What is 'New testament study'? the new testament and early christianity

Abstract

The article addresses the question 'What is New Testament Study?', considering as possible alternatives 'Theology' or 'Religious Studies'. The issue may be critically determined by who is doing the study, and in what context; but in the context of the SNTS, it is argued that a non-confessional approach is more appropriate today. Part of the distinction between the two approaches may lie in one's attitude to non-canonical literature. In the second part of the article the question is raised as to what difference study of non-canonical texts might make in understanding the NT documents. Examples of the passion narrative in Q, and beliefs about the resurrection of the body (by Paul and other early Christians), are examined. Such issues raise questions about the NT canon, which are briefly addressed in a final section. © 2014 Cambridge University Press.