The contextual approach and form criticism are two well-established methodologies in Biblical Studies, but the natural affinities between the two have historically gone under-appreciated. Yet the substantial reconsideration of classic tenets of form-criticism that has transpired in recent memory has further separated these two like-minded methods. Through a series of case studies that carefully consider certain Old Testament texts contextually, Silhouettes of Scripture: Considering the Contextual Approach with Form-criticism considers important methodological critiques and fuse elements of both methods in order to not only re-focus natural affinities but also more precisely define how contextual studies could proceed. Initiated by a literary trigger, Schreiner and Holland's method navigates between what has been called "parallel-o-mania" and "parallel-anonia" to consider a range of similarities and differences in terms of broad and narrow convergences. The result is a work that not only looks upon well-known parallels with fresh eyes but also seeks to establish new trajectories.
David B. Schreiner is associate professor of Old Testament and Associate Dean at Wesley Biblical Seminary. Drew S. Holland is assistant professor and Program Coordinator of Religion and Philosophy at the University of Tennessee Southern.
Acknowledgments Introduction: The Convergence of Form Criticism and the Contextual Approach Chapter One: The Enuma Elish, the Memphite Theology, and Genesis 1: A Contextual Trialogue Chapter Two: The Birth Narratives of Sargon, Cyrus, and Moses Chapter Three: Torn Garments, Mourning, and History: The Historiographical Appropriation of Tearing Garments Chapter Four: Gilgamesh, Akka, and Rehoboam Chapter Five: Israel's Appropriation of the King List Tradition Chapter Six: A Prototype? Comparing the Letter-prayers of Sin-iddinam and Hezekiah Chapter Seven: Song of Songs and "Give It Away" as a Study in Contextual Difference Conclusions and Ways Forward Bibliography Index About the Authors
The comparative method continues to mature and shed greater light as our knowledge and self-awareness increase, and this new volume carries that conversation forward. Students of the Hebrew Bible and the ancient Near East will benefit from exploring its case studies alongside Schreiner and Holland. -- Christopher B. Hays, Fuller Theological Seminary
