Introduction

Abstract

Abstract The New Testament is among the most significant and influential literature in all of human history. For Christians, the New Testament stands as a central and inspired resource for the origin, content, and spirit of Christian faith. While recognizing that for Christians it is a sacred text, such a faith stance is not shared by all who have an interest in the history, content, and interpretation of the New Testament writings. Some will approach the New Testament from a purely historical, cultural, or literary point of view. For such scholars pursing what might be called “secular” interests in the New Testament, the term “sacred” might still be applied to the biblical texts, not reflecting a motivation of their own inquiry but as a respectful recognition that for other readers these texts have a unique religious authority. But in the pursuit of knowledge, the religious claims of the New Testament cannot be viewed as imposing any limitations on historical, scientific, or literary inquiry. The object of this study is to be attentive to both these fundamentally different perspectives about the New Testament writings.