The Fifth Gospel: Isaiah in the History of Christianity

by John F.A. Sawyer

This is a new type of commentary on some of the most familiar language and imagery in the Bible, showing how Isaiah has been used by Christians in all kinds of contexts up to the present. There is much interest in reader-response, the history of interpretation and the sociology of sacred texts--in what the text does as much as what it means. With full documentation and illustrations, Sawyer gives an insight into Isaiah's influence, from the cult of the Virgin Mary and anti-Semitism to Christian feminism and liberation theology.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Old Testament

332 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 1996

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absorbing theology that covers numerous aspects of the Book of Isaiah mostly from a Christian perspective, and does it well. Plenty of history on how the book was perceived as well as biblical interpretation. The unusual perspective of seeing how clergy and laity (including artists and too little, in my opinion, on musicians) have viewed and been inspired by various passages in the book.

Some theological language but on an undergraduate level. If you've taken theology courses or read widely in the area without formal college-level learning, you should be fine with just a few visits to a theological dictionary and encyclopedia, and it's worth the effort.

Recommended for Bible-study students, independent readers of the Bible or scripture studies, and students doing a paper or other project on this book as well as clergy and lay educators wanting more perspective on this book of the Bible that is the source of so many beloved and well-known passages, quotations, and hymns.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Other than the presence of a couple tiresome cul-de-sacs, this is a worthwhile book for both preachers and those who are interested in, and intrigued by, Isaiah.