Luke, Judaism, and the Scholars

"Opening with a summary of anti-Judaism in Christian scholarship, exemplified by Ferdinand Weber, Wellhausen, Bousset, Schurer, and Bultmann, Tyson confirms the sociology of knowledge perspective that commentary is influenced by the culture in which it develops. He compellingly shows how late- nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century exposition recapitulated the prevailing negative views—derived from confessional apologetic, prejudice, and ignorance coupled with uncritical historiography and lack of access to primary Jewish sources—of 'late Judaism's' practice and theology, despite alternative constructions offered by Abraham Geiger and other Jewish scholars. This prevailing fabrication is then traced in the studies of the three major early scholars of Luke-Acts: Baur, Harnack, and Schlatter. . . . Tyson's work appears to show that any attempt to read Luke-Acts as 'pro-Jewish' is doomed. The question is thus not finally whether Luke-Acts is 'anti-Jewish' but rather first, how it displays its anti-Judaism, and second, how Christians come to terms with this depiction. For these issues, Tyson's publications are required reading."—Jewish Quarterly Review

"Tyson has produced an important book that many scholars, teachers, students, researchers, and non-specialists can use effectively and productively."—Review of Biblical Literature

"Luke, Judaism, and the Scholars surveys the history of critical scholarship on the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Tyson draws particular attention to the interpretation of Luke's treatment of Jews and Judaism. . . . A splendid contribution to the growing body of New Testament scholarship focusing on the writings of Luke and the study of Christianity's Judaic roots."—America

"Tyson's informative and objective study contributes greatly to the history of modern biblical scholarship and warns that the prejudices of great scholars can sometimes have disastrous social consequences."—Bookwatch

"Tyson examines how critical scholars have dealt with the treatment of the Jews and Judaism in Luke's Gospel and Acts. . . . Since the literature on this topic is vast, Tyson provides a great service in summarizing and evaluating many of the most important works. For anyone who wants an orientation to this complex topic, this book is essential reading."—Religious Studies Review