An Asian Introduction to the New Testament

by Johnson Thomaskutty (Editor), R.S. Sugirtharajah (Foreword by), Nijay K. Gupta (Preface by)

Overview

Understanding and assessing the New Testament writings from Asian viewpoints provides a unique and original outlook for interpretation of the Christian Scriptures. To that end, An Asian Introduction to the New Testament is the first book of its kind to take full account of the multireligious, multiethnic, multilingual, multicultural, and pluralistic contexts in which Asian Christians find themselves. Into this already complex world, issues of poverty, casteism, class structure, honor and shame aspects, colonial realities, discrimination against women, natural calamities and ecological crises, and others add more layers of complexity.

Perceiving the New Testament in light of these realities enables the reader to see them in a fresh way while understanding that the Jesus Movement emerged from similar social situations. Readers will find able guides in an impressive array of more than twenty scholars from across Asia. Working with volume editor Johnson Thomaskutty, the authors make a clear case: the kernels of Christianity sprouted from Asian roots, and we must read the New Testament considering those roots in order to understand it afresh today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506462691
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	02/15/2022
Pages:	584
Product dimensions:	7.75(w) x 9.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Johnson Thomaskutty, PhD., Radboud University Nijmegen, Holland, teaches in the Department of New Testament at The United Theological College, Bengaluru, India. He also serves as a Research Associate in the Department of New Testament and Related Literature, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria, South Africa. He has authored books entitled The Gospel of John: A Universalistic Reading (New Delhi: Christian World Imprints, 2020); Saint Thomas the Apostle: New Testament, Apocrypha, and Historical Traditions (London: Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 2018); Dialogue in the Book of Signs: A Polyvalent Analysis of John 1:19-12:50 (Leiden: E. J. Brill, 2015); and others.

Table of Contents

Contributors ix

Foreword R. S. Sugirtharajah xv

Preface Nijay K. Gupta xix

Acknowledgments xxi

Introduction 1

1 The New Testament and the Sociocultural and Religious Realities of the Asian Contexts Kar Yong Lim 5

2 An Introduction to Asian Biblical Hermeneutics Yung Suk Kim 29

3 The Gospel of Matthew Jae Hyung Cho 47

4 The Gospel of Mark Edwin Jebaraj Johnson Thomaskutty 75

5 The Gospel of Luke Ekaputra Tupamahu 103

6 The Gospel of John Johnson Thomaskutty 127

7 The Book of Acts Esa Autero 157

8 The Letter to the Romans Arren Bennet Lawrence 183

9 The Letters to the Corinthians Rolex M. Cailing 215

10 The Letter to the Galatians Roji Thomas George 243

11 The Letter to the Ephesians Jayachitra Lalitha 269

12 The Letter to the Philippians Naw Eh Tar Gay 287

13 The Letter to the Colossians Finny Philip 311

14 The Letters to the Thessalonians Andrew B. Spurgeon 331

15 The Letters to Timothy Asish Thomas Koshy 357

16 The Letter to Titus Xiaoli Yang 383

17 The Letter to Philemon Thawng Ceu Hnin 405

18 The Letter to the Hebrews Gilbert Soo Hoo 423

19 The Letter of James Daniel K. Eng 449

20 The Letters of Peter Layang Seng Ja 467

21 The Letters of John Sookgoo Shin 495

22 The Letter of Jude J. Stanly Jones 517

23 The Book of Revelation Biju Chacko 543

Index 575

Editorial Reviews

"We all read from a location. The contributors to this important volume demonstrate the significance of Asian approaches to interpreting the New Testament, and not only for Asian Christians. Of special consequence are the affinities between Asian values, life experiences, and texts and New Testament realities: honor and shame, family and community, persecution and perseverance, colonialism and resistance, poverty and pain. I highly recommend this unique, eye-opening, and helpful guide to the New Testament." —Michael J. Gorman, St. Mary's Seminary and University

"An Asian Introduction to the New Testament breaks new ground and creates a much needed and long-awaited space for Asian voices in the study of the New Testament. This book captures the realities of a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and the pluralistic contexts of Asia. It is an essential resource for those of us teaching New Testament texts, as it locates the growth of Christianity in both Jewish and Asian contexts and brings forth a unique perspective that is critical to the study of New Testament." —Sharon Jacob, Pacific School of Religion

"This ambitious volume featuring diverse Asian and Asian-American voices breaks new ground and makes a significant contribution to the field of biblical studies. By placing New Testament texts and figures in conversation with disparate Asian religious traditions, contributors offer fresh and powerful insights that have deep implications for Asian realities. The volume will stimulate lively conversations about the New Testament and prove to be a valuable resource for students and scholars alike within and outside Asia." —Raj Nadella, Columbia Theological Seminary

From the Publisher