Rating: 
Summary: Not Divinely Inspired?
Review: This book is probably the best Inrto to the OT I've seen. It is highly readable, the suggested scripture readings are excellent, and one really does marvel at how neatly themes are woven to the entire Old Testament, almost to the point of being tied up with a bow! Readers who take from this book that its author sees biblical texts as "not inspired by God" would do well to read it again! The whole point of the book is to show how the Israelites used their historical experiences as a lens through which to view their relationship with God, and ultimately God's relationship with all of mankind. As such, it traces the evolution of the development of the biblical texts through Israel's history. Of course Israelites were influenced by other cultures: they were continually surrounded by, at war with, and often oppressed by them! It would be a very strange thing for these influences NOT to be evidenced in the text! Granted, as witnessed in my recent "Intro to the OT Class" that used this book as a primary text, the need to separate "faith" and "history" temporarily to see how these books developed is a daunting undertaking; however, one's individual faith can only be enhanced by realization that it was Israel's faith in God that provided the impetus for the eventual writing down of oral tradition in the first place.
Rating:
Summary: An exceptional work
Review: This book is so winning (and to some, unnerving) because Boadt approaches the material so reverently. I would recommend it to someone still struggling with fundamentalist hermeneutics because he so unconsciously instructs the reader in historical-literary-generic methods of interpretation by example, while obviously intending chiefly to give insight into the important theological doctrines and themes of the Old Testament. A masterwork.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT BOOK - DON'T BE PUT OFF BY THE "LIBERAL/CATHOLIC" TAG
Review: This book makes historical study of the OT fascinating. I do not wholly agree with the author's a priori assumptions - mine are conservative and evangelical in contrast with his catholic perspective. On the other hand it is very unfair to the author to suggest that he does not see Holy Scripture as divinely inspired. I am not even so sure he deserves the "liberal" tag: the fact that he is willing to explain the views of liberal scholars without attaching a Surgeon General's Warning is hardly the first step on the road to perdition. Besides, if we only ever read books we wholly agree with, we may never grow up as Christians.It is always wonderful to read a book that stresses the work of the Holy Spirit behind scripture and history - but that is essentially devotional writing. Actually many of my evangelical colleagues would say that's the only sort of theology we need, but it doesn't take much reflection to see the limitations of such an approach. How can we answer the world's questions (as indeed we can and must, with flying colours!) if we do not grapple with the questions that arise naturally when scripture is read with an open mind by anyone with a basic grasp of human history? I find no evidence that Fr. Boadt disagrees radically with an orthodox position on the inspiration of scripture - rather I tend to assume that he takes it for granted. However, he has set out to write a book not about Christian pneumatology but about the historical and cultural roots of the Hebrew scriptures. That task has been undertaken by many writers ranging from Christian fundamentalists to blatant atheists. I do not think any of them can have done so with more intelligence, sensitivity, honesty and grace than Fr. Boadt. If you really want a more conservative introduction that covers similar ground, try John Drane's excellent "Introduction to the Old Testament". I have worked extensively with both books as a trainee Anglican lay Reader; both are strongly recommended, and Drane is actually a little more up to date in terms of the latest scholarly fashions (new edition soon please, Fr. Boadt). However, the evangelical Drane writes little more dogmatically than the catholic Boadt - and fittingly so as both books are intended primarily as introductions to scholarly thought. In fact of the two books I found Boadt more helpful on many counts: Easier to read, more interesting, better prose, better structure and generally more informative. Indeed, because Boadt writes from a very open viewpoint, you can bring your own theological preferences to your reading of it. Whatever your angle, you are likely to find this book interesting, informative and spiritually uplifting (unless of course you simply want a book that tells you what you want to hear). The key tests of a book like this should not be "is it correct on every page?", but "does it ultimately glorify God?" and "is it likely to help me to understand and explain my own faith more effectively?" On both counts, Boadt's book is a valuable resource.
Rating: 
Summary: Liberal theology moderated
Review: This book was a text in my graduate class in the Old Testament I took in pursute of an M.Div. It is a great book, as long as one understands the bias of the author against supernaturalism. In Boadt's opinion, these scriptures are merely the work of humanity, and have little to no divine element. The strength of the book is its detailed descriptions of ancient cultures which help to place the Biblical texts within a context. Its weakness is its near complete lack of theological seriousness about these texts. The most important question about the Bible has nothing to do with the surrounding cultures. It is, "Are these writtings the work of God?" Saddly, Boadt answers no.
Rating:
Summary: Best OT Intro Available
Review: This is a great introduction to the Old Testament. Those who label Boadt a "liberal" or "heterodox" either haven't read this book or don't understand what the Catholic Church teaches. Typically the criticism against Boadt comes from two arenas, fundamentalist Protestants or fundamentalist Catholic "popologists" like those from EWTN or Catholic Answers. While Boadt is a Roman Catholic, his book will benefit those of any denomination. His scholarship is first rate. Boadt places the OT in its proper historical context. He provides concise summaries of the books, the process by which the books were redacted and shaped, and how the message of each book contributes to the OT as a whole. You can't go wrong with this solid piece of scholarship.
Rating:
Summary: Best OT Intro Available
Review: This is a great introduction to the Old Testament. Those who label Boadt a "liberal" or "heterodox" either haven't read this book or don't understand what the Catholic Church teaches. Typically the criticism against Boadt comes from two arenas, fundamentalist Protestants or fundamentalist Catholic "popologists" like those from EWTN or Catholic Answers. While Boadt is a Roman Catholic, his book will benefit those of any denomination. His scholarship is first rate. Boadt places the OT in its proper historical context. He provides concise summaries of the books, the process by which the books were redacted and shaped, and how the message of each book contributes to the OT as a whole. You can't go wrong with this solid piece of scholarship.
| 
