The Theology of the Gospel of John

Rating:
Summary: Excellent look at Johannine Theology
Review: This is by far the best book in the "New Testamant Theology" series put out so far by Cambridge University Press.

It is difficult to discern whether my adoration for this book comes from the inherent wonder and complexity of Johannine thought or Smith's rendering of that thought, but without a doubt the author's explanation is superb.

I was afraid that, given the table of contents for this book, it would follow the same pattern as most the others - the cookie cutter four chapter progression of introduction, theology, relation to NT and then relevance for today. Instead, Smith I think actualizes perhaps the intent of such a set up without being bound by that structure alone.

He begins by introducing the world of Johannine theology (which is at least discussed by scholars in terms and explanations in stark contrast to the way Pauline scholars cover their material) and then begins to discuss such issues as author and setting. Then, however, he reverses direction by acknowledging that such debates have not yielded much insight and then attempts to gain similar information by looking at the setting and sources of Johannine theology. This he does in three ways: 1) looking at the general religious setting of the ancient world with which John has contacts 2) looking at the narrative setting (and thus taking a brief journey through the scope of the story) by trying to peer behind the given story to the story of the community to which it pertains and 3) looking at how John as a document relates to Judaism and other major streams of NT thought.

The third chapter covers the themes of John's theology by first analyzing his presuppositions. The idea of Jesus Christ as God's revelation then orders the continuing look by dividing the book into the revelation to the world and then the community (of believers). Through this Smith shows how John perceives Jesus to be not only the anointed one of God but also the exact image and word (logos) of that God, God incarnate as a way of understanding and relating to God.

Finally, the fourth chapter looks at John's relevance by addressing three issues - mythology (how his theology relates to modern thought world), anti-semitism (how his theology relates to other religions, esp. Judaism) and essence of Christianity (how his theology understands itself). Such a look is wonderfully useful and insightful and fulfills the promise of understanding a letter's relevance for Christians today.

Smith uncovers in his survey the view that in John Christianity becomes most fully "Christian" by its obsession with the person and centrality of Jesus Christ. In doing so, it marks the transition from the amalgam of primitive Jewish Messianism found in Jesus to Christianity and Judaism. Furthermore, it is shown how John more than any other NT writer directs and orders his whole worldview around the Christ event and provides meaning, ethics, and theology of purely Christian terms.

This is an excellent overview and survey of Johannine thought. I only wish every book in this series was so masterfully written.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent look at Johannine Theology
Review: This is by far the best book in the "New Testamant Theology" series put out so far by Cambridge University Press.

It is difficult to discern whether my adoration for this book comes from the inherent wonder and complexity of Johannine thought or Smith's rendering of that thought, but without a doubt the author's explanation is superb.

I was afraid that, given the table of contents for this book, it would follow the same pattern as most the others - the cookie cutter four chapter progression of introduction, theology, relation to NT and then relevance for today. Instead, Smith I think actualizes perhaps the intent of such a set up without being bound by that structure alone.

He begins by introducing the world of Johannine theology (which is at least discussed by scholars in terms and explanations in stark contrast to the way Pauline scholars cover their material) and then begins to discuss such issues as author and setting. Then, however, he reverses direction by acknowledging that such debates have not yielded much insight and then attempts to gain similar information by looking at the setting and sources of Johannine theology. This he does in three ways: 1) looking at the general religious setting of the ancient world with which John has contacts 2) looking at the narrative setting (and thus taking a brief journey through the scope of the story) by trying to peer behind the given story to the story of the community to which it pertains and 3) looking at how John as a document relates to Judaism and other major streams of NT thought.

The third chapter covers the themes of John's theology by first analyzing his presuppositions. The idea of Jesus Christ as God's revelation then orders the continuing look by dividing the book into the revelation to the world and then the community (of believers). Through this Smith shows how John perceives Jesus to be not only the anointed one of God but also the exact image and word (logos) of that God, God incarnate as a way of understanding and relating to God.

Finally, the fourth chapter looks at John's relevance by addressing three issues - mythology (how his theology relates to modern thought world), anti-semitism (how his theology relates to other religions, esp. Judaism) and essence of Christianity (how his theology understands itself). Such a look is wonderfully useful and insightful and fulfills the promise of understanding a letter's relevance for Christians today.

Smith uncovers in his survey the view that in John Christianity becomes most fully "Christian" by its obsession with the person and centrality of Jesus Christ. In doing so, it marks the transition from the amalgam of primitive Jewish Messianism found in Jesus to Christianity and Judaism. Furthermore, it is shown how John more than any other NT writer directs and orders his whole worldview around the Christ event and provides meaning, ethics, and theology of purely Christian terms.

This is an excellent overview and survey of Johannine thought. I only wish every book in this series was so masterfully written.