A thematic access-oriented bibliography of Jesus’s resurrection, as compiled by Michael J. Alter, offers a comprehensive and structured approach to understanding the resurrection narratives found in the New Testament. This bibliography is not merely a list of sources but a curated collection that allows readers to explore various aspects of the resurrection narrative from different perspectives. By focusing on themes and access points, Alter’s bibliography enables scholars and students to delve deeper into the historical, theological, and literary dimensions of Jesus’s resurrection.
The first section of Alter’s bibliography delves into the historical context surrounding the resurrection accounts. It includes works that examine the social, political, and religious environment of first-century Judea, providing a foundation for understanding the significance of the resurrection within the broader historical framework. Key sources in this section include “The Social World of the New Testament” by Richard Horsley and “The Jewish People in the First Century: Political, Social, and Religious Aspects” by Shimon Gibson.
The second section of the bibliography focuses on the literary aspects of the resurrection narratives. It explores the various literary genres, such as apocalyptic, gnostic, and synoptic, that contributed to the development of the resurrection accounts. Notable works in this section include “The Resurrection of the Son of God” by N.T. Wright and “The Resurrection Narratives and the Gospels” by Raymond E. Brown.
In the third section, Alter’s bibliography addresses the theological implications of the resurrection. This section includes works that examine the resurrection within the context of Christian theology, exploring themes such as the nature of the resurrection, the role of the resurrection in the atonement, and the implications of the resurrection for Christian ethics. Key sources in this section include “The Resurrection of Jesus: A Historical and Theological Enquiry” by John P. Meier and “The Resurrection of Jesus: The New, the Old, and the Eschatological” by James D.G. Dunn.
The fourth section of the bibliography focuses on the archaeological and pseudepigraphical evidence related to the resurrection. This section includes works that discuss the historical and cultural background of the resurrection narratives, as well as the significance of various archaeological discoveries. Notable sources in this section include “The Resurrection Narratives and the Ancient World” by Richard Bauckham and “The Resurrection of Jesus in the Gospels” by E.P. Sanders.
Finally, the fifth section of Alter’s bibliography addresses the contemporary relevance of the resurrection. This section includes works that explore the implications of the resurrection for contemporary Christian life, as well as the ongoing debate between faith and skepticism. Key sources in this section include “The Resurrection of Jesus: Fact or Fiction?” by Gerd Lüdemann and “The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach” by Bart D. Ehrman.
In conclusion, Michael J. Alter’s thematic access-oriented bibliography of Jesus’s resurrection provides a valuable resource for scholars and students seeking to understand the resurrection narratives from multiple perspectives. By organizing the bibliography around themes and access points, Alter’s work encourages a more comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the resurrection’s historical, theological, and literary dimensions.
