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Philippians and 1 and 2 Thessalonians (New Testament Everyday Bible Study Series)
by Scot McKnightIn his letter to the Philippians, Paul expresses many of his ideas about how Christians should live life together. His words on fellowship and upright conduct are carried over into his letters to the Thessalonians, in which Paul exhorts the church to live in a way that pleases God. Philippians and the Thessalonians all address believers in the first century and in the twenty-first century with words that are practical and deeply spiritual:Philippians appeals for unity and rejoicing in the face of suffering.1 and 2 Thessalonians emphasize having a heart of thanksgiving and also discuss the return of Christ.Kingdom living is the shape of life in Christ. These letters have taught Christians since the first century to live a life shaped by confidence in what God has promised us, but also to live that life without trying to escape from this world.Exploring the links between the Bible and our own times, McKnight shares perspectives that reveal the enduring relevance of these Pauline letters for our lives today. Ideal for personal reflection or group study, Philippians and 1 & 2 Thessalonians will help you see God in the biblical context so you can hear from God in your context.In the New Testament Everyday Bible Study Series, widely respected biblical scholar Scot McKnight combines interpretive insights with pastoral wisdom for all the books of the New Testament. Each volume provides:Original Meaning. Brief, precise expositions of the biblical text and offers a clear focus for the central message of each passage.Fresh Interpretation. Brings the passage alive with fresh images and what it means to follow King Jesus.Practical Application. Biblical connections and questions for reflection and application for each passage.
Philippians and Galatians
by Stanley P. SaundersThe letters to the Philippians and to the Galatians both illustrate the passion and intesnity fo Paul's writing. The letter to the Philappians is perhaps Paul's warmest letter, using the language of partnership, joy and humility. Galatians, in contrast, reveals frustion and anger and lacks the expression of thanksgiving typically found near the beginning of Paul's letters. Together these writings provide a compelling portrait of a theologian of rare power and insight whose legacy continues to spark lively debate in the church today.
Philippians and Philemon
by Daniel L. MiglioreIn this latest volume in the Belief series, Daniel L. Migliore plumbs the depth of Paul's letters to the Philippians and to Philemon. With splendid theological reflection, Migliore explores central themes of these remarkable letters--themes that include the practice of prayer, righteousness from God, and the work of reconciliation and transformation through Jesus Christ. Migliore shows how Philippians continues to speak to churches that, like the church at Philippi, struggle to be faithful to Christ, worry about the future, and need guidance. And in Philemon, Migliore finds a letter with importance far beyond its size--a letter that can enrich our understanding of the fullness of the gospel that Paul proclaims. In both books, Migliore deftly shows Paul as a remarkable theologian and pastor with a message instructive to the church of every age.
Philippians Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video: Chasing Happy (Beautiful Word Bible Studies)
by Lori WilhiteDISCOVER THE HAPPINESS YOU&’VE BEEN CHASINGMany of us spend our lives chasing happy through relationships, success, and the next adventure. Yet, we only discover a dryness in our souls. Why? Because we&’re chasing the wrong kind of happy. We chase temporary happiness instead of the eternal happiness found in Jesus.Sometimes, we wonder if God wants us to be happy. Someone said that God cares more about our holiness than our happiness like the two are disconnected. But what if the pursuit of happiness was adjacent to the pursuit of holiness?The problem isn&’t that God doesn&’t want us to be happy. The problem is that we&’re chasing happy in the wrong things. Happiness is ours when we chase God&’s joy, His purpose, His unity, His contentment, and His peace. Happy is captured when we chase Him.If you&’ve ever struggled with laying hold of true happiness, this study is for you! Discover the incredible truth that happy isn&’t found in the circumstances around us, but the power of Jesus in us.This study guide includes:Individual access to six streaming video talks from LoriGroup discussion questions and an opening group activity for each sessionIn-depth personal Bible study between sessionsReading plan through the entire book of PhilippiansScripture memory cards and coloring pagesSESSIONS AND VIDEO RUN TIMES:Chasing Joy (24:00)Chasing Purpose (21:30)Chasing Unity (23:00)Chasing Jesus (21:30)Chasing Peace (21:30)Chasing Contentment (20:00)This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including:The study guide itself—with discussion and reflection questions, video notes, and a leader's guide.An individual access code to stream all video sessions online. (You don&’t need to buy a DVD!)Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2028. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.
Philippians / Colossians: The Epistles (Thru the Bible)
by J. Vernon McgeeRadio messages from J. Vernon McGee delighted and enthralled listeners for years with simple, straightforward language and clear understanding of the Scripture. Now enjoy his personable, yet scholarly, style in a 60-volume set of commentaries that takes you from Genesis to Revelation with new understanding and insight. Each volume includes introductory sections, detailed outlines and a thorough, paragraph-by-paragraph discussion of the text. A great choice for pastors - and even better choice for the average Bible reader and student! Very affordable in a size that can go anywhere, it's available as a complete 60-volume series, in Old Testament or New Testament sets, or individually.
Philippians, Colossians (Reformation Commentary on Scripture Series #Nt Volume 11)
by Graham TomlinPreachingPaul's letters to the Philippians and Colossians celebrate the glory and supremacy of Jesus Christ and his saving work, a refrain that the reformers never grew tired of singing. While their tones are diverse, the clarity of their compositions and the power of their voices still reverberate today.Reformation commentators found the main themes of these Pauline letters deeply applicable to their circumstances, and volume editor Graham Tomlin urges that they are just as relevant to our own: Philippians overflows with thanksgiving in the midst of persecution and trials; Colossians defends the superiority of Jesus as Lord over all principalities and powers. For the Reformers as well as for Paul, all goodness and grace flows from Christ in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Col 1:19), the Son who "made himself nothing" (Phil 2:7) in order to bring many daughters and sons to glory.This volume assembles a diverse chorus spanning place, time, and confessional differences: from Italian Reform-minded Catholic Gasparo Contarini and German Lutheran Martin Chemnitz, to Dutch Anabaptist Menno Simons, to French Reformed Theodore Beza and English Puritan Richard Sibbes. Scholars and pastors alike will find many fruitful insights from these and a number of other significant figures--most of whom enjoy fresh translations from the original, many for the first time in English.
The Philippians, Colossians, First and Second Thessalonians (Studies on the Go)
by David OlshineEven though nearly 2,000 years have passed since Paul wrote his letters, students today are facing many of the same issues as the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. They may be experiencing angst or hurt, or they may be hearing messages that are contrary to what they know to be true about the Gospel. They’re probably even dealing with questions about sexuality and morality. By studying these practical letters of Paul, students will learn ways to faithfully cope with the trials of the their day-to-day lives. Through engaging activities and thought-provoking questions that get right to the heart of Philippians, Colossians, and First and Second Thessalonians, students will learn how to find joy in their journey, discover practical instructions of faith, and get encouragement for times of trial. • In Philippians students will learn how to tell the difference between joy and happiness, and they will learn that true joy comes from serving Christ. • In the letter of Paul to the Colossians, students will be encouraged in their faith, and they will learn how to make a difference in the lives of believers and non-believers alike—whether they can see the impact they make or not. They will also discover how to avoid false teachings. • In the two letters to the Thessalonians, students will learn that as believers they should be living in ways that make others excited to get to know God. They will also learn how to reach out for a Christian community for support when they encounter trials. Written with the busy youth worker in mind, Studies on the Go: Philippians, Colossians, and First and Second Thessalonians provides Scriptural depth and substance to be tackled in a manageable time frame. The questions are real, down-to-earth, and straight to the point to get students quickly into the text so they can hear God’s word on a practical level. Designed for classes, youth groups, and small groups, this curriculum is guaranteed to get students engaged in the Bible.
Philippians Colossians Philemon (The People's Bible)
by Harlyn J KuschelWhat is the book of Philippians about in the Bible? What is the book of Colossians about in the Bible? Who was Philemon?The apostle Paul wrote these books of the Bible while he was in prison. Philippians is a warm, personal letter expressing great joy in Christ. Paul wrote to the Colossians to help them understand Christian truth and ward off false teaching. Philemon is a short note to Paul’s friend, asking him to forgive a runaway slave who had become a Christian.Want to learn more? If you’re wondering what the books of Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon are all about, this helpful resource is for you!Philippians, Colossians, Philemon is a reliable Bible commentary. It’s down to earth, clearly written, easy to read and understand, and filled with practical and modern applications to Scripture.It also includes the complete text of the books of Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon from the NIV Bible. The Christ-centered commentaries following the Scripture sections contain explanations of the text, historical background, illustrations, and archaeological information. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon is a great resource for personal or group study!This book is a part of The People’s Bible series from Northwestern Publishing House.
Philippians- Everyman's Bible Commentary: Triumph In Christ (Everyman's Bible Commentaries)
by John WalvoordIt seems unlikely that a chained prisoner would write a paper on triumph, but in his letter to the Philippian believers, the apostle Paul did exactly that. John F. Walvoord's refreshing analysis of this popular New Testament epistle combines an unusually fascinating style with a careful exegesis of the original Greek text. After discussing the epistle's authorship, date, character, and relevance to modern Christianity, Walvoord moves to a consideration of prominent phrases in the Pauline writings. Additionally, cross-references and historical background help to explain the text to the layman or student. Learn how the principles expressed by the apostle Paul can help Christians today to consistently experience peace in Christ.
Philippians- Everyman's Bible Commentary: Triumph In Christ (Everyman's Bible Commentaries)
by John WalvoordIt seems unlikely that a chained prisoner would write a paper on triumph, but in his letter to the Philippian believers, the apostle Paul did exactly that. John F. Walvoord's refreshing analysis of this popular New Testament epistle combines an unusually fascinating style with a careful exegesis of the original Greek text. After discussing the epistle's authorship, date, character, and relevance to modern Christianity, Walvoord moves to a consideration of prominent phrases in the Pauline writings. Additionally, cross-references and historical background help to explain the text to the layman or student. Learn how the principles expressed by the apostle Paul can help Christians today to consistently experience peace in Christ.
Philippians- Jensen Bible Self Study Guide (Jensen Bible Self-Study Guide Series)
by Irving L. JensenThis self-study guide will introduce you to the church at Philippi, where Paul maintained a close and unique relationship with the people who supported him spiritually and financially. Out of a heart of gratitude he wrote them a thank-you letter while imprisoned at Rome. In it Paul describes one of the most important and poignant teachings regarding Jesus Christ. In the second chapter he discusses kenosis—the self-imposed humiliation that typified the life of the Lord as a humble servant, whose obedience went as far as an undeserved sacrificial death for humanity.If you are looking for a comprehensive, challenging tool to use in personal, group, or class Bible study, you will find the Jensen Bible Self-Study series an exciting way to better understand the important truths of God's Word. Each response-oriented guide in the 39-book series features helpful charts, graphs, maps, and ideas for projects and further study. You will refer back to each completed guide as a reference again and again as you study the Scriptures. This study series has enabled millions to effectively explore and understand God's eternal message, and it continues to be a widely-used tool for Bible study today.
Philippians- Jensen Bible Self Study Guide (Jensen Bible Self-Study Guide Series)
by Irving L. JensenThis self-study guide will introduce you to the church at Philippi, where Paul maintained a close and unique relationship with the people who supported him spiritually and financially. Out of a heart of gratitude he wrote them a thank-you letter while imprisoned at Rome. In it Paul describes one of the most important and poignant teachings regarding Jesus Christ. In the second chapter he discusses kenosis—the self-imposed humiliation that typified the life of the Lord as a humble servant, whose obedience went as far as an undeserved sacrificial death for humanity.If you are looking for a comprehensive, challenging tool to use in personal, group, or class Bible study, you will find the Jensen Bible Self-Study series an exciting way to better understand the important truths of God's Word. Each response-oriented guide in the 39-book series features helpful charts, graphs, maps, and ideas for projects and further study. You will refer back to each completed guide as a reference again and again as you study the Scriptures. This study series has enabled millions to effectively explore and understand God's eternal message, and it continues to be a widely-used tool for Bible study today.
Philippians MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Christ, The Source Of Joy And Strength (MacArthur New Testament Commentary Series #21)
by John MacArthurPhilippians is the most personal letter Paul wrote to a church. In it, he addresses many challenging aspects of the Christian life such as joy, humility, and spiritual unity. Respected preacher and Bible teacher, John MacArthur, presents yet another comprehensive and compelling commentary in his New Testament Series. Readers will find this resource indispensable for their study of this excellent epistle.
Philippians MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Christ, The Source Of Joy And Strength (MacArthur New Testament Commentary Series #21)
by John MacArthurPhilippians is the most personal letter Paul wrote to a church. In it, he addresses many challenging aspects of the Christian life such as joy, humility, and spiritual unity. Respected preacher and Bible teacher, John MacArthur, presents yet another comprehensive and compelling commentary in his New Testament Series. Readers will find this resource indispensable for their study of this excellent epistle.
Philippians Study Guide plus Streaming Video: Embracing Joy (40 Days Through the Book)
by Mark BattersonDo you need a shot of joy or a boost of holy optimism in your life? Join pastor Mark Batterson in this video Bible study of Paul's most emotional letter that will help you fix your eyes on Jesus and know that you can do all things through Christ because the tomb is empty!This Study Guide includes:Individual access to 6 streaming video sessionsPersonal study between sessions40 Day reading plan through PhilippiansLeader&’s GuideIn this 40 Days Through the Book video Bible study, Mark Batterson serves as a tour guide on Paul's letter to the Philippians. Paul, writing from a jail cell, speaks of joy, gratitude, unity, and purpose. Learn both the content and the context of the letter and then how you can directly apply the message to your daily life.Join Mark on a journey through Paul's letters to the Philippians that connects the dots between this letter filled with joy and your Christian walk by...Having a vision for the future and offering praise before it happensPraying like the answer depends on God to follow-throughHow to initiate heaven invading earthStanding together as a Church in one Spirit and one purpose, andFinding out what we really sign-up for when we follow JesusThe 40 Days Through the Book series is designed to help you actively engage with God's Word. Each study encourages you to read through selected books in the New Testament at least once during the course of the study. As. You do, you will gain (1) an understanding of the background and culture of the book or letter, (2) insights into key passages that you might have overlooked before, and (3) clear takeaways that you can apply today to your life.Sessions include:A Love Letter (Philippians 1:1-8)There You Are (Philippians 1:9-26The Creative Minority (Philippians 1:27-30)Attitude Check (Philippians 2:1-30)Live Not by Lies (Philippians3:1-21)The Focusing Illusion (Philippians 4:1-23)Designed for use with the 40 Days Through the Book: Philippians Video Study (sold separately).*Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2026. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Eligible only on retail purchases inside the United States. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.
Philippians- Teach Yourself the Bible Series: The Epistle of Christian Joy (Teach Yourself the Bible)
by Keith BrooksThe Teach Yourself the Bible Series is one of the best New Testament studies you will find anywhere. Each book in the series is packed full of valuable questions on individual chapters of the Bible, check-ups to test your grasp of scriptural truths, and usable suggestions for group study.Grow in your knowledge of God through each New Testament book, then go on to study six aspects of Christianity essential for all believers: doctrine, prayer, eternal life, prophecy, Christian character, and Bible study.The church at Philippi was Paul's first established in Europe and one for whom he felt special affection. Study this warm letter to the Philippian believers and learn from the problems they encountered as a growing congregation.Strengthen your relationship with the living God with all twenty-five books of the Teach Yourself the Bible Series. Each volume is a timeless, yet practical, study of the Word of God.
Philippians, Volume 43: Revised Edition (Word Biblical Commentary)
by Bruce M. Metzger Ralph P. Martin Lynn Allan Losie David Allen Hubbard Glenn W. Barker John D. Watts James W. Watts Gerald F. HawthorneThe Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship. <P><P>Overview of Commentary Organization Introduction—covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology.Each section of the commentary includes:Pericope Bibliography—a helpful resource containing the most important works that pertain to each particular pericope. Translation—the author’s own translation of the biblical text, reflecting the end result of exegesis and attending to Hebrew and Greek idiomatic usage of words, phrases, and tenses, yet in reasonably good English.Notes—the author’s notes to the translation that address any textual variants, grammatical forms, syntactical constructions, basic meanings of words, and problems of translation.Form/Structure/Setting—a discussion of redaction, genre, sources, and tradition as they concern the origin of the pericope, its canonical form, and its relation to the biblical and extra-biblical contexts in order to illuminate the structure and character of the pericope. <P>Rhetorical or compositional features important to understanding the passage are also introduced here.Comment—verse-by-verse interpretation of the text and dialogue with other interpreters, engaging with current opinion and scholarly research.Explanation—brings together all the results of the discussion in previous sections to expose the meaning and intention of the text at several levels: (1) within the context of the book itself; (2) its meaning in the OT or NT; (3) its place in the entire canon; (4) theological relevance to broader OT or NT issues.General Bibliography—occurring at the end of each volume, this extensive bibliography contains all sources used anywhere in the commentary.
Philo of Alexandria: An Intellectual Biography
by Maren R. NiehoffPhilo was a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who left behind one of the richest bodies of work from antiquity, yet his personality and intellectual development have remained a riddle. Maren Niehoff presents the first biography of Philo, arguing that his trip to Rome in 38 CE was a turning point in his life. There he was exposed not only to new political circumstances but also to a new cultural and philosophical environment. Following the pogrom in Alexandria, Philo became active as the head of the Jewish embassy to Emperor Gaius and as an intellectual in the capital of the empire, responding to the challenges of his time and creatively reconstructing his identity, though always maintaining pride in the Jewish tradition. Philo’s trajectory from Alexandria to Rome and his enthusiastic adoption of new modes of thought made him a key figure in the complex negotiation between East and West.
The Philocalia
by Origen Of Alexandria George LewisThe Philocalia by Origen of Alexandria is a profound compilation of theological and exegetical insights from one of the most influential early Christian scholars. Compiled by Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzus in the 4th century, this work gathers essential excerpts from Origen’s extensive writings, presenting his thoughts on Scripture interpretation, theology, and the spiritual life in a concise and accessible format. Philocalia—meaning “love of the beautiful”—reflects Origen’s belief that the pursuit of truth and divine wisdom is an act of spiritual beauty.This collection covers a range of topics essential to early Christian thought, including the relationship between faith and reason, the nature of God, the interpretation of difficult scriptural passages, and the practice of spiritual discipline. Origen’s emphasis on allegorical and mystical readings of Scripture offers a unique window into how early Christian thinkers engaged with sacred texts, seeking deeper spiritual meaning beyond the literal words.The text also addresses central theological questions, such as the problem of evil, the purpose of suffering, and humanity’s role in the divine plan. Origen’s innovative ideas—many of which were later debated or contested—reveal his bold attempt to reconcile Greek philosophy with Christian doctrine, providing valuable insight into the intellectual currents shaping early Christianity.The Philocalia is a treasure for those interested in patristics, theology, and the history of biblical exegesis. Through the efforts of Basil and Gregory, this work preserves the essence of Origen’s thought, allowing readers to explore the intellectual and spiritual depth of a towering figure in early Christianity. Whether as a tool for study or personal reflection, The Philocalia invites believers to seek the beauty of divine truth and wisdom through a deeper engagement with Scripture and the life of the mind.
Philology and the Appropriation of the World: Champollion’s Hieroglyphs (Socio-Historical Studies of the Social and Human Sciences)
by Markus MesslingThis book sheds new light on the work of Jean-François Champollion by uncovering a constellation of epistemological, political, and material conditions that made his decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphs possible. Champollion’s success in understanding hieroglyphs, first published in his Lettre à M. Dacier in 1822, is emblematic for the triumphant achievements of comparative philology during the 19th Century. In its attempt to understand humanity as part of a grand history of progress, Champollion’s conception of ancient Egypt belongs to the universalistic aspirations of European modernity. Yet precisely because of its success, his project also reveals the costs it entailed: after examining and welcoming acquisitions for the emerging Egyptian collections in Europe, Champollion travelled to the Nile Valley in 1828/29, where he was shocked by the damage that had been done to its ancient cultural sites. The letter he wrote to the Egyptian viceroy Mehmet Ali Pasha in 1829 demands that excavations in Egypt be regulated, denounces European looting, and represents perhaps the first document to make a case for the international protection of cultural goods in the name of humanity.
Philology of the Flesh
by John T. HamiltonAs the Christian doctrine of Incarnation asserts, “the Word became Flesh.” Yet, while this metaphor is grounded in Christian tradition, its varied functions far exceed any purely theological import. It speaks to the nature of God just as much as to the nature of language. In Philology of the Flesh, John T. Hamilton explores writing and reading practices that engage this notion in a range of poetic enterprises and theoretical reflections. By pressing the notion of philology as “love” (philia) for the “word” (logos), Hamilton’s readings investigate the breadth, depth, and limits of verbal styles that are irreducible to mere information. While a philologist of the body might understand words as corporeal vessels of core meaning, the philologist of the flesh, by focusing on the carnal qualities of language, resists taking words as mere containers. By examining a series of intellectual episodes—from the fifteenth-century Humanism of Lorenzo Valla to the poetry of Emily Dickinson, from Immanuel Kant and Johann Georg Hamann to Friedrich Nietzsche, Franz Kafka, and Paul Celan—Philology of the Flesh considers the far-reaching ramifications of the incarnational metaphor, insisting on the inseparability of form and content, an insistence that allows us to rethink our relation to the concrete languages in which we think and live.
A Philosopher Looks at the Religious Life
by Zena HitzWhat is happiness? Does life have a meaning? If so, is that meaning available in an ordinary life? The philosopher Zena Hitz confronted these questions head-on when she spent several years living in a Christian religious community. Religious life -- the communal life chosen by monks, nuns, friars, and hermits -- has been a part of global Christianity since earliest times, but many of us struggle to understand what could drive a person to renounce wealth, sex, children, and ambition to live a life of prayer and sacrifice. Hitz's lively and accessible book explores questions about faith, sacrifice, asceticism and happiness through philosophy, stories, and examples from religious life. Drawing on personal experience as well as film, literature, history, biography, and theology, it demystifies an important element of contemporary culture, and provides a picture of human flourishing and happiness which challenges and enriches modern-day life.
The Philosopher Responds: An Intellectual Correspondence from the Tenth Century (Library of Arabic Literature)
by Abū Ḥayyān al-Tawḥīdī Abū ʿAlī MiskawayhQuestions and answers from two great philosophersWhy is laughter contagious? Why do mountains exist? Why do we long for the past, even if it is scarred by suffering? Spanning a vast array of subjects that range from the philosophical to the theological, from the philological to the scientific, The Philosopher Responds is the record of a set of questions put by the litterateur Abū Ḥayyān al-Tawḥīdī to the philosopher and historian Abū ʿAlī Miskawayh. Both figures were foremost contributors to the remarkable flowering of cultural and intellectual life that took place in the Islamic world during the reign of the Buyid dynasty in the fourth/tenth century.The correspondence between al-Tawḥīdī and Miskawayh holds a mirror to many of the debates of the time and reflects the spirit of rationalistic inquiry that animated their era. It also provides insight into the intellectual outlooks of two thinkers who were divided as much by their distinctive temperaments as by the very different trajectories of their professional careers. Alternately whimsical and tragic, trivial and profound, al-Tawḥīdī’s questions provoke an interaction as interesting in its spiritedness as in its content.An English-only edition.
The Philosopher, the Priest, and the Painter: A Portrait of Descartes
by Steven NadlerHow a famous painting opens a window into the life, times, and philosophy of René DescartesIn the Louvre museum hangs a portrait that is considered the iconic image of René Descartes, the great seventeenth-century French philosopher. And the painter of the work? The Dutch master Frans Hals—or so it was long believed, until the work was downgraded to a copy of an original. But where is the authentic version, and who painted it? Is the man in the painting—and in its original—really Descartes?A unique combination of philosophy, biography, and art history, The Philosopher, the Priest, and the Painter investigates the remarkable individuals and circumstances behind a small portrait. Through this image—and the intersecting lives of a brilliant philosopher, a Catholic priest, and a gifted painter—Steven Nadler opens a fascinating portal into Descartes's life and times, skillfully presenting an accessible introduction to Descartes's philosophical and scientific ideas, and an illuminating tour of the volatile political and religious environment of the Dutch Golden Age. As Nadler shows, Descartes's innovative ideas about the world, about human nature and knowledge, and about philosophy itself, stirred great controversy. Philosophical and theological critics vigorously opposed his views, and civil and ecclesiastic authorities condemned his writings. Nevertheless, Descartes's thought came to dominate the philosophical world of the period, and can rightly be called the philosophy of the seventeenth century.Shedding light on a well-known image, The Philosopher, the Priest, and the Painter offers an engaging exploration of a celebrated philosopher's world and work.
The Philosophers' Gift: Reexamining Reciprocity
by Marcel HénaffWinner, French Voices Award for excellence in publication and translation.When it comes to giving, philosophers love to be the most generous. For them, every form of reciprocity is tainted by commercial exchange. In recent decades, such thinkers as Derrida, Levinas, Henry, Marion, Ricoeur, Lefort, and Descombes, have made the gift central to their work, haunted by the requirement of disinterestedness.As an anthropologist as well as a philosopher, Hénaff worries that philosophy has failed to distinguish among various types of giving. The Philosophers’ Gift returns to Mauss to reexamine these thinkers through the anthropological tradition. Reciprocity, rather than disinterestedness, he shows, is central to ceremonial giving and alliance, whereby the social bond specific to humans is proclaimed as a political bond. From the social fact of gift practices, Hénaff develops an original and profound theory of symbolism, the social, and the relationship between self and other, whether that other is an individual human being, the collective other of community and institution, or the impersonal other of the world.