Customer Reviews

Contours of Old Testament Theology

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Anderson provides a helpful and much-needed introduction to Old Testament theology. The book is particularly well suited to the church or college classroom. Laity and students will find the writing style generally accessible and the shortish chapters very manageable. Anderson's outline, based around yet not limited to a scheme of three successive covenants, allows him to balance a forthright accounting for the diversity of Old Testament literature with an emphasis on the common themes that unite the literature. The breadth of Anderson's treatment is impressive. Biblical specialists and theologians, however, are likely to wish for more depth in the treatment of various topics and more justification for some unusual moves (like treating "holiness" as per Rudolf Otto rather than as per Leviticus). If approached as an introduction and invitation to further study rather than as a digest of results or conclusions, the book renders a great service.

The book was said to be used, but it looks as if it was barely touched. This a great bargain for a new looking book.

I read this book as compulsary course literature at the university. What I found interesting was the presentation - and the comparison - between the different coventants in the Old Testament. What I question, and disagree with, is that the author seems to believe in the Documentary Hypothesis, and that he believes there are three authors to the book of Isaiah. There are also other examples of liberal theology, but some facts are interesting. However, I would not have bought, or read, the book if it was not course literature.

Please note that the author is not Steve Bishop (he is assistant) but Bernhard W. Anderson, emeriatus professor of Old Testament Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary

steve bishop has an amazing grasp of old testament theology. my family and i have not been able to stop talking about his insights into the complex world of the old testament. it makes for great dinner time conversation!