New Testament Survey

Rating:
Summary: Sorry, I just can't endorse this book.
Review: I used this book as one of several secondary sources when doing academic work on the development of the New Testament Canon. Of the several volumes used (both Catholic and Protestant from a wide variety of theological starting points) this was, by far, the least helpful.

Tenney's work represents the extreme fundamentalist viewpoint; but is unable to justify what it defends. Although presented as one, this is not a serious academic work. Universities or seminaries who use this as a primary text do a great disservice to their students. There is a difference between "disagreeing" with certain "higher critical" interpretations and "ignoring" that higher criticism even exists. This book does the latter.

Not only is this volume virtually useless for Catholic or Orthodox Christians, it is equally problematic for mainline Protestants -- and many Evangelicals as well.

For the Evangelical, try Gundry's text instead. For the Catholic, try Brown's text. For a very conservative Catholic viewpoint (but one which still acknowledges and represents serious scholarship) try Luke Timothy Johnson's text. But unless the reader is at the "my mind is made up, don't confuse me with the facts" stage, give this one a miss.

Rating:
Summary: A Solid Introduction into a Lifetime of Study.
Review: New Testament Survey by Merrill C. Tenney is an excellent book that sketches the scene of the times of our Lord Jesus Christ, one of many works available, but slowly becoming one of the essentials in the Protestant community. It is very important to understand some facts about the intent of this particular book that does reflect the views of the author. Keep in mind that theological perspective for finding this book of any value reigns supreme. (play on words not intended)

1.This book in NOT an ecumenical perspective and DOES NOT attempt to compare the many views of the "Christian" world, this is not what this book was designed to do. In fact, it is directed at a specific audience which probably is the reason a number Bible colleges throughtout the Protestant community offer it as a survey class. (some a beginning survey class).

2. This book is a starting point, an abbreviated study in years of Biblical education and ministry, with an aim at aspiring vocational ministers and those desiring a foundation of the New Testament alike. A good student will take the time to research the material in the text book and pursue his or her studies further, hopefully weighing all sides of the facts to a sensible degree (meaning one can spend a lifetime educating oneself and not mobilizing oneself for the Gospel). Objectively one can ask themselves why they believe what they believe and ask the hard questions. Often, for the first year in Bible school student, that may not happen because of a work load.

3. This is primarily a text book of facts, not theology. Undoubtedly, facts influenced by a theological perspective but not to be redundant, for an intended audience. The teaching of facts that support the theology of the institution is nothing new.

4. This book does not represent a spirit of intolerance by omission. Though this is a matter of opinion, the author has an clear objective and makes no apologies about fulfilling it. Again, research in this age is easily accessible.

Overall, the content covers ground that the student will spend years cultivating. Tenney does a masterful job of taking many topics relavant to the New Testament in an easy reading style. The reader examines the composite of background and can help decide where he or she may want go deeper into.

There's a consice look at the Political, Social, Economic, Religious Worlds etc., and the brevity of coverage may appear to be a unacceptable, but it's all relative anyway isn't it? As a music pastor, I deal with ego's, sheet music and rehearsals. Speaking a few times a years peaks seasons of further study in subjects like Judaism for example. However, as far as the social world is concerned, concise is good enough for me! Not that ignorance is a way of life or that the work ethic is done away with because I'm set in my ways, but practicality at some stage takes precedence.

There is much good information in the book. I must add that there is some indication of Tenney thinking out loud while hypothesizing, for example the connection or identity among or about people. (none of which reshape the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, I might add). Make no mistake, this is a good foundation to start with.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent New Testament Introduction
Review: Without a doubt, Tenney's book does indeed present an evangelical yet scholarly view of the New Testament. Tenney makes no hesitation to say that he does believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God from the beginning. Tenney's work, however, is not a textual commentary on textual criticism. His book is a brief introduction to the New Testament.

Tenney's book does a wonderful job of presenting the historical background of the New Testament and using the book of Acts, he traces the footsteps of the Apostles as they wrote the New Testament Canon. At the end of each chapter he includes a very helpful bibliograpy to help the reader study deeper the various books, archeology, and history of what he has dealt with rather quickly.

I used this book as a freshmen in Bible college and it had a profound influence on my personal understanding of the background and history of the New Testament and the early Church. I highly recommend anyone serious about studying Scripture to purchase and read Tenney's book.