In this book, David Brown considers the ways in which biblical narratives have been presented--and changed--over the centuries. He then determines how these changes have impacted the understanding and practice of Christian discipleship. From reviews of Tradition and Imagination: `Together they [the two volumes - of which this is the first] constitute an achievement unmatched by any British theologian for a long time. The range of erudition (biblical, historical, philosophical; in art, poetry and fiction) is remarkableit is likely to make a considerable impact in changing for the better the way in which the nature of doctrinal theology is conceived.' Maurice Wiles, Emeritus Professor of Divinity, University of Oxford`quite magnificent.' James Barr, previously Regius Professor of Hebrew, University of Oxford and Professor of Hebrew Bible, Vanderbilt University`Brown ... is no only a noted theologian, he is also skilled in philosophy and able to use his appreciation of art and knowledge of art history to cast light on his theme. His discussion of the criteria for recognising Christian truth and legitimate developments in tradition is outstanding.' Church of England Newspaper, 15/12/00.`This is a book which challenges both easy liberalism and easy conservatism. By drawing on so wide and so rich a range of Christian history and tradition, Brown reminds us that apparent cul-de-sacs and neglected avenues can prove to be surprising challenges to contemporary discipleship.' Rt Revd Geoffrey Rowell, Church Times`A fascinating, if at times a tough, book, it points to a Christ who is both embedded in a particular biblical culture, and yet transcends that culture as the risen and ascended Lord, who has yet many things to say to his Church, and whose Spirit, kindling the imagination, leads us into all truth.' Rt Revd Geoffrey Rowell, Church Times`There follows a superb discussion of Job that would grace the writings of an Old Testament specialist ... The book is worth buying simply for this chapter.' The Expository Times, Vol.112`Professor Brown fastens on a small number of examples and works these out in considerable detail and with an amazing breadth of learning.' The Expository Times, Vol.112`a most impressive study' The Expository Times, Vol.112`Brown ... is not only a noted theologian, he is also skilled in philosophy and able to use his appreciation of art and knowledge of art history to cast light on his theme. His discussion of the criteria for recognising Christian truth and legitimate developments in tradition is outstanding.' Church of England Newspaper, 15/12/00.`Brown's scholarship is massive without ever becoming tedious, and the range of subjects covered - art, philosophy, literature, and the history and writings of three major world religions - is awesome.' Anthony Freeman, THES`No one could read these two books [Tradition and Imagination and Discipleship and Imagination] without being grateful to Brown for his many rich insights and the challenge laid down by his refusal to embrace exclusively any one approach.' Anthony Freeman, THES`David Brown is especially helpful on issues relating to feminism and the discipleship of women, as he deftly avoids a host of common pitfalls' Theological Studies`The detailed level of argumentation makes this a must-read for historians, theologians, and all those interested in the patterns of Christian discipleship.' Religious Studies Review, vol. 27, no. 3`a profound study in what might be called the 'epistemology of faith'' Journal of Theological Studies, vol.52, no.2 How have the arrangement of biblical narratives over the centuries had an impact on the understanding and practice of discipleship? David Brown is at University of Durham.