Hardness of Heart in Biblical Literature

“Charles Puskas provides both a synchronic and diachronic analysis of the hardening metaphors within all of the Christian canon. Hardness of Heart in Biblical Literature is both alert to the historical factors in the development of the metaphor and sensitive to its theological implications. This book is a valuable resource for anyone studying the Christian canon’s presentation of Israel and its relation to the church.”


—Mark Reasoner, Marian University





“Puskas tackles one of the most intractable interpretive problems in the Bible. He draws from his deep knowledge of both testaments to demonstrate the pervasiveness of the ‘hardness of heart’ theme. . . . He casts his net wide, examining rabbinic teachers, church fathers, Reformation theologians, and modern thinkers. His evenhandedness and erudite scholarship make this an eye-opening journey into these difficult ‘problem passages.’”


—David Penchansky, University of St. Thomas





“Hardness of Heart in Biblical Literature . . . addresses the biblical texts as well as the text of the soul. Not only has Dr. Puskas challenged us to ponder the hardness of heart in biblical characters, his reflective scholarly comments inevitably move us to contemplate the texture of our own hearts. This incisive work from a preeminent biblical scholar speaks to us in the transformation of our hearts of stone to hearts of flesh.”


—Matthew Neumann, pastor, United Church of Christ





“From the pen of a seasoned scholar comes a sensitive and comprehensive study of a thorny issue in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures that does not shy away from the hard questions. Dr. Puskas has given us pause to reflect on God’s mysterious purposes, divine election, free will and predestination, and the relationship of the synagogue and the church after the Holocaust. This carefully nuanced study should spark further discussion not only among scholars but within our own hearts.”


—Roy A. Harrisville, author of The Faith of St. Paul