly spur on others to further fruitful study of the First Gospel's rhetorical power." --Jeffrey A. Gibbs, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

"Here is an important ‘first of its kind’ volume for narrative critical studies of the Gospel of Matthew. With this work, Berg provides the first full-length study of irony from a Matthean standpoint and opens the door wide for further scholarly attention to this crucial literary motif within Matthew's Gospel. Berg's work is solidly grounded in the study of irony within Western literature. And her treatment of Matthew's Passion Narrative highlights in striking fashion the profoundly ironic modus operandi of Matthew's implied author as he tells the story of God's salvific purposes enacted through Jesus, Savior of God's people (1:21)." --Dorothy Jean Weaver, Eastern Mennonite University

"Berg is a careful scholar and unearths riches for the reader. Thoroughly engaging both literary theory and ancient context, Berg provides repeated fresh insights into the text of Matthew and a deeper understanding of his theology of the cross. Her superb work convincingly highlights the crucial role of irony in Matthew's Passion Narrative." --Craig S. Keener, Asbury Theological Seminary

About this edition

• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1451470339
• ISBN 13: 9781451470338
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192