Theology and Interpretation of the Gospel of Mark: Historical Trajectories and Contemporary Perspectives

Dear Colleagues,

Investigation of Markan theology is a relative latecomer in biblical studies. For most of the church’s history, Mark was the neglected stepchild among the New Testament’s four Gospels. Except for some tentative explorations just before and after the turn of the twentieth century, intensive analysis of the Second Gospel’s claims about “the kingdom of God” (Mark 1:15) did not begin to flourish in the academy until the 1950s. The past seventy-five years have witnessed a dramatic increase of study in this area. This is a propitious time for biblical scholars to take stock of the paths that research in Markan theology has taken, where we now find ourselves, and where we might most productively venture in the future.

Religions proposes to dedicate a Special Issue to this area of inquiry. This fascicle will solicit articles from recognized Markan scholars from around the world, those who have established themselves at the forefront of scholarship in Markan theology. In addition, a general call for papers is issued to younger, mid-career, or other senior scholars in the field. Following a double-blind peer review, not more than three submissions in this open selection will be included alongside those articles invited by the editors.

Whether they be invited or unsolicited, we encourage proposals of spacious latitude, consistent with the title of this special issue. Any theological topic addressed or implied by Mark’s Gospel invites attention. The history of research of venerable topics, such as christology or eschatology, would be worthwhile, as would be consideration of underrated or overlooked subjects. The internal coherence or incoherence of Markan theology might be a valuable pursuit. Also useful is the enhancement of our understanding of Markan theology when viewed within more recent interpretive matrices: the many varieties of literary and sociological approaches, ancient or modern. Intersections of Markan theology with other religions’ worlds of thought would be beneficial. The history of Mark’s reception within and beyond the church, including art, literature, and theatre, opens another avenue of research. Mark’s distinctive contribution to the understanding and practice of contemporary Christianity, in native or different cultures, would be profitable. With respect to format, research articles, review articles, as well as short studies are welcome.

Before submitting a manuscript, we request that interested authors initially submit a working title and abstract of 150–200 words that summarizes their intended contribution. Please send this abstract to the Guest Editor, Prof. Dr. Clifton Black (clifton.black@ptsem.edu), with the Assistant Editor, Ms. Joyce Xi (joyce.xi@mdpi.com), in CC. Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editor to ensure a proper fit within the scope of this Special Issue. All full manuscripts will undergo a double-blind peer review.

We look forward to your proposals.

Prof. Dr. C. Clifton Black
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Religions is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• the Bible
• New Testament
• the Gospel of Mark
• Biblical theology
• early church
• history of biblical interpretation
• history of Christian thought
• literary and sociological interpretations of the Bible
• reception of biblical literature in the arts
• lived religion