My 1974 edition of Prof. Fuller's work (replacing an earlier version which I gave to a friend) is falling apart! As a U.M. pastor I've relied Prof. Fuller's commentaries every week for 30 years. I continue to find his thoughts insightful! What a joy to find this book has been reprinted and updated. Prof. Fuller's comments are concise and always insightful. He writes as a pastor, not a scholar but never once does he betray his schoilarly acumen. The very terseness of his commentaries starts my thoughts. This work (though 570+ pages) makes its multi-volume, more recent competitors seem bloated and pompous.

Reginald Fuller's work has been indespensable for my preaching as an R.C. Priest. His introductory notes on homily preparation and homiletics should be set reading for all aspiring preachers in a liturgical context. I use this book for is it's very clear presentaion of relevant background biblical scholarship on the readings for each Sunday or Feast Day. The material is presented in an accessible format. My only criticism of the work is his homily hints at the end of the exegetical review of the readings; they often do not strike me as the best use of the sound biblical exegesis that he presents. It is also important for the preacher to apply this exegetical material within his/her own community's context. I therfore do not use his hints that much if at all. When I am travelling in ministry, this book always goes with me. It is the best single volume of exegetical material for preaching the three year lectionary.

Reginald Fuller provides the most comprehensive study of the resurrection narratives that I have been able to find. Fuller examines Paul, the synoptics, John, the apocrypha, and even possible resurrection narratives transposed into the ministry of Jesus. Most of the stories are seen to be legends written to further each evangelist's theological aims. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to research the origins of the resurrection narratives.

This book came out in the 1950's and was translated into English by Reginald H. Fuller. Predictably, this book is not light reading. This volume makes it apparent why Dr. Bultmann was and is a prominent theologian. This book has 5 main sections: The Old Testament Heritage, Judaism, The Greek Heritage, Hellenism and Primitive Christianity.

Professor Bultmann points out various unique features of ancient Hebrew religion. Their "strong sense of history and election...distinguished Israel from all other nations." Also, "a non-sacrificial form of worship" such as occurred in the synagogues was unique. Finally, having a God who was not tied to the land was unusual. But the author does believe that the Persians or Iranians influenced ancient Judaism in several doctrines. The resurrection of the body and "hell as a place of torment" came from the east. Also, Babylon and Persia influenced Jewish apocalyptic writings.

Bultmann also has important chapters regarding the Mystery Religions, star worship and Gnosticism. According to the author, "Christian sacramental theology differs little from that of Gnosticism..." However, Christians did not adopt the Gnostic idea of the pre-existence of the soul. For Gnostics, their redeemer came before history began. With Christians, Jesus was part of recent history.

With Paul and the Stoics, the author sees overlapping ideas and vocabulary. But one key difference is the source of freedom. "The Stoic is free because of his reason." With Paul, a Christian is made free by the grace of God. The Lord's Prayer is similar in content to Jewish prayers of the day, but it is unique because of its brevity and simplicity. Finally, it is shown that "the early Christian doctrine of man" is very different from the Greek view.

In summary, this book succeeds in describing what preceded Christianity, what surrounded it and the early forms it took.