The Conversion of the Imagination: Paul as Interpreter of Israel's Scripture
Luke Timothy Johnson"InEchoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul, Richard Hays distinguished himself as an interpreter of rare literary skill. He brings the same ear for scriptural nuance to this welcome collection of essays:The Conversion of the Imaginationextends and strengthens the argument ofEchoes, showing how little one can appreciate Paul without also appreciating the apostle's profound and subtle engagement with Israel's Scripture."Victor Paul Furnish"Richard Hays not only invites us to consider the formative role that Israel's Scripture played in Paul's thought. He also challenges us to learn from the apostle what it means to read Scripture faithfully, attentive to its 'gracious word of promise.' These are important essays, devoted to a critical topic, from a noted New Testament interpreter."Anvil"The Conversion of the Imaginationis a must for anyone interested in the use of Scripture within Scripture. It will encourage and inform those who want to learn better how to listen to the Christian Scriptures themselves, as distinct from what others write about them."Review of Biblical Literature"Hays's own lyrical and evocative style of writing is an ideal vehicle for exploring Paul's own lyrical and evocative uses of Scripture. . . . Richard Hays has made a seminal contribution to biblical hermeneutics . . . . It is always fruitful to be in dialogue with him."Reviews in Religion and Theology"Makes some of [Richard] Hay's most important work more readily accessible to a new generation of readers. . . Merits sustained attention from all who seek to understand better the role and function of scripture in Paul's letters and thoughts."