{"product_id":"9780802886675_john-of-history-baptist-of-faith","title":"John of History, Baptist of Faith","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStudies of the historical Jesus typically reduce John the Baptist to a subordinate role in the story of Christian origins. This meticulous historical study focuses on John himself, revealing his extensive and enduring influence.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn the popular imagination, John the Baptist plays the supporting role of Jesus's unkempt forerunner. But meticulous historical study reveals his wide-reaching and enduring influence on the history of religion. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe first study of its kind, \u003ci\u003eJohn of History, Baptist of Faith\u003c\/i\u003e sheds light on the historical John the Baptist and his world. James F. McGrath applies historical-critical methodology not only to the New Testament but also to the Mandaean Book of John, a holy text of the last extant gnostic sect. McGrath uses the teachings of John's pupil, Jesus, as a window into his mentor's beliefs. Along the way, he brings new clarity to questions of contention among scholars, such as John's use of immersion as a substitute for temple sacrifice. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eBold in its claims yet careful in its method, \u003ci\u003eJohn of History, Baptist of Faith\u003c\/i\u003e lends fresh insight into John, Jesus, and their world. McGrath's pioneering monograph will challenge and intrigue students and scholars of the New Testament and Second Temple Judaism.\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChoice \u003c\/b\u003eOutstanding Academic Titles List (2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBiblical Archaeology Society (BAS) \u003c\/b\u003ePublication Award Best Book on the New Testament (2025)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"James F McGrath","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40997960745009,"sku":"9780802886675","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0571\/9926\/3793\/files\/9780802886675.jpg?v=1779265163","url":"https:\/\/bakerbookhouse.com\/products\/9780802886675_john-of-history-baptist-of-faith","provider":"Baker Book House ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}