An Introduction to the Johannine Gospel and Letters

This easy to use guide to the Gospel and letters of John introduces readers to some of the key issues arising from historical, literary, ideological and theological approaches to the Johannine literature. After a brief introduction outlining the role of John in history, Jan van der Watt goes on to examine historical approaches to the texts, considering various theories about the origins of the material and the notion of a distinct Johannine community. Next, he outlines literary approaches, including narrative readings of the Gospel, stylistic considerations and various figurative or symbolic readings. There is also an examination of two major ideological approaches: feminist and third world readings. The chapter on theological approaches considers the role and function of this body of literature as Scripture, showing how the diverse approaches discussed in the book can be appropriated.The book also offers a guide to some of the key texts and commentaries in use today and thus forms an ideal foundation for more detailed study in the future.
These guides have been developed for those taking a course in biblical studies in theological or ministerial education, and are designed to introduce the reader to the various approaches to the study of the bible. The series is ecumenical, and all the writers are professionally engaged in the teaching of biblical studies.