Covenant and Eschatology: The Divine Drama

Rating:
Summary: Monumental Work on Theological Formulation
Review: For those who want an intermediate-advanced level book on theological formulation should start here. Horton, who also wrote and edited more "easier" books like "Putting Amazing Back to Grace", "The Agony of Deceit", and "Christ the Lord" writes a book that is possibly the most important work on theological-method written in the last decade from a conservative Reformed perspective. Horton examines the problems with modernists and postmodernists interpretations of the Bible and the type of world-view they extract and put onto it. I agree with his assessment of 20th century theological developments and how the Bible and theology are being used to satisfy secular and "individualistic" interests. As a result, theology is being accommodated to the surrounding culture and world-view rather than being formulated and expressed with faithfulness to the Word of God. Horton suggests that a "covenantal hermeneutic" will cure this problem that has infected not only liberal/mainline churches but conservative evangelical churches as well. The covenant hermeneutic will make believers see the future eschatological reign already present and "individualistic tendencies" replaced with the corporate nature of God's gracious covenant with believers. This book is a good corrective to the many hokey and unbiblical views regarding redemption, ethics, and worship that has sprung up in the last century within so many churches. Horton has done a service for the Body of Christ by writing this book. It is a difficult read and will take some effort, but it is worth it.

Rating:
Summary: Great Thesis; Horrible Prose
Review: Horton's written several excellent books. C&E is not one of them. The argument is profound (covenant as a hermeneutic), but the prose is convoluted and laborous.