Routledge Asceticism and the New Testament

Product Description First published in 1999. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company. Review "... Asceticism in the New Testament enriches our understanding both of the biblical text and of the meaning of ascetic practice. The discussions put us into the Jewish and Greco-Roman world and draw out the implications of Christianity's fundamental objectives as generally countercultural with a strong call to virtue. This is an important contribution to the fields of scripture, theology, and spirituality. The style is erudite but not esoteric, and is agreeable to professional and layperson alike. I recommend this book with great enthusiasm." -- Joseph F. Wimmer, New Theology Review "A remarkable and essential collection." -- Fred Burnett, Religious Studies Review "... the volume contains several essays that open the reader to new exegetical possiblities. It also paves the way for a reassessment of the role of asceticism throughout the entire Christian tradition." -- Kenneth D. Snyder, University of St. Thomas "...it offers a fresh and truthful way of reading the New Testament." -- Christianity Today About the Author Leif E. Vaage is Associate Professor of New Testament Literature and Exegesis of Emmanuel College, Toronto School of Theology of the University of Toronto. He is the author of Galilean Upstarts (1994). Vincent L.Wimbush is Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Union Theological Seminary. He has edited several books and is the author of Paul the WorldlyAscetic (1987).