Discovering the Old Testament: Story and Faith

Rating:
Summary: Colourful College Textbook
Review: Discovering the Old Testament: Story and Faith is a colourful college textbook introducing the Old Testament. The layout is similar to Encountering the Old Testament (by Bill T. Arnold et al). Each chapter begins with learning objectives, questions to consider, and key words to understand. Coded side bars cover topics such as "The Apocrypha" and "Modern Translations of the Bible." Each side bar is coded as Interpretive, Theological, Historical, Cultural, or Archaeological. Chapters end with summary statements, questions for reflection, and resources for further study. Numerous photographs are included with a large number drawn from modern Judaism. There is a brief appendix on Jewish history from 331 to 63 B.C.

This 382 page book is very readable and probably appropriate in depth for a college textbook, although in this space cannot go as deep as, say, LaSor, Hubbard and Bush (Old Testament Survey). It is written from a conservative perspective but critical scholarship is presented in abbreviated form. For example, the standard dates for Second and Third Isaiah are presented in a paragraph. There is a general failure to engage such critical issues and the authors present "scholarly opinion" alongside "conservative evangelical" scholarship without always committing to a particular view. So on the authorship of Isaiah they write "There is no unanimous opinion on this issue among conservative evangelical scholars. Some prefer the multiple authorship view. Others view the entire book as the work of Isaiah of the eighth century B.C." (p 293).

Much of the content of the book summarizes the biblical content. New Testament interpretation is mentioned in theological sidebars where relevant and the reader is encouraged to apply theological insights to personal faith.

The majority of the book was written by Alex Varughese who also edited the work as a whole. Varughese and the other three authors are department heads of Christian liberal arts colleges (I do not know who Robert L. Lewis is [named in the ...description]. He is not listed on my copy).

This book will prove a colourful and readable introduction to the Old Testament, especially in terms of biblical content and life application. The numerous illustrations allow the reader to visualise Israel and modern Judaism.

This review is based on a galley proof.

Rating:
Summary: Hebraic Roots nourish Christian tree: Friendly Scholarship
Review: This book delivers sound conservative scholarship that integrates application. The authors integrate the biblical information with helpful sidebars in the categories of Interpretive/hermeneutical, Theological, Historical, Cultural, and Archaelogical.

For example, on page 226, there is an excellent and concise explanation of the reason for mixed marriages. It explains the problem of syncretism that eroded Israel's practice of monotheism. It then offers practical advice for marriage today.

This work is a landmark work in Old Testament Survey that would be helpful to all students of the Hebrew Scriptures. It would benefit students and instructors alike.

Rating:
Summary: Discovering the Old Testament- Story and Faith
Review: This was an excellent book. The writers did a great job of explaining things!