The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament [Paperback]

Sandra L. Richter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 20, 2008

Does your knowledge of the Old Testament feel like a grab bag of people, books, events and ideas? How many times have you resolved to really understand the OT? To finally make sense of it? Perhaps you are suffering from what Sandra Richter calls the "dysfunctional closet syndrome." If so, she has a solution. Like a home-organizing expert, she comes in and helps you straighten up your cluttered closet. Gives you hangers for facts. A timeline to put them on. And handy containers for the clutter on the floor. Plus she fills out your wardrobe of knowledge with exciting new facts and new perspectives. The whole thing is put in usable order--a history of God's redeeming grace. A story that runs from the Eden of the Garden to the garden of the New Jerusalem. Whether you are a frustrated do-it-yourselfer or a beginning student enrolled in a course, this book will organize your understanding of the Old Testament and renew your enthusiasm for studying the Bible as a whole.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Old Testament tells of God's creation and the redemption of his people. Granted, it is a story that climaxes in the New Testament, but the New Testament cannot be understood apart from the Old. Christians have neglected the study of the Old Testament because (if we are honest) we find it confusing and distant from Jesus Christ, the center of our faith. Sandra Richter's The Epic of Eden helps the reader discover the riches and passion of the Old Testament story. This book will not only expand your knowledge, it will deepen your spiritual life." (Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College )

About the Author

Sandra L. Richter (Ph.D., Harvard University) is associate professor of Old Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary. She is a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Harvard University's Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations department. Her publications include The Deuteronomistic History and the Name Theology (Walter de Gruyter) and articles in Eerdmans' Handbook to the Bible (Eerdmans) and Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books (InterVarsity Press).

Product Details

• Paperback: 263 pages
• Publisher: IVP Academic (October 20, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830825770
• ISBN-13: 978-0830825776
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,157 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding and Accessible, November 8, 2008

By 

Lawson Stone (Wilmore, KY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament (Paperback)

This book captures over 20 years of study and teaching experience. The author's Harvard PhD and technical publications assure the reader of her expertise. A veteran of the classroom, pulpit, and popular conference venues, she understands the importance of communicating clearly and powerfully. The book almost effortlessly integrates the history of the ancient Near East, archaeological data, literary observations, a survey of the content of the OT, and an explicitly Christian interpretation that sees the OT in relationship to the NT without suppressing its distinctive witness. All of this is presented in a style that is engaging but not chatty, personal but not excessively autobiographical. This book would be an ideal text or collateral reading for an OT introduction at the college or seminary level. A serious church group wanting a meaty study of the Old Testament would find this volume an ideal resource. Anyone eager for a strategic grasp of this challenging portion of scripture will appreciate Dr. Richter's fine book.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoy this book, January 11, 2009

By 

Nancy M. Sleeth - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament (Paperback)

I love this book. It is organized around a metaphor of cleaning a closet. It makes the entire Old Testament clear and orients the reader in time, geography, culture, redemption, and relevance to today. I was given a copy, read it, and then went out and bought a handful to send off to friends. Unlike some books by scholars, it does not diminish one's faith--neither does it "dumb down" the scripture. Dr. Richter's book is a gift to all those who struggle with the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Old Testament. May God bless her and all who read this magnificent book. J. Matthew Sleeth M.D.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for a Religiously Diverse Group of People, May 24, 2010

By 

William B. Fowler "Bryan" (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament (Paperback)

I recently used this book as the guide for a group of Agnostic, Jewish, Christian, and other folks that met in a bar to discuss the Origins of Monotheism. It received two thumbs up from every member. They all appreciated the clearly articulated depth of research and the overall ease of comprehension through the unveiling of a contextual framework. Now all of them are able to grasp the legendary Biblical stories as part of a larger pattern revealing an even deeper significance for the tales individually. Having completed the book, they are all much closer to understanding their own origins and how they relate to God's activity in the present. In other words, they were all able to see themselves as an ongoing part of the Epic of Eden.