resurrection and death in order to connect modern preaching with the
excitement of a changed world. Although we may be jaded by sermons that
chase Bible verses tediously for twenty minutes or more, original
listeners heard the gospel as a huge excitement...The apostles announced
a changed world. The human world, they claimed, had begun all over
again; we are living now in a 'new creation.' They invited startled
listeners to join God's new humanity. --From the Introduction Buttrick's
teatment is no romanticizing of early Christianity. The church then was
as dismaying as it is now. Instead, this book focuses on the early
Christian sense that they had passed from death to new life--a reversal
that began with Jesus' resurrection, then explored his passion, and
finally his ministry and life. This book carefully examines the Gospel
traditions so that this great reversal can be captured in Christian
theology and proclamation.