The Collapse of History: Reconstructing Old Testament Theology (Overtures to Biblical Theology)

Rating:
Summary: In this work, Leo Perdue has breathed life back into O.T.
Review: In this work, Leo Perdue has breathed life back into the task of theological interpretation of the Old Testament by clearly listing, defining and highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the various categories of Old Testament interpretation

Dr. Leo Perdue points out a variety of new and imaginative directions for Old Testament theology. The Collapse of History gives the reader both an awareness and fresh appreciation of alternative models to Old Testament Theology. Models, whether in science or theology, allows one to construct a new hypothesis with which one can probe, develop and postulate the unapprehended. What Dr. Perdue gives us is a box full of keys with which we may attempt to unlock Old and New Testament's revelation about God and ourselves. Especially provocative are the new and engaging approach of liberation theology and imagination theology. Each of these new schools of thought have encouraged me to go beyond my old paradigms and probe new salient theological truths that are implicit and explicit in scriptural text.

Both liberation and imagination perspectives approach biblical theology with vigor and relevancy for our needy world today. I remained concerned how much of academic biblical thinking has been done apart from contemporary theology leaving the learner to juxtapose the two, whereby they can bring a message of relevancy to his/her listeners. Context is critical and so notes liberation theology. Its motif is found in its solidarity with the oppressed and the downtrodden of our world; as well as its rejection of authoritarianism and hierarchy. The underlying focus of liberation theology is freedom from sin, selfishness, indifference and arrogance to others suffering and plight, that come from Jesus Christ. Liberation theology sees Jesus Christ as the embodied extension of Yahweh's identification with the suffering, the poor and the enslaved of the Old Testament: the suffering servant, the redeeming God.

Imagination theology has given us a solution for moving from the historic text to a contemporary context. Often biblical theology becomes bogged down in the nuances of scripture, not realizing that for the majority of Christendom critical analysis, historical critique and source hermeneutics are meaningless if the text, and thus the revelation of God, can not be applied contemporaneously. Imagination theology allows for a transcendence of the orthodox and thus produces both the opportunity and ability for God's people to embrace a new vision of order; a kingdom that is responsive to suffering, exploitation and oppression of all of creation. Theological imagination leads to faith; and faith leads to a vital, living community of God; a community committed to ushering in "Thy kingdom come, here on earth as it is in heaven". The work of Leo Perdue is an important reference for any serious scholar or student of hermeneutics and Old Testament theology.