Japanese Biblical Studies http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com for the Church, Academy, and World Fri, 05 Sep 2025 10:40:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.29 A Beginner’s Guide to Ancient Greek: The World of the New Testament with the Apostle Paul [Corinthians Edition] http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2025/09/05/a-beginners-guide-to-ancient-greek-the-world-of-the-new-testament-with-the-apostle-paul-corinthians-edition/ Fri, 05 Sep 2025 10:40:02 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=516 It’s been 3,040 days since my last post. I interrupt the blog’s 3,040-day hibernation to introduce a new resource for people who want to learn New Testament Greek. In Japanese, of course.

The book is:
『古代ギリシャ語の歩き方［初級］使徒パウロとめぐる新約聖書の世界【コリント篇】』 (Kodai Girishago no Arukikata [Shokyū]: Shito Pauro to Meguru Shin’yaku Seisho no Sekai [Korinto-hen])

In English, that would be: A Beginner’s Guide to Ancient Greek: The World of the New Testament with the Apostle Paul [Corinthians Edition]



This new introductory textbook is co-authored by Atsuhiro Asano and Cana Kanda.

Why I Recommend This Book

Reason #1. My daughter is one of the co-authors. Enough said.

Reason #2. Let me let Deepl.com translate part of the publisher’s description for reason #2:

Ancient Greek, which developed alongside Latin as a universal language in the ancient Mediterranean world. This book uses the timeless bestseller, the New Testament, as its setting to teach Koine Greek, the language in which it was written. Your guide is the Apostle Paul, who appears in the New Testament. Designed for leisurely study at a pace of one page per day, it allows you to master the fundamentals of beginner-level grammar in about three months, as if journeying through Corinth in the Mediterranean, a place connected to Paul. Numerous columns and photographs provide breaks from vocabulary and grammar study.

Reason #3. It comes with audio support, also by my daughter. You can listen to the lessons on this YouTube channel.

About the Authors

Atsuhiro Asano is a New Testament scholar who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Oxford and is currently a professor at Kwansei Gakuin University.

Cana Kanda holds master’s degrees in early Christian Studies and Classics from the University of Notre Dame. She is a Greek instructor at Ochanomizu Bible Institute (OBI).

Enjoy.

]]> The Biblical Leviathan in Jewish and Christian Interpretation http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2017/01/03/the-biblical-leviathan-in-jewish-and-christian-interpretation/ Tue, 03 Jan 2017 02:21:26 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=445 Before I move on to other things, I’d like to introduce one more biblical studies related article from the Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions.

Volume 10 (2015) includes an article about Leviathan in Jewish and Christian interpretation by Danielle Gurevich, Associate Dean at the Faculty of Humanities, Bar-Ilan University (Israel).

Here are the links and bibliographic information.

Japanese Title: 聖書のレビヤタンのシンボリズムとファンタジー : アビスの怪物から預言者たちの救済者まで（PDF）

Transliteration: Seisho no rebiyatan no shinborizumu to huantajī: Abisu no kaibutsu kara yogensha-tachi no kyūsaisha made

English Title: Symbolism and Fantasy of the Biblical Leviathan: From Monster of the Abyss to Redeemer of the Prophets (PDF)

Author: ダニエル・グレヴィッチ・Danielle Gurevitch

Author Affiliation: バル・イラン大学・Associate Dean at the Faculty of Humanities, Bar-Ilan University

Author Links: 

Publication Info (Japanese edition): 一神教学際研究 10 (2015): 40–58

Publication Info (English edition): Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions 10 (2015): 50–68

Bibliographic Links:

English Abstract: 

The legendary biblical monster of the deep known as Leviathan was part and parcel of the destructive forces that sought to annihilate the world. Yet, according to another popular Jewish belief, a similar sea creature is associated with the spiritual idea of repentance and rebirth. This article examines the Leviathan/whale image and its cultural depiction in ancient Jewish literature, as well as its influence on medieval Christianity. I contend that the roots of the Leviathan image in western society grew and spread over the centuries, becoming an integral part of traditional lore, as well as religious ethos, in different cultures. Each society depicted the legendary creature in a distinct manner in response to its own collective primal fears, kneading it into a source of strength and hope in times of anguish. In other words, this paper attempts to demonstrate that the image of the giant monster ultimately serves as a source of strength and consolation, whether it is defeated (as in ancient pagan civilizations), controlled (as in Judaism), or brandished as a threat of punishment for sinners (as in Christianity). (From DUAR)

Japanese Abstract:

レビヤタンとして周知されている聖書の伝説上の怪物は、世界を消滅させようと企む破壊的な力の中核である。しかしながら、ユダヤの民衆的な信仰の中には、同様の海の動物を、悔悛と再生という精神的な理念に関係づけているものもある。本稿においては、古代ユダヤ文学におけるレビヤタン／クジラのイメージと文化的な記述について、また中世キリスト教におけるそれらの影響についても検証する。西欧社会でのレビヤタンのイメージの起源は成長し、何世紀にもわたって、様々な文化において、伝統的な伝承、宗教的エートスにおいて必須のものとなったことを主張する。それぞれの社会は、彼ら自身の集合的原始的恐怖に対応して、独特の様式でこの伝説上の生き物を描写し、苦悩の時代の力と希望の源に練りかえていった。つまり、本稿は、巨大な怪物のイメージが、たとえそれが敗北しようとも（古代異教文明の場合）、統制されようとも（ユダヤ教の場合）、罪人に対する罪の恐怖としての脅しになろうとも（キリスト教の場合）、究極的には力と慰めの源となりうることを主張する。（DUARより）

]]> Monotheism and the Redefinition of Divinity in Ancient Israel http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2016/12/28/monotheism-and-the-redefinition-of-divinity-in-ancient-israel/ Wed, 28 Dec 2016 13:14:25 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=439 Volume 9 of Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions (2014) features three articles on the theme:

Monotheism and the Redefinition of Divinity in Ancient Israel

特集 古代イスラエルにおける一神教と神の再定義

Once again, I simply wish to draw these articles to your attention and provide easy access to them, so I have pulled together information and links for the introduction and each of the three articles. 

I hope that you will enjoy reading one or more of them in English, Japanese, or perhaps even both languages.

* * *

1. Introduction

Japanese Title: はじめに（PDF）

Transliteration: Hajime ni

English Title: Introduction (PDF)

Author: アダ・タガー＝コヘン・Ada Taggar-Cohen

Author Affiliation: 同志社大学神学部神学研究科教授・Professor, Doshisha University, School of Theology

Author Links: 

Publication Info (Japanese edition): 一神教学際研究 9 (2014): 1–2

Publication Info (English edition): Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions 9 (2014): 1–2

Bibliographic Links:

2. Monotheism and the Redefinition of Divinity in Ancient Israel

Japanese Title: 古代イスラエルにおける一神教と神の再定義（PDF）

Transliteration: Kodai Isuraeru ni okeru isshinkyō to kami no saiteigi

English Title: Monotheism and the Redefinition of Divinity in Ancient Israel (PDF)

Author: マーク・S・スミス・Mark S. Smith

Author Affiliation: プリンストン神学校・Professor, Princeton Theological Seminary

Author Links: 

Publication Info (Japanese edition): 一神教学際研究 9 (2014): 3–21

Publication Info (English edition): Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions 9 (2014): 3–19

Bibliographic Links:

English Abstract: 

Biblical monotheism remains central in contemporary discussions concerning Israelite religion and identity. This essay discusses scholarly objections about the use of the term; the importance of the seventh-sixth century for the emergence of monotheistic rhetoric and worldview in Israelite texts; and the subsequent shifts in the definition of divinity in Israelite texts. (From CiNii)

Japanese Abstract:

聖書的一神教は、今も、古代イスラエルの宗教とアイデンティティをめぐる議論の中心的テーマである。本稿では、この用語の使用をめぐる学術的異議について論じるとともに、古代イスラエルのテキスト中に一神教的なレトリックや世界観が登場する紀元前7世紀から6世紀にかけての時期の重要性を検証する。またその後、古代イスラエルのテキストにおいて神の定義がどのように変化していったかを考察する。（DUARより）

3. Questions about Monotheism in Ancient Israel

Japanese Title: 古代イスラエルの一神教をめぐる問い ―考古学とテキストの間で（PDF）

Transliteration: Kodai Isuraeru no isshinkyō wo meguru toi: Kōkogaku to tekisuto no aida de

English Title: Questions about Monotheism in Ancient Israel: Between Archaeology and Texts (PDF)

Author: エリザベス・ブロッホ＝スミス・Elizabeth Bloch-Smith

Author Affiliation at Time of Publication: ユニオン神学校准教授・Associate Professor, Union Theological Seminary

Author Links: 

Publication Info (Japanese edition): 一神教学際研究 9 (2014): 22–32

Publication Info (English edition): Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions 9 (2014): 20–28

Bibliographic Links:

English Abstract: 

Archaeologists offer different perspectives and new and multiple types of evidence to the discussion of emerging monotheism in late eighth to sixth century B.C.E. Israel. Two examples exemplify how archaeology clarifies the historical context in which texts were produced and received, and demonstrates the religious practices of the period. The first example considers the effects of the later eighth century Assyrian campaigns on centralization of the cult in Jerusalem and in prophetic exhortations. In the second example, excavation of the royal Judahite fort of Arad situated on the nation’s southern border revealed religious worship at a temple in a military outpost including animal sacrifice and the veneration of massebot (“standing stones”). These two archaeological studies contribute to our understanding of emerging monotheism both in practice and as depicted in biblical texts. (From CiNii)

Japanese Abstract:

考古学者は、紀元前8世紀後半から6世紀の古代イスラエルで台頭した一神教をめぐる議論に多様な視点を呈示し、新しい形の様々な証拠を提供してきた。テキストが書かれ受容された歴史的文脈を明らかにするとともに、当時信仰がどのように実践されていたかを解明する上で考古学は大きな貢献を果たしている。そのことを如実に示す2つの考古学研究がある。一つは8世紀後半のアッシリア軍に関する研究で、その侵攻が礼拝所をエルサレムに一本化する動きや預言者たちの訴えに及ぼした影響を考察したものである。もう一つは、ユダ王国の南の境に位置するアラド要塞の発掘調査で、この調査により前哨基地の神殿で動物供犠や石柱(立石)崇拝などの宗教儀式が行われていたことが明らかになっている。この2件の考古学研究により、信仰の実践と聖書の記述の両面から、一神教が台頭した背景に対する理解が深まっている。（DUARより）

4. Concept of the Divine in Hittite Culture and the Hebrew Bible

Japanese Title: ヒッタイト文化とヘブライ語聖書における神の概念 : 神の表現（PDF）

Transliteration: Hittaito bunka to heburaigo seisho ni okeru kami no gainen: kami no hyōgen

English Title: Concept of the Divine in Hittite Culture and the Hebrew Bible: Expression of the Divine (PDF)

Author: アダ・タガー＝コヘン・Ada Taggar-Cohen

Author Affiliation: 同志社大学神学部神学研究科教授・Professor, Doshisha University, School of Theology

Author Links: 

Publication Info (Japanese edition): 一神教学際研究 9 (2014): 33–56

Publication Info (English edition): Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions 9 (2014):

Bibliographic Links:

English Abstract: 

In contemporary research most scholars refrain from pointing out direct cultural relations between the Hittites of Anatolia, who flourished during the second half of the second millennium BCE, and the Israelite kingdoms, which existed in Canaan in the first half of the first millennium BCE. However, both cultures belonged to the milieu of the Ancient Near East, which witnessed intensive communication between Egypt in the south, Anatolia in the north and Mesopotamia in the east; there is therefore a common ground for their religious concepts and practices to be explored. This paper will present the Hittite concept of the divine, including gods and goddesses and their cult, and will try to draw some possible correlations with the ancient Israelite cult and beliefs. Some specific characteristics of the Hittite divine entities will be pointed out and an attempt will be made to explain through them some Israelite traditions. (From CiNii)

Japanese Abstract:

紀元前第二千年紀後半の時代に中央アナトリアから北シリアに勢力を拡大したヒッタイト人は、古代中東の文化圏に属し、近隣の民族から多くの文化を吸収するとともに、彼ら自身も、近隣諸国、特に北シリアの習慣や祭儀に影響を及ぼした1)。現在、アナトリアのヒッタイト人と、紀元前第一千年紀前半にカナンの地に存在した古代イスラエル諸王国との間に直接の文化的つながりがあったことが指摘されることはほとんどない。しかしいずれの文化も、南はエジプト、北はアナトリア、東はメソポタミアとの間に深い交流があった古代中東圏に属しており、両者の宗教的概念と実践には、検証に値する共通の土壌が存在していたのである2)。ヒッタイトの神の概念における幾つかの特徴は、第二イザヤ書に見られる厳密な一神教的思想が台頭する以前の聖書の神の概念を解明する手掛かりとなる。以下にヒッタイトの神の代表的な特徴を紹介し、その上で古代イスラエルの資料を検討して、両者の関係性を明らかにしたいと思う。（DUARより）

Notes

  • The articles in volume 9, published in 2014, are based on papers delivered at a symposium in 2013 (hence the “2013” on the cover).

]]> Martin Buber’s Biblical Interpretation and Philosophy http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2016/12/27/martin-bubers-biblical-interpretation-and-philosophy/ Tue, 27 Dec 2016 11:07:41 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=432 Volume 6 of Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions (2010) features four articles on the theme:

The philosophy of Martin Buber and His Biblical Hermeneutics: Between Germanness and Jewishness

特集 マルティン・ブーバーの思想とその聖書解釈の可能性: ドイツとユダヤの間で

It turns out that all of the articles of this journal appear in both English and Japanese. Thank you, JISMOR editors and authors!

Through digging around, I found the following information and links for each article.

* * *

1. Martin Buber Research in Japan

Original Title: 我が国におけるマルティン・ブーバー研究の過去・現在・未来 : シンポジウムの総括文に代えて（PDF）

Transliteration: Wa ga kuni ni okeru Marutein Būbā kenkyū no kako, genzai, mirai: Shinpojiumu no sōkatsubun ni kaete

English Title: Past, Present, and Future Research on Martin Buber in Japan: In Place of the Summary of the Symposium (PDF)

Author: 勝村 弘也・Hiroya Katsumura

Author Affiliation: 神戸松蔭女子学院大学教授・Professor, Kobe Shoin Women’s University

Author Links:

Publication Info (Japanese edition): 一神教学際研究 6 (2010): 1–6

Publication Info (English edition): Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions 6 (2010): 1–7

Bibliographic Links:

2. Voice in Buber’s Biblical Interpretation

Original Title: マルティン・ブーバーの聖書解釈における〈声〉の形態学 : 「かたちなきもののかたち」への問いについて（PDF）

Transliteration: Marutein Būbā no seisho kaishaku ni okeru ‘koe’ no keitaigaku: ‘Katachi naki mono no katachi’ e no toi ni tsuite

English Title: Morphology of the Voice in the Hermeneutics of Martin Buber: An Inquiry into the Form of the Unformed (PDF)

Author: 小野 文生・Fumio Ono

Author Affiliation: 同志社大学グローバル地域文化学部准教授・Associate Professor, Doshisha University, Faculty of Global and Regional Studies

Publication Info (Japanese edition): 一神教学際研究 6 (2010): 7–35

Publication Info (English edition): Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions 6 (2010): 8–36

Bibliographic Links:

English Abstract:

This paper focuses on Kingship of God (Königtum Gottes) and other Biblical works authored by Martin Buber in order to consider the intention and reasoning behind his criticism of Julius Wellhausen, thereby shedding light on the essence of the hermeneutics of Buber in the context of Biblical study. This paper also aims to discuss how the principle of his hermeneutics is connected with his philosophy and thought, and also with the trend of thought during his time, in a wider perspective of the history of thought. Buber finds “voice” in the origin of the Bible and addresses the “form” (Gestalt) of occurrence and tradition of the “voice.” He then positions the “form” that emerges from the reading of the text at the core of his hermeneutics, or treats it as the principle of his Bible translation. In this paper, I will demonstrate that Buber based his hermeneutics on a philosophical principle that inquires into “the form of the unformed,” while referring to modern German thoughts, such as Grimm’s achievements in mythology and folklore, which addresses the “form” of language, and Gestalt psychology, which analyzes the “form” of recognition. (From CiNii)

Japanese Abstract:

『神の王権』を主とするマルティン・ブーバーの聖書学的著作を取り上げ、そこで展開されたヴェルハウゼン批判の内実とその根拠を跡づけることで、ブーバーの聖書解釈のエッセンスを聖書学的文脈において明らかにする。続いて、ブーバーの聖書解釈の原理と彼の哲学・思想全般との内的連関、および同時代思潮との照応を、より広い思想史的文脈のなかで論究する。ブーバーは聖書の起源に〈声〉を見出し、〈声〉の発生と伝承の「形態(ゲシュタルト)」を問題にする。そして、テクスト読解から立ち現れる「形態」を聖書解釈の中心に据え、あるいは聖書翻訳の原理に据える。ことばの「かたち」を問うグリムの神話学や民俗学、認識の「形態」を問うゲシュタルト心理学など近代ドイツの思潮と切りむすびながら、ブーバーの聖書解釈が、「かたちなきもののかたち」を問うひとつの哲学的原理にもとづいていたことを示す。（DUARより）

3. Theocracy in Buber’s Thought

Original Title: M・ブーバーにおける「神の直接統治」の思想的意義 : 『神の王権』における士師記解釈とユートピア社会思想より（PDF）

Transliteration: M. Būbā ni okeru ‘kami no chokusetsu tōchi’ no shisōteki igi: Kami no ōken ni okeru shishiki kaishaku to yūtopia shakai shisō yori

English Title: On the Significance of Theocracy (Direct Rule of God) in the Thought of Martin Buber: The Kingship of God and Utopian Social Thought as Seen in Buber’s Interpretation of the Book of Judges (PDF)

Author: 堀川 敏寛・Toshihiro Horikawa

Author Affiliation: ハイデルベルク大学ユダヤ学研究所客員研究員・Guest Researcher, University of Heidelberg, Jewish Studies

Author Links: Academia.edu・Twitter

Publication Info (Japanese edition): 一神教学際研究 6 (2010): 36–51

Publication Info (English edition): Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions 6 (2010): 37–52

Bibliographic Links:

English Abstract:

After the Exodus, Yahweh and the Israelites entered into the Sinai Covenant, which established their relationship as that between the ‘God who guides’ and the ‘people who follow’. Based on this direct relationship between God and the people, a loose federation of tribal communities was built as a system of sovereignty during the period of Judges, in which charismatic rule was exercised by human leaders who were delegated limited power by God from time to time. The direct rule of God means, in substance, rule by human leaders who were given limited power by God. This is an important point that characterizes the period of Judges that precedes the period of the Kingdom. What Buber sought for his contemporary society is an economic system that can provide an organic linkage among different kinds of vocations and that can strike the right balance between production and consumption. In other words, it is a federate society with less top-down control and more voluntary interactions among village communities and guild society. Buber, who embraced the idea of utopian social justice, aspired for such a society and worked for its realization. Definitely, this view of Buber stems from his understanding of theocracy as depicted in the Hebrew Bible. (From CiNii)

Japanese Abstract:

神とイスラエル民族は、出エジプトの出来事とシナイ契約によって、「導く神」とそれに「従う民」という関係が築かれるようになった。士師記では、この両者の直接関係を基とし、「緩やかにつながった部族の連合社会」という政治形態が形成される。そこでは、神によってその都度限定的に権力を委託された指導者によるカリスマ統治がなされた。このように人間による限定的委任統治が、「神の直接統治」の実態である。これは士師記という聖書の前王国期を特徴づける重要な視座である。そしてマルティン・ブーバーは、各職業が有機的に連合し、生産と消費のバランスをとる経済形態を現代社会に求める。それは上から統治する機能が縮小され、それぞれの組合や職能連合が自主的に関わり合う連合社会である。ブーバーはそれを、望むべき共同体と考え、ユートピア社会主義のアイデアを参照に実現を目指した。それはまさにヘブライ語聖書における「神権」理解から導き出されたものである。（DUARより）

4. Buber’s Theocracy in Modern Jewish Thought

Original Title: 現代ユダヤ思想における聖書と政治思想 : マルティン・ブーバーの神権政治とイスラエル文脈におけるその受容（PDF）

Transliteration: Gendai yudaya shisō ni okeru seisho to seiji shisō: Marutein Būbā no shinken seiji to Isuraeru bunmyaku ni okeru sono juyō

English Title: The Bible and Political Philosophy in Modern Jewish Thought: Martin Buber’s Theocracy and its Reception in an Israeli Context (PDF)

Author: 平岡 光太郎・Kōtarō Hiraoka

Author Affiliation: 同志社大学研究開発推進機構及び神学部・特別任用助教・Research Fellow, Doshisha University, Office for Research Initiatives and Development

Author Links: Research Map (Japanese / English)

Publication Info (Japanese edition): 一神教学際研究 6 (2010): 52–66

Publication Info (English edition): Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions 6 (2010): 53–66

Bibliographic Links:

English Abstract:

This paper aims to shed some light on the association between the Bible and political philosophy in modern Jewish thought from the angle of Martin Buber’s notion of theocracy. To begin with, I will present an overall picture of the general relationship between both the Bible and political philosophy before moving onto Buber’s notion of theocracy. Then, I will attempt to obtain a bird’s-eye view of the question of theocracy by examining how Buber’s thought has been evaluated by the recent scholars of Jewish thought who have addressed Buber’s ideology in earnest. In his The Kingdom of God (Konigtum Gottes) (1932), Martin Buber (1878-1965) provides in-depth insight into the concept of theocracy, which is of critical importance in considering the relationship between religion and politics. Issues relating to theocracy as raised by Buber are being studied in various fields and still ignite active discussions today. (From CiNii)

Japanese Abstract:

本稿では、現代ユダヤ思想における聖書と政治思想の関連状況の一端を、マルティン・ブーバーの神権政治をめぐる議論から明らかにすることを目的とする。まず聖典と政治思想の関係について概観したのち、マルティン・ブーバーの神権政治思想を考察する。そして近年においてブーバーの主張を正面から取り上げたユダヤ思想研究者たちの理解を考察することによって、神権政治問題を鳥瞰的に捉えることを試みる。マルティン・ブーバー(1878-1965)はKönigtum Gottes(1932)において、宗教と政治の関係問題を考えるうえで重要となる神権政治概念を深く熟考している。彼が取り組んだ神権政治をめぐる諸問題は、今日も様々な角度から考察され、活発な議論を形成している。（DUARより）

Note: The Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions is published by Doshisha University’s Center for Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions.

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]]> Yehezkel Kaufmann and Fundamental Problems in Biblical Scholarship http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2016/12/22/yehezkel-kaufmann-and-fundamental-problems-in-biblical-scholarship/ Thu, 22 Dec 2016 02:34:04 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=427 Before I turn my attention elsewhere, I’d like to introduce a few more “biblical studies” articles in past issues of the Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions (JISMOR), published by Doshisha University’s Center for Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions.

* * *

This time, I’d like to introduce a contribution to JISMOR by Job Y. Jindo, a former classmate at Harvard. I think that both Japanese and English readers will be happy to know that Jindo’s Japanese article in JISMOR has been revised and published in English as well.

Below, I have included bibliographic information and links for both articles, as well as a few additional links that may be of interest.

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First, the Japanese article in JISMOR.

Original Title: カウフマンの見た近代聖書学の根本問題 ―イェヘズケル・カウフマンのヴェルハウゼン批判より―

Transliteration: Kaufuman no mita kindai seisho-gaku no konpon mondai: Iehezukeru Kaufuman no Weruhauzen hihan yori

English Title: Revisiting Kaufmann: Fundamental Problems in Modern Biblical Scholarship – From Yehezkel Kaufmann’s Criticism of Wellhausen’s Methodological Presuppositions (this is JISMOR’s English translation of the title, found here)

Author: 神藤 誉武・Yobu (Job) Jindō

Publication Info (Japanese): 一神教学際研究 3 (2007): 44–78

Publication Info (English): Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions 3 (2007): 44–78

Article Links:

English Abstract:

This article surveys and discusses the fundamental problem in modern biblical scholarship identified and thoroughly criticized by Yehezkel Kaufmann (1889-1963). These problems are manifested especially in Julius Wellhausen’s study of Israel’s religious history, which was the prevailing position in Kaufmann’s time. Kaufmann’s discussion of Wellhausen’s approach pertains not only to biblical scholarship in particular, but also to the study of religion and religious history in general. Therefore, reconsideration of his methodological discussion may greatly benefit scholars of religious studies and ancient texts generally. This article will first present a brief profile of Kaufmann, followed by an outline of Wellhausen’s hypothesis. The paper will then discuss Kaufmann’s critique of Wellhausen’s study in the following order: (1) the dating of the P(riestly) Source; (2) the Christian prejudice that was then prevalent in modern biblical scholarship; (3) the problem of the philosophical presuppositions pertaining to the historical study of biblical monotheism. (From CiNii)

Japanese Abstract:

本論文では、イェヘズケル・カウフマン(1889-1963)が近代聖書学に見た根本問題について考察する。この根本問題は、当時の主流であったユリウス・ヴェルハウゼンのイスラエル宗教史研究に顕著に表れていた。ただ、カウフマンが指摘したのは、聖書学固有の問題だけでなく、宗教史及び宗教書を歴史的立場から研究する宗教学、宗教史学、古典学の問題でもある。しかし、彼の著作はどれもヘブライ語で書かれているため、これまで、日本の読者はもちろん、欧米の学者の目に留まることもほとんど皆無であった。従って、カウフマンの近代聖書学批判を再考する本論文が、聖書学、ユダヤ学、一神教学のみならず、宗教学、宗教史学、古典学に携わる読者の一助となればと願っている。本論文では、最初に、カウフマンの断片的プロフィールを提示する。次に、ヴェルハウゼンの学説を概観し、そして、カウフマンのヴェルハウゼン批判を、(1)『モーセ五書』とくにいわゆるP資料の年代推定について、(2)近代聖書学に潜在するキリスト教的偏見について、(3)近代聖書学の哲学的前提の問題について、の順で論じる。（CiNiiより）

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Second, the English version, which appears to be a significant revision of the 2007 Japanese article.

Title: Recontextualizing Kaufmann: His Empirical Conception of the Bible and Its Significance in Jewish Intellectual History

Author: Job Y. Jindo

Publication Info: The Journal of Jewish Thought and Philosophy 19:2 (2011): 95–129

Article Link: Members of Academia.edu should be able to access this full-text version (PDF) of the article.

Abstract:

This essay revisits the significance of Kaufmann’s Toledot ha-emunah ha-yisre’elit in Jewish intellectual history, as its reception has hitherto been somewhat reductive. His work is generally viewed as an anti-Christian (anti-Wellhausen) polemic with a Zionist agenda that sought to glorify the formative period of his people. A closer look at his intellectual background, as well as his theoretical framework, leads us to a different understanding of his work in general and of its alleged nationalistic features in particular. The essay shows, inter alia, that Kaufmann was already making a Diltheyan hermeneutic turn decades before others in his field. (From Brill Online)

* * *

Author Affiliations:

  • At time of publication in JISMOR (2007): ニューヨーク・ユダヤ神学校大学院研究員・Visiting Scholar, Graduate School of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America
  • Current: Berkowitz Fellow, New York University School of Law; Adjunct Professor, The Academy for Jewish Religion (New York)

A Recent Interview with the Author

 

 

]]> Israelite Monotheism in Biblical Documents http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2016/12/18/israelite-monotheism-in-the-biblical-documents/ Sat, 17 Dec 2016 15:07:06 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=420 Update (Jan 7, 2017): I found the original English version of this article after posting this last month. I have added new links and revised the bibliographical information below. Note, however, that I have kept my own translation of the Japanese version.

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In the last post, I introduced an article in the Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions, published by Doshisha University’s Center for Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions (CISMOR).

I decided to go back and look at past issues, and I was happy to discover this article by Professor Peter Machinist, one of my professors at Harvard:

Once More: Monotheism in Biblical Israel

Japanese translation: 「聖書資料におけるイスラエルの一神教」(Israelite Monotheism in Biblical Documents) [PDF]

The article is based on a talk Prof. Machinist gave at Doshisha University on March 31, 2005, titled “Once More: Monotheism in Biblical Israel.”

You might also be interested in this bilingual handout from the talk. Here is a list of the biblical texts on the handout (though in a different order):

  • Genesis 6:1–8; 31:51–54
  • Exodus 15:11–14; 20:1–5
  • Numbers 21:8–9
  • Deuteronomy 4:15–20; 6:4–5; 32:1–3, 8–9, 15, 21, 39, 43
  • Joshua 24:14–15
  • 1 Kings 18:20–40
  • 2 Kings 18:1, 4
  • Isaiah 8:5–8; 40:12–14; 41:21–24; 43:10–13; 44:9–20
  • Hosea 2:16–17; 13:4–5
  • Psalm 29:1–2; 74:12–14; 82:1–8

And here are two Japanese overviews of the event itself:

Along with many others, I hope that Prof. Machinist will visit Japan again in the near future!

NOTES

Author Information

Peter Machinist recently retired as the Hancock Professor of Hebrew and Other Oriental Languages at Harvard University. He taught in both the Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations Department and at Harvard Divinity School.

Read “Peter Machinist on Retirement, Biblical Studies, and Jewish Identity” (an interview at Harvard Divinity School).

See works written and edited by Peter Machinist at Amazon.com (USA) and Amazon.co.jp (Japan).

English and Japanese Citations

Peter Machinist, “Once More: Monotheism in Biblical Israel,” Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions, Supplementary Volume (2006): 25–39.

Peter Machinist, “Seisho shiryō ni okeru isuraeru no isshinkyō” (Israelite Monotheism in Biblical Documents), trans. Izaya Tejima, Isshinkyō Gakusai Kenkyū bessatsu (Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions, Supplementary Volume) (2006): 29–48.

ピーター・マシーニスト，手島勲矢訳「聖書資料におけるイスラエルの一神教」『一神教学際研究』別冊，2006年，29–48。

Finally, here are links to bibliographic information, etc.:

]]> Abraham the Idol-Breaker in Early Judaism and Islam http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2016/12/15/abraham-the-idol-breaker-in-early-judaism-and-islam/ Thu, 15 Dec 2016 09:17:15 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=399 ご無沙汰しております。It’s been a while since my last post. In fact, if I wait two more days, it will have been two full years. I’m sorry for the long hiatus. Let’s just get right back to it.

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Update (Jan 6, 2017): I found the author’s English article and abstract, which I somehow missed earlier. I have added this below. Note, however, that I have kept my own translations elsewhere, especially in the outline.

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There is a helpful Japanese article about Abraham in early interpretation by Dr. Etsuko Katsumata, Associate Professor at Doshisha University Graduate School of Theology. The article is:

Abraham the Iconoclast: Different Interpretations in the Literature of the Second Temple Period, the Texts of Rabbinic Judaism, and the Quran

Abstract: The Hebrew Bible does not describe how Abraham, the common patriarch of the three monotheistic faiths, came to know the one God. However, literature from the Second Temple period, texts of Rabbinic Judaism, targumim (Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Bible), the Quran, and other documents abound with narratives based on a common plot that recount how Abraham came to know the one God, confronted the idolatry that had continued until the generation of his father, and broke down the practice through various schemes. This paper presents translations of passages taken from the Book of Jubilees, the Apocalypse of Abraham, Genesis Rabba, Targum Pseudo-Jonathan, and the Quran that relate the tradition of “Abraham the iconoclast,” believed to have been highly popular at the time of the writing of the respective texts. The passages are then analyzed to extract a common plot, identify different focal points, and compare in terms of Abraham’s relationship with his father, Terah. From this comparative reading, the following observations can be made: the focus is placed on the importance of knowing one God in the Book of Jubilees, and on confrontation with idolatry in the Apocalypse of Abraham; various narrative components appear evenly with similar frequency in Genesis Rabba and Targum Pseudo-Jonathan, possibly to maintain conformity as exegeses; in the Quran, the focus is on Abraham’s role of introducing the monotheistic notion to local residents. (From CiNii)

偶像を打破するアブラハム : 第二神殿時代文学・ラビ・ユダヤ教文献・クルアーンでの解釈の変遷 (Abraham the Idol-Breaker: Developments in Interpretation in Second Temple Literature, Rabbinic Literature, and the Quran)

　三大一神教の祖とされるアブラハムが唯一神の認識に至る道程は、ヘブライ語聖書では描かれていない。しかし、第二神殿時代文学、ラビ・ユダヤ教文献、タルグム(アラム語訳聖書)、クルアーン他には、いかにアブラハムが、唯一の神を認識し、父の代までの偶像崇拝と対決し、画策の上 、打破したかを描く共通の構成要素からなる伝承が広く存在する。本稿では、おそらく高い人気を博したと思われるこの「偶像を打破するアブラハム」伝承を、『ヨベル書』『アブラハムの黙示録』『創世記ラッバ』『タルグム・偽ヨナタン』そして、イスラームの『クルアーン』から訳出し、共通する構成要素を抽出し、強調点の相違、また父テラへの関係の相違から比較する。その結果、『ヨベル書』では唯一神の認識の重要性 、『アブラハムの黙示録』では偶像崇拝との対決が、『創世記ラッバ』『タルグム・偽ヨナタン』では様々な構成要素が万遍無く現れ、聖書解釈としての整合性の維持への関心が強いこと、また、『クルアーン』でのアブラハムは、地元住民への唯一神観念の導入を果たす役割に重点が置かれていることが窺える。（CiNiiより）

The full-text version of this article is freely available online through the link above, thanks to the Center for Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions (see below for full bibliographic information).

Update: Initially, I had only found the article in Japanese, so I provided a bilingual outline with annotations in English to give readers an overview of the article. This simply an overview, not an attempt to reproduce the author’s argument in full.

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「偶像を打破するアブラハム : 第二神殿時代文学・ラビ・ユダヤ教文献・クルアーンでの解釈の変遷」 (Abraham the Idol-Breaker: Developments in Interpretation in Second Temple Literature, Rabbinic Literature, and the Quran)

1. Introduction・序 (38–41)

  • Katsumata briefly explains Abraham’s significance within each of the big three monotheistic religions, namely, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as Abraham’s role in much inter-religious dialogue. (38–39)
  • The author briefly introduces Second Temple, Rabbinic, and Islamic traditions that developed concerning Abraham’s life before he sets out from Ur. These traditions are in stark contrast to the narrative in Genesis, which is completely silent about this period in Abraham’s life (the author notes, too, that we find relatively few references to these traditions in early Christian interpretation). (39)
  • The author argues that this study is necessary because, as a collection, these texts have received little scholarly attention in the past; and because they are largely inaccessible in Japanese translation, and thus largely unknown in Japan (mostly because these traditions do not appear in the New Testament or in many early Christian texts). (39–40)
  • The author aims:
    • to translate and introduce important texts about “Abraham the idol-breaker”
    • to analyze the major characteristics of the tradition(s) in each text
    • to learn about these rich traditions behind the biblical story
    • to recognize the shared significance of these traditions among different religious traditions
    • to achieve a better understanding of the various settings (religious and otherwise) of these texts through understanding how they were received within each tradition. (40)
  • The author concludes the introduction with a brief introduction of each primary text. (40–41)

2. Text Translations and Compositional Elements・テキスト訳出と構成要素 (41–54)

  • Katsumata briefly explains her grouping of the texts into two time periods.
  • Katsumata has based her Japanese translations on the original Hebrew and Aramaic texts for texts which appear in those languages, and on English versions of the rest, except for the Quran, which she quotes from a Japanese translation by Toshihiko Izutsu. (Note: this may need some correction due to a possible typo in the lines explaining her sources.) (41)

Compositional Elements・構成要素 (42–43)

In this section, Katsumata introduces five elements – these might be viewed as motifs, or scenes – including three variations each for B and D.

A. Abraham’s Recognition of the Only God・アブラハムによる唯一神の認識

B. Polemics Concerning Idols・偶像をめぐる論争

C. Acts of Idol Destruction・偶像破壊行動

D. The Fire Motif・火のモチーフ

E. The Death of Brother Haran・兄ハランの死

Translations・テキスト訳出 (43–54)

I. Second Temple Literature・第二神殿時代文学 (43–51)

The following two texts are presented side-by-side in Japanese translation:

II. Midrash (Rabbinic Biblical Interpretation), Targum, Quran・ミドラシュ（ラビ・ユダヤ教聖書解釈）、タルグム、クルアーン (51–54)

The following three texts are presented side-by-side in Japanese translation:

3. Considerations Concerning the Compositional Elements・構成要素からの考察 (54–57)

Introduction

In this section, Katsumata observes how the five elements (or motifs) are expressed in each text, and she points out certain characteristics of each text based on their different emphases, etc.

Book of Jubilees『ヨベル書』(54–55)

Abraham’s enlightenment about the foolishness of idolatry and his “discovery” of the creator God is especially important in this text. Etc.

Apocalypse of Abraham『アブラハムの黙示録』(55–56)

Above all, this text is chiefly interested in battling idolatry. Etc.

Genesis Rabbah 38:13『創世記ラッバ38・13』(56)

More than anything else, this text appears to be interested in explaining why Haran died before his father, both in terms of time and space (i.e., “before the face of [in the presence of] Terah”; Gen 11:28). Etc.

Targum Pseudo-Jonathan『タルグム・偽ヨナタン』(56)

This text is also concerned with explaining Gen 11:28, though Haran’s wickedness receives more emphasis here. Etc.

Quran『クルアーン』(56–57)

This text is especially interested in Abraham’s campaign against idolatry and his discovery of the one and only God (note that the Quran contains several other passages recounting Abraham’s opposition to idol worship). Etc.

Conclusion

Katsumata concludes this section by drawing several parallels and contrasts among the various texts.

4. Distinguishing the Traditions by Focusing on the Relationship to Father Terah and Brother Haran・伝承群の区別: 父テラ・兄ハランとの関係を中心として (57–58)

In this section, the author argues that the best way to distinguish the traditions from one another is to consider Abraham’s attitude, and the attitude of each “transmitter” (伝承者) or narrator (語り手), towards Terah and Haran. This is connected to their interpretation of why Abraham left home in Genesis 12.

The Book of Jubilees emphasizes the foolishness of idolatry without depicting any significant breach in the relationship between Abraham and his ancestors.

The Apocalypse of Abraham depicts a degree of warmth in Abraham’s treatment of Terah, even as Abraham points out the foolishness of his father’s idolatry. Therefore, it requires outside forces (fire from heaven) to help Abraham make a clean break from his father.

In Genesis Rabbah and Targum Pseudo-Jonathan, Abraham shows no affection for his father, and his brother is depicted as a wicked man. While these texts were composed chiefly to explain Gen 11:28 (see above), they effectively drive a deep wedge between Abraham and his earthly relations up this point.

The Quran shows no interest in cutting Abraham off from his family and neighbors. Rather, its chief interest lies in introducing monotheistic concepts.

Conclusion・結論 (58–59)

Here are some of the author’s main conclusions (in heavily abbreviated form):

  • Whereas the Book of Jubilees emphasizes monotheistic ideas, the Apocalypse of Abraham emphasizes putting an end to idol worship. Idolatry must have been a serious problem in the time and place in which the latter text was composed.
  • The texts depict Abraham’s relationship to Terah in various ways and for various purposes (see section 4, above).
  • Apart from their primary concern to explain Gen 11:28, Genesis Rabbah and Targum Pseudo-Jonathan appear to castigate idolators more than the practice of idolatry itself (e.g., by identifying Abraham’s father and brother with Nimrod).
  • The Quran’s use of this tradition reflects how Muslims were to dwell among idolators and direct them towards monotheistic faith.

Katsumata closes the article by expressing her desire to achieve a more complex (in the sense of composite) understanding of monotheism by extending her research to see how Abraham’s smashing of idolatry has been received by Church Fathers and other Christian thinkers. We look forward to it, Katsumata Sensei!

Endnotes・注 (59–62)

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NOTES

Author Information

Etsuko Katsumata received her Ph.D. at Hebrew University. She specializes in Jewish Studies, especially Rabbinic Judaism and Rabbinic interpretation of Scripture.

Faculty Page・教員ページ・研究者情報

Dr. Katsumata’s article appears in volume 8 of Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions, published by Doshisha University’s Center for Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions in March of 2013.

English and Japanese Citations

Etsuko Katsumata, “Gūzō wo daha suru aburahamu: Dai-ni shinden jidai bungaku, rabi yudaya-kyo bunken, kuruān de no kaishaku no hensen” (Abraham the Iconoclast: Different Interpretations in the Literature of the Second Temple Period, the Texts of Rabbinic Judaism, and the Quran), Isshinkyō Gakusai Kenkyū 8 (Journal of the Interdisciplinary Study of Monotheistic Religions 8) (2012): 38–62.

勝又 悦子「偶像を打破するアブラハム : 第二神殿時代文学・ラビ・ユダヤ教文献・クルアーンでの解釈の変遷」『一神教学際研究』第8号，2012年，38–62。

CiNii Links: English and Japanese

Previous Posts Related to Abraham

An Anthology of Akedah Stories in Japanese

Four Japanese Approaches to Genesis 22

Philosophical Interpretations of the Old Testament

Other Recommended Works

For English readers interested in pursuing this theme further, I strongly recommend by Jon D. Levenson’s Inheriting Abraham: The Legacy of the Patriarch in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

]]> Society for OT Study in Japan – Fall Meeting http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2014/12/17/society-for-ot-study-in-japan-fall-meeting-2014/ Wed, 17 Dec 2014 00:22:23 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=387 On November 3, I attended the 2014 Fall Meeting of the Society for Old Testament Study in Japan (Nihon Kyūyaku Gakkai). The one-day conference was held at Hokusei Gakuen University, in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Red Brick Office)

Three women presented during the morning session (English titles are my translations):

  1. Yoshiko Ueoka (Doshisha University, Doctoral Candidate), “Factors that Contributed to the Formation of the Sabbath Concept”
  2. Yuko Takahashi (Meiji Gakuin University), “Transformation in the View of Royal Power in Ancient Israel: With a Focus on Deuteronomy and the Deuteronomistic Historian”
  3. Kumiko Kato (Rikkyo University, Adjunct Instructor), “Parallelism in Two-Line Sayings in Proverbs Part 2 (10:1–22:16): Relationships Between Two Lines and their Effects”

Following a short business meeting in the afternoon, we enjoyed a special lecture and the society president’s keynote lecture:

  • Special Lecture: Yutaka Ikeda (University of Tsukuba, Professor Emeritus), “A Northern Perspective: Old Testament Studies as Self-Understanding”
  • Presidential Lecture: Tetsuo Yamaga (Hokusei Gakuen University, Professor), “The Prophet Elijah and the Demise of King Ahab: Historical, Tradition-Historical, and Redaction-Historical Considerations”

2014年度日本旧約学会（秋期）

2014年11月3日 @ 北星学園大学

午前の研究発表

  1. 上岡好子（同志社大学大学院博士後期課程）「シャバット概念の成立要因」
  2. 高橋優子（明治学院大学）「古代イスラエルにおける王権観の変容 —申命記と申命記史家を中心として—」
  3. 加藤久美子（立教大学兼任講師）「箴言第II部（10:1–22:16）の二行詩格言の並行法 —二詩行の関係とその効果—」

特別講演　

池田裕（筑波大学名誉教授）「北の視点 —自己理解としての旧約聖書の学び—」

会長講演　

山我哲雄（北星学園大学教授）「預言者エリヤとアハブ王の最期 —歴史的、伝承史的、編集史的考察」

]]> Excavating the Biblical World http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2014/11/12/excavating-the-biblical-world/ Wed, 12 Nov 2014 11:54:09 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=378 There will be a two-day biblical archaeology seminar in Tokyo this weekend called “Excavating the Biblical World: The Current State of Biblical Archaeology.” The seminar is being co-sponsored by the Archdiocese of Tokyo and Sophia University’s Institute for Christian Culture. All lectures will be in Japanese.

Here is my translation of the session titles, followed by details in Japanese:

 

November 15 (Sat)

10:00-11:30 “The Old Testament Period(s) as Seen through Archaeological Sources,” Hidetoshi Tsumoto (Research Fellow, Ancient Orient Museum)

13:30-15:00 “A Land Dripping with Oil: Production of Olive Oil in Bible Times,” Takuzo Onozuka (Associate Fellow, Tokyo National Museum)

 

 

15:30-17:00 “A Glimpse of Religious Life in Bible Times through Cult Stands,” Tomohisa Yamayoshi (Adjunct Professor, St. Margaret’s Junior College)

November 16 (Sun)

13:30-15:00 “Burial Practices and Biblical Views of the Other World in Bible Times,” Akio Tsukimoto (Professor, Sophia University)

15:30-17:00 “Philology and Archaeology: Methods for Ancient Israelite History,” Shuichi Hasegawa (Associate Professor, Rikkyo University)

2014年度　聖書講座

聖書の世界を発掘する

−−聖書考古学の現在−−

〈共催〉カトリック東京大司教区、上智大学キリスト教文化研究所

1. 「考古資料を通してみた旧約聖書の時代」津本英利（古代オリエント博物館研究員）11月15日（土）10:00-11:30

2. 「油滴る地−−聖書時代のオリーヴ油生産−−」小野塚拓造（東京国立博物館アソシエイトフェロー）11月15日（土）13:30-15:00

3. 「祭儀台からのぞく聖書時代の宗教生活」山吉智久（立教女学院短期大学非常勤講師）11月15日（土）15:30-17:00

4. 「聖書時代の埋葬法と聖書の他界観」月本昭男（上智大学教授）11月16日（日）13:30-15:00

5. 「文献学と考古学−−古代イスラエル史の方法−−」長谷川修一（立教大学准教授）11月16日（日）15:30-17:00

 

場所：上智大学中央図書館9階 921会議室

 

聴講料 一般：1回当日券　1,000円（前売券800円）／5回連続券　3,800円

 

聴講料 学生：1回当日券　  600円（前売券500円）／5回連続券　2,300円

前売券：10月24日（金）〜11月14日（金）迄（5回連続券は、11月15日第１回受付まで販売）

発売所：聖イグナチオ教会案内所（月曜休み）Tel 03-3230-3509

又は、上智大学キリスト教文化研究所（JR中央線、地下鉄丸ノ内線、南北線　四ツ谷駅下車）

 

問合せ先：〒102-8554　東京都千代田区紀尾井町7-1　上智大学キリスト教文化研究所　Tel 03-3238-3540, 3190　Fax 03-3238-4145

 

]]> Philosophical Interpretations of the Old Testament http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2014/04/02/philosophical-interpretations-of-the-old-testament/ Wed, 02 Apr 2014 14:05:32 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=345 Philosophical Interpretations of the Old Testament, by Seizo Sekine (University of Tokyo), was recently published in de Gruyter’s Beihefte zur Zeitschrift für die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft (BZAW) series. The book was translated by J. Randall Short (Tokyo Christian University), in collaboration with Judy Wakabayashi (Kent State University).

Philosophical Interpretations of the Old Testament is based mostly on 旧約聖書と哲学―現代の問いのなかの一神教 (Kyūyaku Seisho to Tetsugaku: Gendai no Toi no Naka no Isshinkyō; The Old Testament and Philosophy: Monotheism in the Context of Contemporary Challenges), published by Iwanami Shoten in 2008. The English volume also includes a chapter on Old Testament Studies in Japan, which is based on a paper that the author presented to the Society for Old Testament Study in Japan in 2009.

Here are the aims and scope of the book, followed by the table of contents.

Aims and Scope

Western biblical studies have tended to follow either faith-based theological approaches or value-free historical-critical methods. This monograph challenges the two extremes by pursuing the middle path of philosophical hermeneutics. While drawing on Eastern and Western philosophical writings from ancient to modern times, the author proposes original interpretive solutions to a wide range of important biblical texts, including the Akedah, Second Isaiah, the Decalogue, Qohelet, Job, and Jeremiah. Yet, this is not a collection of antiquarian studies. Readers will also gain fresh and stimulating perspectives concerning monotheism, religious faith and identity, suffering and salvation, and modern and postmodern ethics. Finally, in a supplementary essay, the author introduces readers to the history of Old Testament studies in Japan, and he outlines prospects for the future.

Table of Contents

Preface

Part I The Old Testament and Philosophy
Part II Old Testament Thought and the Modern World
Part III The Prophets and Soteriology
Part IV Old Testament Studies in Japan

Introduction
Philosophical and Historical Interpretations

Historical Interpretation
Examples of Historical Interpretation
Philosophical Interpretation
Examples of Philosophical Interpretation
The Relationship between the Two Approaches and the Task at Hand
Monotheism in the Context of Contemporary Challenges

Part I The Old Testament and Philosophy

Chapter 1
Philosophical Interpretations of the Sacrifice of Isaac: Inquiring into the True Significance of the Akedah

Introduction

1. An Evaluation of Kierkegaard’s Interpretation
1.1. Kierkegaard’s Interpretation
1.2. Westermann’s Critique
1.3. Questions for Westermann

2. Interpretations by Kant, Buber, Levinas, Derrida, and Miyamoto, and a Critical Summary
2.1. Kant’s Interpretation
2.2. Buber’s Interpretation
2.3. Levinas’s Interpretation
2.4. Derrida’s Interpretation
2.5. Miyamoto’s Interpretation
2.6. Critical Summary

3. Examining the Theory that Treats Verses 15–19 as a Later Accretion
3.1. Translation of Verses 15–19 and Notes
3.2. Grounds for Treating Verses 15–19 as a Later Accretion
3.3. Examining the Theory that Treats Verses 15–19 as a Later Accretion
3.4. The Theory that Treats Verse 19 as a Later Accretion

4. A Reconstruction of the Dialogue among God, Abraham, and Isaac, and their States of Mind
4.1. Silence or Dialogue
4.2. Translation of Verses 2–4 and Verse 9 with Notes
4.3. When Was Abraham “Told” about “the Place”?
4.4. Toward Understanding the Characters’ States of Mind

5. Isaac’s Feelings
5.1. The Father’s Love
5.2. Translation of Verses 7–8 with Notes
5.3. Isaac’s Self-sacrifice
5.4. Why Did Isaac Not Run Away?

6. Abraham’s Feelings
6.1. In His Relationship with Isaac
6.2. Abraham’s Logic and Conviction: With Reference to Josephus
6.3. Abraham’s Statement: Returning to the Akedah
6.4. The True Meaning of Abraham’s Statement
6.5. Faith and Unbelief
6.6. Contradictory Views of the Talkative Abraham
6.7. The One Who is Weak and the One Who Fears God

7. God’s Self-Denial
7.1. Doubts about “God”
7.2. Criticism from Philosophy of a Personal God, and its Outcome
7.3. Nishida’s Understanding of the Akedah
7.4. Abraham’s Evil and God’s Love
7.5. Summary
7.6. Self-Negation within the Creator God
7.7. Self-Negation within the Ethnic God
7.8. The Meaning of Self-Negation
7.9. Additional Comments on Agape: Agape in the Old and New Testaments
7.10. The Meaning of be-har yahwe yera’e

Conclusion
A Retrospect of the Main Points Concerning “the True Significance of the Akedah”
Prospects for Collaboration Between Old Testament Studies and Philosophy

Chapter 2
The Paradox of Suffering: Comparing Second Isaiah and Socrates

Introduction

1. Theodicy of Suffering in Israelite Religion
1.1. Suffering of the Righteous in the Book of Second Isaiah
1.2. Max Weber’s Interpretation and its Merits
1.3. Despair in Life

2. Egoism of Suffering in Greek Philosophy
2.1. The Execution of Socrates
2.2. The Relationship between Love and Suffering in Aristotle
2.3. Hope in Life

3. Suffering as the Starting Point of Liberation from Egoism
3.1. Abandonment of Egoism
3.2. Devotion
3.3. The Paradox of Suffering

Chapter 3
Reconstructing Old Testament Monotheism: A Dialogue between Old Testament Studies and Philosophy

Introduction

1. What is Problematic about Monotheism?

2. Various Views of God in the Old Testament’s Self-Understanding
2.1. The God Who Directs Israel’s Wars
2.2. The God Who Uses Other Nations to Punish Israel’s Sins
2.3. The God Who Does Not Guide History

3. Various Views of God Classified in Terms of Religious Studies
3.1. The Relationship with Polytheism
3.2. The Law of Monolatry
3.3. The Formation and Significance of Monotheism

4. Philosophical Reflections about the Concept of God

5. The Anthropological Significance of Atonement Faith
5.1. Atonement of the Righteous in Judaism and Christianity
5.2. Egoism of Suffering in Greek Philosophy
5.3. Atonement as the Starting Point of Liberation from Egoism

Conclusion

Part II Old Testament Thought and the Modern World

Chapter 4
Modern Aspects of the Old Testament Understanding of God: Qohelet, Schoenberg, Jung

1. Suspicions, Criticisms, and Verbal Attacks against the Old Testament God
1.1. Qohelet’s Suspicions of the God who Requites Good and Evil
1.2. Schoenberg’s Criticism of the God who Rejects Idols
1.3. Jung’s Statement that “Job’s God is a Fool”

2. A Response from the Old Testament
2.1. The Nihilism of Qohelet and his Triumph Over It: The Ontological Personal God and the Non-ontological Transcendent One
2.2. Schoenberg’s Uncertainty: Toward the Idea of Atonement Thought
2.3. What Jung Missed: Demythologizing the Creation Story

3. How Does the Old Testament Understanding of God Challenge the Modern World?
3.0 What Kind of Age is this Modern Period?
3.1. Doubts about the Concept of God
3.2. Sensitivity to Suffering
3.3. The Givenness of Existence

Chapter 5
Toward Regenerating Ethics: Seeking an Ordered Path of Joyful Coexistence

Introduction

1. Two Attitudes Toward Ethics
1.1. Emotional Draconianism and Ethical Education
1.2. Theoretical Ethical Relativism and Skepticism
1.3. Aphasia and Working to Overcome It

2. Two Grounds for Rejecting Murder: Awareness of Order (Ri)
2.1. A Ktisiological Reason (Ri)
2.2. A Soteriological Reason (Ri)
2.3. Summary

3. Seven Paths (Ro) for Arriving at the Two Understandings of Order (Ri)
3.1. Religion
3.2. Philosophy
3.2.1. The Philosophical Hermeneutics of Gadamer and Ricœur
3.2.2. Plato’s Criticism of Democracy
3.2.3. Wonder (thaumazein) is the Beginning of Philosophy (philosophiā)
3.3. Science
3.4. Summary
3.5. Law
3.6. Politics
3.7. The Arts
3.8. The Art of Discovering Good Things

Conclusion

Part III The Prophets and Soteriology

Chapter 6
A Genealogy of Prophetic Salvation: Isaiah, Second Isaiah, and Jeremiah

Introduction

1. From the Book of Isaiah
1.1. The Call of Isaiah
1.2. Early Messianic Prophecies
1.3. David’s Scion
1.4. Those Who Received Instruction
1.5. Second Isaiah’s Suffering Servant

2. From the Book of Jeremiah
2.1. Jeremiah and the Deuteronomistic Historian
2.2. False Prophets
2.3. Messiah
2.4. Sacrifices
2.5. The New Covenant

Chapter 7
The Prophets and Deuteronomism: The Book of Jeremiah

1. Questions about Authenticity

2. True and False Prophets

3. An Examination of Thiel’s Theory about the Deuteronomistic Historian’s Redactional Intentions
3.1. The Theology of Thiel’s Deuteronomistic Historian
3.2. Ideas and Expressions Unique to the Deuteronomistic Historian (Other than those Cited by Thiel)
3.3. Ideas Unique to Jeremiah

4. Interpretation of the “New Covenant” Prophecy: The First Point of Debate

5. Interpretation of the “New Covenant” Prophecy: The Second Point of Debate

6. The Prophetic Content of Jeremiah’s Authentic Texts

7. A Comparison of the Ideas of the Deuteronomistic Historian and Jeremiah

8. Revisiting Questions about Authenticity: The Task of Philosophical Interpretation

Part IV Old Testament Studies in Japan

Chapter 8
Old Testament Studies in Japan: A Retrospect and Prospects

Introduction

1. A Retrospect
1.1. A Brief History of the Society for Old Testament Study in Japan and the Japanese Biblical Institute
1.2. Brief Overview of International Research Achievements
1.3. Brief Overview of Domestic Research Achievements

2. Prospects
2.1. Old Testament Studies in Japan: Reflections and Prospects
2.2. Looking to the Future of the Society for Old Testament Study in Japan

Conclusion

Indexes

Subject Index
Author Index
Ancient Sources Index

]]> Japan Society of New Testament Studies Annual Meeting 2013 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2013/10/23/japan-society-of-new-testament-studies-annual-meeting-2013/ Wed, 23 Oct 2013 12:45:59 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=319 The Japan Society of New Testament Studies （日本新約学会・Nihon Shinyaku Gakkai）held its annual meeting in Tokyo on September 13–14, 2013.

Rikkyo UniversityRikkyo University, Ikebukuro, Tokyo (Site of the 2013 JSNTS Meeting)

Here are the presenters, paper titles (translations mine), moderators, and other speakers:

Friday, September 13

Kōta Yamada, Keiwa College
“A Rhetorical Analysis of the Opening Sermon in Q”

Masashi Sawamura, Hiroshima Jogakuin University
“Instructions Concerning ἔθνος in Matthew 21:43”

Shizuka Uemura, University of Tokyo
“The Parable of the Sown Seed (Mark 4:3–8): The Light and Shadow of God’s Rule”

Kenichi Oishi, Hiroshima University
“Who is the ‘Mary, Mother of James the Less and Joses’?”

Opening Service
Migaku Sato, Rikkyo University

Moderators
Manabu Tsuji, Hiroshima University
Kiyoshi Mineshige, Kwansei Gakuin University
Takashi Onuki, Jiyu Gakuen

* Japanese Program

* Photo of the JSNTS conferences participants

 

Saturday, September 14

Akio Lee, Mitaka Lutheran Church (Pastor)
“Wealth and Poverty Seen in the Relationship between City and Farming Village in the Gospel of Luke”

Keiji Kihara, Kwansei Gakuin University
“Why is ‘the Centurion of Capernaum’ (Luke 7:1–10) Similar to ‘the Story of Cornelius’ (Acts 10): Observations Concerning Luke’s Editorial Intent”

Takaaki Haraguchi, Tohoku Gakuin University
“Romans as a Diaspora Letter”

Hideki Tashiro, Seinan Gakuin University
“Usage of σκεῦος in 2 Corinthians 4:7”

Moderators
Nozomu Hiroishi, Ferris University
Minoru Nakano, Tokyo Union Theological Seminary
Migaku Sato, Rikkyo University

Closing Remarks
Tashio Aono, JSNTS President, Seinan Gakuin University

* Japanese Program

* Photo of the JSNTS conferences participants

]]> Our Fathers Have Told Us in Japanese http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2013/10/09/our-fathers-have-told-us-in-japanese/ Wed, 09 Oct 2013 09:09:52 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=315 Jean Ska’s Our Fathers Have Told Us: Introduction to the Analysis of Hebrew Narratives (Subsidia Biblica, 13) has appeared in Japanese translation from The Board of Publications, The United Church of Christ in Japan. The Japanese title is 聖書の物語論的読み方―新たな解釈へのアプローチ (Seisho no monogatari-ron-teki yomikata: Arata na kaishaku e no apurōchi; A Narratological Reading of the Bible: An Approach to New Interpretations).

The translators are Tsutomu Sakuma (Professor of Old Testament, Sophia University) and Yoshiaki Ishihara (graduate of Sophia University’s Faculty of Theology).

Here is a look at the contents of the English edition.

 

English and Japanese Citations

J. L. Ska, Seisho no monogatari-ron-teki yomikata: Arata na kaishaku e no apurōchi (A Narratological Reading of the Bible: An Approach to New Interpretations) (trans. Tsutomu Sakuma and Yoshiaki Ishihara; Tokyo: The Board of Publications, The United Church of Christ in Japan, 2013); translation of Jean Ska, “Our Fathers Have Told Us”: Introduction to the Analysis of Hebrew Narratives (Subsidia Biblica 13; Rome: Pontifical Biblical Institute, 2000).

Ｊ．Ｌ．スカ『聖書の物語論的読み方　新たな解釈へのアプローチ』佐久間勤・石原良明訳，日本キリスト教団出版局，2013年

]]> Exegetica Abstracts Online http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2013/07/18/exegetica-abstracts-online/ Thu, 18 Jul 2013 09:05:07 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=308 The Biblical Exegesis Study Group (Seisho Shakugi Kenkyūkai = 聖書釈義研究会), an evangelical scholarly society based in Tokyo, has launched a new website at www.exegetica.jp.

Exegetica: 聖書釈義研究

The Biblical Exegesis Study Group website lists the contents of all issues of Exegetica: Studies in Biblical Exegesis,* the group’s Japanese-language journal of Old and New Testament exegesis. The site also provides English abstracts for most of the articles in all but the first two volumes (there are currently 23 volumes).

*The Japanese title of the journal is『EXEGETICA: 聖書釈義研究』(Exegetica: Seisho Shakugi Kenkyū).

Inquiries concerning current and past issues of Exegetica should be directed to:

Biblical Exegesis Study Group
c/o David Toshio Tsumura
2–9–3 Hanenishi
Hamura City, Tokyo 205–0017
Japan

]]> Richard Bauckham in Japan http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2013/06/19/richard-bauckham-in-japan/ Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:47:02 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=293 Biblical scholar and theologian Richard Bauckham （リチャード・ボウカム） is giving a series of lectures and sermons in Japan this week.

Richard Bauckham
Richard Bauckham is Professor Emeritus at the University of St Andrews

“Gospel Traditions: Anonymous Community Traditions or Eyewitness Testimony?”

「福音伝承：目撃者証言か匿名的共同体伝承か」

June 17 Lecture at the Japan Biblical Institute（日本聖書学研究所）

“Mark’s Galilean Geography and the Origins of Mark’s Gospel”

「マルコによる地理とマルコ福音書の起源」

June 18 Lecture at Tokyo Union Theological Seminary（東京神学大学）

“I am the Way” (Sermon on John 14:6)

「私は道であり」（ヨハネ14:6）

June 19 Sermon at Tokyo Christian University Chapel（東京基督教大学）

“The ‘Individualism’ of John’s Gospel”

「ヨハネ福音書における個人の強調について」

June 19 Lecture at Tokyo Christian University（東京基督教大学）

“God the Farmer” (Sermon on Psalm 65:9–11, Matthew 6:25–33)

「農夫なる神」（詩編65:9–11、マタイ6:25–33）

June 23 Sermon at International Christian University Chapel（国際基督教大学教会）

“Reading the Bible in an Age of Ecological Crisis”

「環境危機の時代に聖書を読む」

June 21 Lecture at International Christian University（国際基督教大学）

 

*Japanese titles and schedule details can be found in Japanese on Shinkyo Publishing’s site.

]]> Society for Old Testament Study Spring Meeting 2013 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2013/06/09/society-for-old-testament-study-spring-meeting-2013/ Sun, 09 Jun 2013 03:30:05 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=279 The Society for Old Testament Study in Japan (日本旧約学会・Nihon Kyūyaku Gakkai) will hold its annual Spring Meeting at Meiji Gakuin University in Tokyo on June 12, 2013.

Meiji Gakuin University
Meiji Gakuin University, Tokyo (Site of the SOTSJ Spring Meeting)

Presenters and Paper Titles (translations mine)

Kaoru Miyazaki, Doctoral Candidate at Tokyo Union Theological Seminary
“Multi-layered Structure in the Book of Esther”

Akio Moriya, Professor at Tokyo Woman’s Christian University
“Characteristics of the Received Texts of the Masoretic and Samaritan Pentateuchs Based on a Consideration of the nun paragogicum”

Akeo Hiragi, Professor at Nanzan University
“The Genealogy of Terah (Genesis 11:27–32)”

 

Presenters and Paper Titles in Japanese

宮嵜　薫（東京神学大学大学院博士課程後期課程）
「エステル記における重層的構造」

守屋　彰夫（東京女子大学教授）
「nun paragogicumの考察によるマソラ（モーセ五書部分）とサマリア五書の受容聖書textus receptusの特徴について」

柊　曉生（南山大学教授）
「テラの家系—創世記11章27–32節—」

]]> Old Testament Studies 9 (2012) http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2012/12/10/old-testament-studies-9-2012/ Mon, 10 Dec 2012 09:05:22 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=268 The Society for Old Testament Study in Japan （日本旧約学会） published its 9th issue of Old Testament Studies (Kyūyaku-gaku Kenkyū) last month. This year’s issue includes 2 articles and 4 symposium addresses. All of the articles and talks are in Japanese, but, following the common practice in Japan, the journal includes an English table of contents.

Old Testament StudiesKyūyaku-gaku Kenkyū 9 (2012)

 

English Table of Contents of Old Testament Studies 9

Articles

Yuko Takahashi, “Josiah’s Reform and its Relationship to Psalms 72 and 80” (pages 1–14)

Randall Short, “Was David a Monotheist According to the Books of Samuel?” (pages 15–35)

Symposium: “Old Testament Studies and Preaching”*

Addresses

Hirohide Koshikawa, “The Meaning and Application of the Old Testament for the Present Worship and Sermon in Japanese Context” (pages 39–54)

Katsuki Hirano, “Preaching and Old Testament: From a Perspective Guided by Recent Trends in Homiletics in North America” (pages 55–89)*

Chikara Oshima, “Prophetic Imagination and Preaching” (pages 91–101)

Koichi Namiki, “A Survey of Antiphrasis in the Book of Job as an Application of the Theme” (pages 103–124)

 

Japanese Table of Contents・『旧約学研究』第９号の目次

論文

高橋　優子「ヨシヤの改革と詩篇72・80篇」（1–14頁）

ショート・ランドル「サムエル記によるとダビデは一神教者であったのか？」（15–35頁）

シンポジウム「旧約学と説教」*

発題

越川　弘英「今日の礼拝と説教における旧約聖書の位置づけと活用」（39–54頁）

平野　克己「教会の礼拝説教と旧約聖書ーアメリカの説教学の変遷と重ね合わせながらー」（55–89頁）

大島　力「預言者的想像力と説教ー旧約学と説教の接点を求めてー」（91–101頁）

並木　浩一「総論とヨブ記のアンティフラシス」（103–124頁）

Notes

  1. Japanese readers may find Susumu Higuchi’s online (Japanese) report about the symposium to be a helpful summary of the addresses.
  2. Katsuki Hirano’s address includes, as an appendix (pages 73–87), a Japanese translation of M. Craig Barnes’s sermon, “Preaching to the Rabble” (Numbers 11:1–6), delivered at the Festival of Homiletics on May 19, 2010. The Japanese title is 「”雑多な他国人”への説教」.
  3. I corrected one typo in Hirano’s address title (“Homiletics North America” to “Homiletics in North America”).
  4. Inquiries about this and other issues of Old Testament Studies may be addressed to:
    The Society for Old Testament Study in Japan
    Tokyo Union Theological Seminary
    3–10–30 Osawa, Mitaka, Tokyo 181–0015
    JAPAN
]]> Japanese Bible Versions on Accordance http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2012/11/29/japanese-bible-versions-on-accordance/ http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2012/11/29/japanese-bible-versions-on-accordance/#comments Thu, 29 Nov 2012 03:00:58 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=256 Here’s good news for users of Accordance Bible Software, one of the leading apps for Bible study. The two most popular and widely used Japanese Bible versions are now available as Accordance modules.

Accordance added the New Japanese Bible (新改訳聖書 – Shinkaiyaku Seisho) sometime last year.

Shinkaiyaku on AccordanceIncludes the Old and New Testaments

Accordance added the New Interconfessional Translation Bible (新共同訳聖書 – Shinkyodoyaku Seisho) sometime this month.

Shinkyodoyaku on AccordanceIncludes the Old and New Testaments, and the Deuterocanonical Books

Which Japanese Bible version do you think Accordance should add next? 

]]> http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2012/11/29/japanese-bible-versions-on-accordance/feed/ 2 Four Japanese Approaches to Genesis 22 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2012/10/12/four-japanese-approaches-to-genesis-22/ Thu, 11 Oct 2012 21:00:53 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=239 Having introduced Seizo Sekine’s anthology of ancient to modern readings of the Akedah narrative (Genesis 22), I decided to search for Japanese scholarly treatments of the Genesis story that are available online.

Caravaggio's Sacrifice of Isaac

Here are four studies I found—representing four different disciplinary approaches—with links to full-text PDF articles.

A Philosophical, Religious, and Ethical Analysis

Seizo Sekine, “Shūkyō to rinri no sōkoku no jidai ni” [In an Age of Rivalry between Religion and Ethics], Shūkyō Kenkyū 83:2 [Religious Studies 83:2] (2009): 479–501.

関根 清三「宗教と倫理の相剋の時代に」『宗教研究』第83:2号，2009年，479–501。

*English and Japanese abstracts.

A Literary Analysis

Ryuichi Mizuno, “‘Akeedaa’ no shibaru mono: Sōseiki 22-shō no bungaku-teki sayō” [The Binding of the Akedah: The Literary Working of Genesis 22], Shingaku Kenkyū 42 [Theological Studies 42] (1995): 1–22.

水野 隆一「『アケーダー』の縛るもの : 創世記22章の文学的作用」『神學研究』第42号，1995年，1–22。

An Artistic Study

Takaharu Miyashita and Mako Yoshizumi, “Karabwajjio-saku ‘Isaku no gisei’ (Jonson korekushon) ni tsuite” [Caravaggio’s Sacrifice of Isaac of Johnson Collection: Studies in the Styles and the Chronology] Kanazawa Daigaku Kyōiku Gakubu Kiyō: Jinbun Kagaku, Shakai Kagaku Hen 45 [Bulletin of the Faculty of Education, Kanazawa University, The Humanities and Social Sciences 45] (1996): 37–56.

宮下 孝晴，吉住 磨子「カラヴァッジオ作『イサクの犠牲』（ジョンソンコレクション蔵）について」『金沢大学教育学部紀要 人文科学・社会科学編』第45，1996年，37–56。

A Philological Study

Kiichi Tachibana, “Aburahamu wa gijin ka” [Was Abraham a Righteous Man], Tōhoku Tetsugakkai Nenpō 5 [Tohoku Philosophical Society Bulletin 5] (1989): 53–55.

立花 希一「アブラハムは義人か」『東北哲学会年報』第5号，1989年，53–55。

*This article is a summary of Tachibana’s paper presented at the Tohoku Philosophical Society.

 

Do you have any other Japanese studies of Genesis 22 to recommend? If so, tell us in the comments section, below.

]]> An Anthology of Akedah Stories in Japanese http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2012/10/09/an-anthology-of-akedah-stories-in-japanese/ Mon, 08 Oct 2012 15:25:44 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=225 The Story of Abraham’s Sacrifice of Isaac: Akedah Anthology, edited by Seizo Sekine and published earlier this year, is an invaluable reference for scholars, students, and any other Japanese readers interested in the history of interpretation of the story of Abraham’s “binding” of Isaac in Genesis 22.

Sekine, Akedah

Sekine has collected an impressive number of the most important texts written on this Genesis narrative from ancient to modern times. The breadth of texts is remarkable—the anthology includes texts originally composed in Hebrew (from classical to modern), Greek, Latin, Arabic, German, Danish, English, Spanish, French, and Japanese.

Personally, I found it helpful to make an English list of the texts in Sekine’s anthology, and I think it may be helpful to some readers for me to give the list in both English and Japanese here.

For each time period, therefore, I have given the Japanese list of texts (using Sekine’s titles) followed by an English list. In most cases, I have given the standard English translation of the work, but where an asterisk (*) occurs, I have simply translated Sekine’s Japanese title for that text.

Texts in Seizo Sekine’s Akedah Anthology

I 古代・Ancient

  1. 旧約聖書偽典
  2. 新約聖書正典
  3. アレクサンドリアのフィロン「アブラハムについて」
  4. ヨセフス『ユダヤ古代誌』
  5. アウグスティヌス『三位一体論』『神の国』
  6. ミドラシュ・ラッバー『ベレシート・ラッバー』

  1. Old Testament Pseudepigrapha
  2. New Testament Canon
  3. Philo of Alexandria, On Abraham
  4. Josephus, Jewish Antiquities
  5. Augustine, On the Trinity and City of God
  6. Midrash Rabbah, Bereshit Rabba

II 中世・Middle Ages

  1. ラッシー『創世記注解』
  2. モーゼス・マイモニデス『モレ・ハネブヒーム』
  3. モーゼス・ナフマニデス『創世記注解』
  4. ペトルス・アベラルドゥス『倫理学』
  5. トマス・アクィナス『神学大全』
  6. 『クルアーン』
  1. Rashi, Commentary on Genesis
  2. Moses Maimonides, Moreh Nebukim (“The Guide for the Perplexed”)
  3. Moses Nahmanides, Commentary on Genesis
  4. Peter Abelard, Ethics
  5. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica
  6. The Quran

III 近世・Early Modern Period

  1. マルティン・ルター『創世記講解』
  2. イマヌエル・カント『学部の争い』
  1. Martin Luther, Commentary on Genesis
  2. Immanuel Kant, The Conflict of the Faculties

IV 近代・Late Modern Period

  1. 新渡戸稲造『武士道』
  2. 内村鑑三「イサクの献供」
  3. ヘルマン・グンケル『原初史と族長たち』
  4. ゼーレン・キルケゴール『おそれとおののき』
  1. Inazo Nitobe, Bushido: The Soul of Japan 
  2. Kanzo Uchimura, “The Sacrifice of Isaac”
  3. Hermann Gunkel, The Primeval History and the Patriarchs*
  4. Søren Kierkegaard, Fear and Trembling

V 現代 ユダヤ教の解釈・Present Modern Period: Jewish Interpretation

  1. マルティン・ブーバー「倫理的なものの停止について」
  2. エマニュエル・レヴィナス「『生けるキルケゴール』をめぐって」 3 イェシャヤフー・レイボヴィッツ「神は現われる」
  3. ムリー・J・コーン「イサクのトラウマ」
  4. オムリ・ボエーム『イサクの縛り』
  1. Martin Buber, “The Suspension of the Ethical”
  2. Emmanuel Levinas, “A propos de ‘Kierkegaard Vivant'”
  3. Yeshayahu Leibowitz, “God Appears”*
  4. Murray J. Kohn, “The Trauma of Isaac”
  5. Omri Boehm, The Binding of Isaac: A Religious Model of Disobedience

VI 現 代 キリスト教の解釈・Present Modern Period: Christian Interpretation

  1. オットー・プロクシュ『創世記注解』
  2. ゲルハルト・フォン・ラート『創世記注解』
  3. クラウス・ヴェスターマン『創世記注解』
  4. ディートリッヒ・ボンヘッファー『服従』
  5. カール・バルト『キリスト教講義』
  6. パウル・ティリッヒ『シェリングの積極哲学における宗教史的構成、その諸前提と諸原理』
  7. ゴードン・J・ウェンハム『創世記注解』
  8. ヤン・アルベルト・ソッジン『創世記注解』 9 ホルスト・ゼーバス『創世記注解』
  1. Otto Procksch, Die Genesis
  2. Gerhard von Rad, Genesis: A Commentary
  3. Claus Westermann, Genesis Commentary*
  4. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship
  5. Karl Barth, Christian Lectures*
  6. Paul Tillich, The Construction of the History of Religion in Schelling’s Positive Philosophy: Its Presuppositions and Principles
  7. Gordan J. Wenham, Genesis Commentary*
  8. Jan Alberto Soggin, Genesis Commentary*
  9. Horst Seebass, Genesis Commentary*

VII 現 代 文学・哲学・芸術・心理学等の解釈・Present Modern Period: Literary, Philosophical, Artistic, Psychological and Other Interpretations

  1. エーリヒ・アウエルバッハ『ミメーシス』
  2. 西田幾多郎「場所的論理と宗教的世界観」
  3. ベンジャミン・ブリテン『戦争レクイエム』
  4. 森 有正『アブラハムの生涯』
  5. シルヴァーノ・アリエティ『アブラハムと現代精神』
  6. ジャック・デリダ『死を与える』
  7. フランツ・J・ヒンケランマート『アブラハムの信仰と西洋のオイディプス』
  8. ジャン=ダニエル・コス「アブラハムが信仰において妥協した日」
  9. 宮本久雄「アブラハムの受難と他者の地平」
  10. 関根清三「イサク献供物語の哲学的解釈」
  1. Erich Auerbach, Mimesis: The Representation of Reality in Western Literature
  2. Kitaro Nishida, “Ethics of Place and Religious Worldview”*
  3. Benjamin Britten, The War Requiem
  4. Arimasa Mori, The Life of Abraham*
  5. Silvano Arieti, Abraham and the Contemporary Mind
  6. Jacques Derrida, The Gift of Death
  7. Franz Hinkelammert, “Abraham’s Faith and the Oedipus of the West”
  8. Jean-Daniel Causse, “The Day Abraham Compromised in His Faith”* (original title: “Le jour où Abraham céda sur sa foi”)
  9. Hisao Miyamoto, “The Suffering of Abraham and the Horizon of the Other”*
  10. Seizo Sekine, “Philosophical Interpretations of the Sacrifice of Isaac”

 

English and Japanese Citations

Seizo Sekine, Aburahamu no isaku kenkyō monogatari: Akedaa ansorojii [The Story of Abraham’s Sacrifice of Isaac: Akedah Anthology] (Tokyo: The Board of Publications, The United Church of Christ in Japan, 2012).

関根清三編著『アブラハムのイサク献供物語　アケダー・アンソロジー』日本キリスト教団出版局，2012年

*Seizo Sekine is Professor of Ethics and Hebrew Bible at the University of Tokyo (Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology/Faculty of Letters).

 

]]> Bulletin of the Society for Near Eastern Studies in Japan http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/2012/10/04/bulletin-of-the-society-for-near-eastern-studies-in-japan/ Thu, 04 Oct 2012 05:00:43 +0000 http://www.japanesebiblicalstudies.com/?p=217 The Bulletin of the Society for Near Eastern Studies in Japan (Nippon Oriento Gakkai), or 『オリエント』(Oriento), has nearly 50 years of scholarly research freely available online.

PDF articles from volumes 5 (1962) to 51 (2008) can be accessed through English menus on the journal’s page at J-STAGE (Japan Science and Technology Information Aggregator, Electronic).

Most of the articles are written in Japanese, of course, but most of these include English abstracts (at the beginning of the article in some volumes, at the end in others).

The Society for Near Eastern Studies in Japan has also posted PDF images of volume covers going back to 2003. The covers helpfully include bilingual tables of contents, making this an easy way to scan the most recent article titles:

(Links from the society’s back number page [Japanese].)

Society for Near Eastern Studies in Japan

About the Society for Near Eastern Studies in Japan

The Society for Near Eastern Studies in Japan, or 日本オリエント学会 (Nippon Oriento Gakkai), was established in 1954. It has a strong membership base, with nearly 700 full members and a few dozen supporting members.

The society will hold its 54th annual meeting on November 24–25, 2012, at Tokai University’s Shonan Campus in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

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