Methodologies: Redaction Criticism
eBooks
The Edited Bible: The Curious History of the Editor in Biblical Criticism by "There is a generally accepted notion in biblical scholarship that the Bible as we know it today is the product of editing from its earliest stages of composition through to its final, definitive and “canonical” textual form. So persistent has been this idea since the rise of critical study in the seventeenth century and so pervasive has it become in all aspects of biblical study that there is virtually no reflection on the validity of this idea” (from the Introduction). Van Seters proceeds to survey the history of the idea of editing, from its origins in the pre-Hellenistic Greek world, through Classical and Medieval times, into the modern era. He discusses and evaluates the implications of the common acceptance of “editing” and “editors/redactors” and concludes that this strand of scholarship has led to serious misdirection of research in modern times." - Pennsylvania State University Press
Introduction to Biblical Studies by This is a link to chapter 4 of this work entitled "Historical Approaches." This section focuses on the editorial work done by the authors of the Gospels (I.e. redactional criticism). The argument is that we shouldn't focus on the text as much as should on the authors in order to better understand the purpose for which they were written. In order to so we must examine the choices the authors made in their selection of material.
An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods and Ministry Formation by This is a link to a small section of the book that focuses on redactional criticism as an exegetical skill. This focuses exclusively on redactional criticism vis-a-vis the synoptic gospels.
Articles & Book Sections
- Gail P.C. Streete, "Redaction Criticism," in To Each Its Own Meaning : An Introduction to Biblical Criticisms and Their ApplicationGives a short history as well as the strengths and limitations of the methodology.
- Grant R. Osborne, "Redactional Criticism" in Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the BibleThis short dictionary entry gives a history of the origin of the methodology, how it is employed in biblical studies, its strengths and its weaknesses.
- H. G. M. Williamson, "Redaction Criticism: The Vindication of Redaction Criticism" in Biblical Interpretation and Method: Essays in Honour of John Barton"In this chapter, however, on the basis of selected passages in the first twelve chapters of the book of Isaiah, the case is made that in fact [redaction criticism] is the only way to understand how the words of an historically bound message from the prophet came to be preserved in the first place and opened up for reapplication to wider circumstances in the second. In other words, redaction criticism is the method that should best appeal to those who wish to appreciate the biblical text not just artistically but also theologically."
- James D. Nogalski, "Redaction Criticism and the Prophets" in The Oxford Handbook of the Prophets"This chapter describes the current state of redactional discussions as practiced on the four scrolls of the Latter Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve). It begins by describing the changes in understanding the nature and importance of redactional work on the prophets from the beginning of the twentieth century until today, including the rise of redaction history and the interplay between redactional studies and text criticism."
- Johannes P. Floss, "Form, Source, and Redaction Criticism" in The Oxford Handbook of Biblical Studies"This article looks at form criticism, source/literary criticism, and redaction criticism...Redaction criticism concerns itself with form and not with content. Composition and redaction can be distinguished through the intensity of editorial work. Composition can be recognized by a more intensive engagement with the units and the way that they are fitted together and built into episodes to achieve a desired end. Redaction tends to put the individual texts next to each other, but in an uncoordinated way."
- Paul Edward Hughes, "Compistional History: Form, Source, and Redaction Criticism" in Interpreting the Old Testament : A Guide for ExegesisIn the redaction criticism section of this chapter, Hughes gives a brief history of the methodology and how it evolved from form criticism. The author focuses exclusively on its use in Hebrew Bible exegesis.
- Robert H. Stein, "The Proper Methodology for Ascertaining a Markan Redaction History"As the title implies, Stein attempts to ascertain the redaction history of Mark.
- Robert H. Stein, "What is Redaktiongeschichte?"This article gives a history of the methodology, a definition of the term, and the "proper" procedure of its use while investigating the gospels,
- Steven Smalley, "Redaction Criticism," in New Testament Interpretation: Essays on Principles and MethodsAn excellent article detailing how redaction criticism arose, how it works in the gospels, and its implications in biblical studies,
- Suzanne Boorer, "Source and Redaction Criticism" in Methods for ExodusExplains how source and redaction criticism can be used in the exegesis of the Exodus.