Chalice Introduction to the Old Testament

Rating:
Summary: First things first...
Review: True to the ecumenical, Disciples influence of the Chalice Press, the authors and the editor of this volume, Marti Steussy (of Christian Theological Seminary), this text presents a broad-based introduction to the Old Testament/Hebrew Scriptures that should appeal to a wide-ranging audience. The fourteen contributors (including the author) represent a good cross-section of that current of biblical scholarship that uses the modern tools of critical analysis to discover the meanings and the difficulties with the text.

Intended primarily as an introductory text for undergraduates or seminary students, the text would also be useful for adult Sunday school and Bible study classes that give attention to the whole of the Old Testament. Despite the variety of authors, the text is uniformly accessible, free from jargon and technical terminology save where such is carefully explained, and does not to succumb to the temptation of 'scholars writing for other scholars' that some introductory texts fall victim to. The text does not dumb-down the material either, presenting interesting ideas, basic structures, subtle characteristics, and general patterns in a lively and engaging fashion.

Because the different parts of the Old Testament are different kinds of literature, not every chapter is structured in the same way, nor is the material all addressed in a similar fashion, but all chapters cover basics such as authorship and dating issues, historical context, literary and linguistic characteristics, and primary theology presented. Each chapter also presents short list of recent scholarship on the subject.

Despite the title of this book (Chalice Introduction to the Old Testament), in fact the terms used most frequently throughout the text are Hebrew Bible and First Testament - removing the possible stigma that the word 'Old' can give when applied to the texts, a form of supersessionism. Similarly, most dates are presented as BCE/CE (Before the Common Era/Common Era) rather than BC/AD, again as a nod to inclusivity.

The chapters are arranged with consideration for the ordering differences in the various canons (various Christian and Jewish) as well as composition date and literary type. However, each of the chapters stand on their own, and so the reader can progress in any order, depending on their own progress through Bible study. None of the chapters is lengthy (the entire text is under 300 pages, with 16 chapters dividing those pages), and each could easily be read in one sitting.

The first few chapters are introductory, and set the stage for the rest of the text - the introduction by Steussy discusses general terms and format for this text and the First Testament. The second chapter by Lowell Handy gives an overview of the history and geography of ancient Israel. Using a timeline and table, the progress of history in terms of kings and empires is laid out, but the one thing missing (given that this is also a geographical background) is a map. A few maps would be useful - while many Bibles will have maps the reader of this text can use (and the reader will want to have a good study Bible as a companion while reading), a few maps showing the broad setting of the Middle East and a more detailed map of the Syro-Palestinian area would be welcome.

The remaining fourteen chapters either look at particular books (Genesis, Deuteronomy, Isaiah) or sets/collections of similar literature (Samuel and Kings, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, The Twelve Prophets). In addition to providing general editorship and the introductory chapter, Steussy wrote the chapter on Psalms, and collaborated (with Lisa W. Davison of Lexington Theological Seminary) on the chapter on Samuel and Kings. Steussy's insights into the Psalms show the methodological care and theological sensitivity she brings to the text - highlighting the honesty in the psalms while addressing some of the popular misconceptions with the psalms, she draws a broad portrait of this most popular book as demonstrating not only the content of prayer, but also the process of prayer.

The glossary at the end is basic and handy. Perhaps given the introductory nature of the book, it could be fleshed out a bit more. There is a topical index, but there is no index for scripture references, which could be useful in cross-referencing. Still, these are minor flaws in an otherwise well-conceived and well-constructed text.

As truth in advertising is important, I must admit my bias. I know the editor and a few of the authors of this text (Marti Steussy and Carolyn Higginbotham are on faculty at my seminary, Christian Theological Seminary; I know a few other authors from professional and academic circles). Steussy's class on the Introduction to the Old Testament remains one of my favourite classes from my seminary career, and she brings the same knowledge, enthusiasm and spirit to this text.