Belief: A Theological Commentary on the Bible (7 vols.)

This volume in the Belief series provides a new and interesting theological interpretation of Genesis through the themes of liberation and the concerns of the poor and marginalized. De La Torre remembers Jacob’s wrestling at Peniel (Gen. 32:24–32), and finds that “there are consequences when we truly wrestle with the biblical text, struggling to see the face of God.” This commentary provides theological and ethical insights that enables the book of Genesis to speak powerfully today.

This volume considers two very different types of biblical writings and two very timely subjects—violence and sex. Well-known theologian Harvey Cox draws on a wide array of sources in his commentary on Lamentations—including poetry, novels, films, paintings, and photography—to offer a contemporary theological reading that is provocative and sure to stir numerous reflections and responses.

The biblical book of Song of Songs has historically been seen as a book pointing to Christ’s love for the church and has been interpreted in allegorical ways. Yet, it is unique in the canon for its use of erotic poetry, celebrating the human body and human love in graphic terms. Author Stephanie Paulsell suggests that the Song can still have profound meaning for us, teaching us “to love not only what we can see shining on the surface but also those depths of the other which are out of our reach.”

William Placher’s inaugural volume in this exciting series offers theological perspectives on what most scholars believe to be the earliest Gospel—the Gospel of Mark. The result is an accessibly written theological commentary focusing on the questions that Mark’s Gospel raises for us today. This is sure to be of immense value for all who want to hear the astonishing story Mark tells about “the good news of Jesus Christ” (Mark 1:1).

Historian and theologian Justo González presents the beloved Gospel of Luke, who heralds Jesus’ birth as “good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). González guides us and challenges us to ask, “What is the meaning of this text for us today?” The result is an engaging and important theological discussion of Luke’s Gospel and its relation to the life and proclamation of the church and its members.

Long recognized as a significant theological document and one from which the Christian church gains life and direction, the book of Ephesians focuses on Jesus Christ’s amazing work in redemption and reconciliation. It invites—and requires—our participation. Jointly written by a theological seminary professor and an active pastor, this commentary emerges from an adult Sunday school class on Ephesians they taught together, as well as their own studies and experiences. The result is a fascinating work that focuses on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the ways it is to be lived out in the church and by Christians in their own lives.

The book of Hebrews is a fascinating extended sermon that has nurtured and challenged the church for centuries. It stands in tension with our sensibilities but provides guidance for the church’s life and for individual Christians. In this theological commentary, D. Stephen Long explores this captivating book. He finds Hebrews extremely relevant for today, as it integrates doctrine, ethics, and politics while helping faithful Christians find their ways through troubled times. It invites us into a robust world beyond the assumptions of today’s scientific worldviews. Hebrews also helps us understand how to read Scripture after the triumph of Jesus Christ. Long’s expert theological guidance helps us understand Hebrews and hear its message for our contemporary world.

Theologian and church historian Catherine Gunsalus González studies three often-overlooked books in the New Testament, 1 and 2 Peter and the Letter of Jude. These writings from the late first century or early second century helped guide the young church as it faced a variety of issues, both internal to the church’s life and external in the social and political culture in which it was growing. The letters help us focus on the character of the church and the importance of congregations in the church’s ongoing life. They raise basic issues of authority for how the church knows the directions to follow, how Christians should live, and how diverse views should be considered. González uses a variety of resources to illuminate these letters. She very helpfully centers on their theological importance for contemporary churches and for Christian living.