Daniel Reconstructed

Daniel Reconstructed offers an accessible guide to one of the most obscure books in the Hebrew Bible. With a drive to deconstruct dominant Christian-centered readings, Redding offers insightful theological comments on prayer, human autonomy, or divine sovereignty. The end result is a rich exegesis of the biblical text with thoughtful critiques of history of its reception.

~Luis Menéndez-Antuña, Assistant Professor of New Testament, Boston University School of Theology

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to push beyond simplistic readings of the book of Daniel. Jonathan D. Redding offers an analysis informed by Daniel's cultural context and modern theories of deconstruction, class, and empire, ultimately complicating claims that Daniel is about the end times, God's greater plan, resistance against oppression, the virtue of faith, or any other single and overly pat theme. Dr. Redding's book also offers a cogent and passionate critique of the Christianization of Daniel by scholars, reminding readers not to unmoor the book from its Second Temple period Jewish roots by reading Jesus into it.

~Caryn Tamber-Rosenau, Director Jewish Studies Program, University of Houston

You will never read Daniel the same again after reading  Daniel Reconstructed. This book will challenge your preconceptions of what Daniel is about and take you on a journey of exploring new possibilities. Redding's close attention not only to the text of Daniel and the history behind it, but also to its messy reception in Christian history, makes  Daniel Reconstructed an insightful, provocative, and incisive book.

~Ekaputra Tupamahu, Associate Professor of New Testament, Portland Seminary