Reading Wisdom and Psalms as Christian Scripture - (Reading Christian Scripture) by Christopher B Ansberry (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book offers an accessible introduction to the wisdom books and the Psalter in their literary, theological, and canonical contexts.

Book Synopsis

This survey textbook offers an accessible introduction to the wisdom books and Psalms in their literary, theological, and canonical contexts.

Written by an expert in the Old Testament wisdom tradition and Psalms, this book pays particular attention to theological themes in Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs, and the Psalter. Christopher Ansberry skillfully connects these themes to comparable themes in the other books discussed in the volume and to the broader biblical canon. He also integrates philosophical concerns and questions.

This addition to the Reading Christian Scripture series is an ideal faith-friendly introduction for students of the Old Testament, Wisdom literature, and Psalms. It features a beautiful full-color design with an abundance of sidebars, images, and other visual aids to enhance the reading experience and facilitate learning. Additional resources for instructors and students are available through Textbook eSources.

From the Back Cover

"This may well be the best--even the ideal--textbook on this corpus for classroom (and personal) use"

This survey textbook offers an accessible introduction to the wisdom books and the Psalter in their literary, theological, and canonical contexts. Christopher Ansberry pays particular attention to theological themes in Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs, and Psalms, skillfully connecting these themes to comparable themes in the other books discussed in the volume and to the broader biblical canon. He also integrates philosophical concerns and questions.

"Do not let the size of this concise volume fool you: Ansberry provides here an attractive and accessible but also remarkably thorough, completely up-to-date, and highly learned introduction to Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and the Psalms. I was repeatedly both instructed and impressed. This may well be the best--even the ideal--textbook on this corpus for classroom (and personal) use currently available."
--Brent A. Strawn, Duke University

"This creative and informative book offers, like Lady Wisdom, a rich and interactive feast to its readers. In this rich survey of wisdom literature and Psalms, Ansberry offers a profound set of theological readings that celebrates the way Christians have imbibed and ingested these ancient texts over many centuries. His engaging chapters delve deep into the biblical texts and celebrate their reception by artists, sculptors, and dramatists as well as by many generations of scholars and believers."
--Katharine Dell, University of Cambridge

"Taking its cue from Saint Anselm's definition of theology, Ansberry's introduction is a masterful treatment of the wisdom literature, Psalms, and Song of Songs. It engagingly addresses literary, theological, and historical issues, canonical connections, and reception history, including artistic representation. It is an ideal textbook that will engage students on a multitude of levels."
--William P. Brown, Columbia Theological Seminary

"I've been studying and writing on Psalms and the books in the wisdom tradition of the Old Testament for over four decades, and Ansberry's new book helped expand my understanding of these fascinating books. He writes in an extremely accessible style, so whether you are a new student or a veteran of this literature, you will come to a better understanding of the literary, theological, and canonical contribution of these books. I enthusiastically recommend this book not only for the classroom but also for all who want to grow in their knowledge of these biblical books, for as they do, they will grow in their knowledge of God."
--Tremper Longman III, Westmont College (emeritus)

About the Author

Christopher B. Ansberry (PhD, Wheaton College Graduate School) is associate professor of biblical and religious studies at Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania. He previously taught at Oak Hill College in London and at Wheaton College. He is the author of Be Wise, My Son, and Make My Heart Glad: An Exploration of the Courtly Nature of the Book of Proverbs and the coeditor (with Christopher M. Hays) of Evangelical Faith and the Challenge of Historical Criticism.