Social and Cognitive Perspectives on the Sermon on the Mount introduces a broader group of scholars, students, and clergy to the relevance of social scientific and cognitive studies for interpretation of the Bible, by applying these approaches to what is possibly the most read and discussed text in the Bible. Because these approaches are invested in patterns of human cognition and social mechanisms, this collection highlights the persistent appeal and persuasiveness of the Sermon: from innate moral drives, to the biology of emotion and risk-taking, to the formation and obliteration of in-group/out-group distinctions. Through these socio-cognitive theories the authors show why-even across cultures and history-the Sermon continues to grip both individual minds and groups of people to shape moral communities.

Rikard Roitto is Associate Professor, lecturer in biblical studies and education director of the theological programs at the Stockholm School of Theology. Colleen Shantz is Associate Professor in the area of New Testament Studies at St Michael's College, University of Toronto. Petri Luomanen is Professor of New Testament and Early Christian Culture and Literature in the Faculty of Theology at the University of Helsinki.