Kirsopp Lake New Testament Backgrounds Collection (5 vols.)

This is a landmark work in textual criticism of the New Testament. Lake gives an introduction to the method and history of textual criticism, then applies the principles to the books of the New Testament as a whole. He goes over the different copie and the papyri, providing transliterations of various texts. Lake also supplies a substantial appendix documenting the works of other prominent Biblical scholars of the New Testament, including Tischendorf and Wolfram von Soden.

In this work, Lake compiles historical proof concerning the Resurrection. He examines each of the four Gospels, as well as the Apocryphal books. While acknowledging the necessity of faith in believing the Resurrection, Lake asserts that an apologetic line of thinking is essential as well. Using purely historical method, Lake considers each book in turn and presents a critical examination of his findings.

Mount Athos has been significant for a range of people and religions since ancient times. In this account, Lake discusses the most important religious figures to be associated with Mount Athos since the Byzantine age. He begins with a summary of the life of Peter the Athonite and ends with the coming of Athanasius of Athonite in 958 A.D. Lake recounts the life of each monk and supplements his findings with evidence from historical documents. He includes the Greek texts at the end of each chapter, providing valuable confirmation for the reader.

In this lecture, Lake provides a condensed history of how humanity has regarded the condition of the soul. He discusses ideas of eternal life, mysticism, individuality, reality, pleasure, and hope for resurrection. Lake references the religions of ancient Greece and Rome, as well as Buddhism and Hinduism. Most of his exposition focuses on nineteenth-century views. He covers the material vs. the spiritual and the good of the individual vs. the good of society. Includes a historical appendix.

Based on a series of lectures, this volume covers the beginning events of Christianity, using related cities such as Jerusalem and Antioch as chapter headings. Lake gives great detail on history of other religions as well, providing valuable context for understanding the origins of Christianity. He provides valuable insight on the traditions and social climate of the time. Lake also includes a detailed table of contents and an appendix.