A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament

Rating:
Summary: theologicaly ignorant
Review: Based upon that mans thought of this book it proves that he is ignorant to theological inceptions aswell as furthered training in Gods word, your thought proves much so to be erroneous.

Rating:
Summary: More than just a textbook
Review: I'm using this book for an Old Testament class at seminary, but it is so much more than just a textbook to me. The authors work to discuss the OT from many viewpoints using a number of different types of criticism. I love the way that the book does not shy away from difficult issues in the Old Testament, such as violence and sacrifice, but rather helps the reader to understand the context of the Biblical passages as well as exposing him to classic and contemporary interpretations of those passages. The book is clear, well-organized, and very readable. I appreciate that the book does not seem to have an "agenda," but rather that it seeks to bring theology and spirituality into a discussion of the Old Testament - something that many treatements of the OT do not include. For a Christian, this book is essential in being able to link the theology of the Israelites to the theology of modern-day Christianity. A must-read for anyone wanting to broaden their understanding of the Old Testament.

Rating:
Summary: More than just a textbook
Review: I'm using this book for an Old Testament class at seminary, but it is so much more than just a textbook to me. The authors work to discuss the OT from many viewpoints using a number of different types of criticism. I love the way that the book does not shy away from difficult issues in the Old Testament, such as violence and sacrifice, but rather helps the reader to understand the context of the Biblical passages as well as exposing him to classic and contemporary interpretations of those passages. The book is clear, well-organized, and very readable. I appreciate that the book does not seem to have an "agenda," but rather that it seeks to bring theology and spirituality into a discussion of the Old Testament - something that many treatements of the OT do not include. For a Christian, this book is essential in being able to link the theology of the Israelites to the theology of modern-day Christianity. A must-read for anyone wanting to broaden their understanding of the Old Testament.

Rating:
Summary: theologicaly ignorant
Review: This book, written by four of the top Hebrew Scripture Scholars, is a fine overview of the themes and theology of the Old Testament. But there are some uneven parts of the book. The style was not even, which is perhaps what you get when you have four different authors. Also there were inconsistencies in content. One example is in the section on the later prohets when the conclusions starts off by saying there are three major parts to their thought and gives only two. This being a theological introduction there was also little reference to liberationist or feminist theology, which would have rounded out the picture the authors offered. In conclusion, while there are some good parts there are some problem areas which need to be refined. Perhaps a second edition would be helpful?

Rating:
Summary: They missed the Richness of God
Review: What an awful book! The authors trade in the richness and fullness of the Old Testament for not only the dullest of boring textbooks, but they weave into being a God that doesn't believe in sin. Humans make mistakes because they are maturing which is okay, because God makes them too! The Christology foreshawdowed throughout the Old Testament is "creative remembering" on the part of Christians - NOT REALLY THERE AT ALL - according to these scholors. All of this leads to salvation being an act of social justice rather than Christ's atonement for sin. They should have titled this book: "Watch us as we try to castrate God!" Geepers guys. Is this the sum total of all of your careers? What a waste.