Justification and Variegated Nomism: The Complexities of Second Temple Judaism (Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen Zum Neuen Testament. 2. Reihe. 140) [Paperback]

D. A. Carson (Editor), Mark A. Seifrid (Editor), Peter T. O'Brien (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2001 | Series: Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen Zum Neuen Testament. 2. Reihe. 140

A comprehension of Paul's understanding of the law and justification has been a perennial problem for historians and theologians. The need for further clarity has given rise to this collection of essays by an international list of esteemed scholars who seek, in the first of two volumes, to illuminate the complexities of the Judaism of Jesus' (and Paul's) day. Was it a legalistic religion that taught one could be justified before God by obeying law? Was it even one religion, or was it a collection of traditions with some similarities and many dissimilarities?

A second volume is forthcoming which will further this discussion among scholars through an evaluation of the paradoxes of Paul.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Paul's view of the law and justification has been a perennial problem for historians and biblical scholars. This collection of essays by an international list of esteemed scholars seeks, in the first of two volumes, to reexamine the concept of covenantal nomism as described in E. P. Sanders's Paul and Palestinian Judaism and calls for a new understanding of the complexities of the Judaism of Jesus' (and Paul's) day.

Contributors
Philip S. Alexander
Richard Bauckham
Markus Bockmuehl
D. A. Carson
Philip R. Davies
Roland Deines
Peter Enns
Craig A. Evans
Daniel Falk
Donald E. Gowan
David M. Hay
Robert A. Kugler
Martin McNamara
Mark A. Seifrid
Paul Spilsbury

"Justification and Variegated Nomism presents the most thorough reexamination to date of E. P. Sanders's Paul and Palestinian Judaism. This new study of the intertestamental literature will require a rethinking of Sanders's concept of covenantal nomism and its application to Paul's theology of justification."
-Frank J. Matera, Catholic University of America

"This is a fine survey of an important theme. The focus on literary genres brings out the diversity of Second Temple Judaism. The editors have brought together a team of scholars that is international, ecumenical, and generally first rate."
-John J. Collins, Yale University Divinity School


D. A. Carson (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) is research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Peter T. O'Brien (Ph.D., University of Manchester) is senior research fellow at Moore Theological College. Mark A. Seifrid (Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary) is professor of New Testament interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

About the Author

D. A. Carson (Ph.D., University of Cambridge) is research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the author or editor of over forty books. Peter T. O'Brien (Ph.D., University of Manchester) is senior research fellow at Moore Theological College where he teaches New Testament and missions. Mark A. Seifrid (Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary) is professor of New Testament interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Product Details

• Paperback: 619 pages
• Publisher: Baker Academic (August 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080102272X
• ISBN-13: 978-0801022722
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #440,815 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Examines Ancient Jewish Beliefs About Justification--Excels!, June 10, 2005

By 

Edward J. Vasicek "Author, pastor, columnist" (Kokomo, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Justification and Variegated Nomism: The Complexities of Second Temple Judaism (Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen Zum Neuen Testament. 2. Reihe. 140) (Paperback)

Volume 1 addresses the various (variegated) views held by the Jews during the second temple period about the relationship of the Law (nomism) to salvation (justifcation). It focuses on the era before and right after the time of Jesus. Understanding the views of this era help us with understanding the background of the New Testament.

D.A. Carson, one of today's greatest evangelical scholars, has elicited the help of many scholars, some evangelical, others not; he is the editor of the two-part series, but most of the material is provided by the illustrious contributors. The overall purpose of this two volume set is to refute the "Covenantal Nomism" (the view that "you get into the covenant by grace, but you stay in it by keeping the Law") of E.P. Sanders. It also seeks to refute the "New Perspective" as to what Paul the Apostle really meant when he spoke of salvation "apart from the Law." Volume one shows that Sanders erred: there is no one view that dominated all Jewish thought before the time of Christ (or shortly thereafter). Volume 2 (I am still reading it) then completes the project by demonstrating that the "New Perspective" may be "new," but it is not correct. The Reformers really did know what they were talking about.

But whether you are debating the "New Perspective" or not, you will find this volume rich! You will sharpen your understanding of the thinking of the Jewish world from about 200 B.C. to about 100 A.D. You will delve into the Apocrypha, the Pseudepigrapha, the Talmud, etc.; those who want to better understand the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith will also appreciate this volume.

This book is not intended for the average layman, but a trained pastor can understand this work (which is all I am; I am no scholar). Although a few parts are dry, other portions are absolutely fascinating.

Does the book accomplish its goal? Absolutely.

6 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, March 11, 2005

By 

Charles E. Meadows (Milton, WV United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Justification and Variegated Nomism: The Complexities of Second Temple Judaism (Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen Zum Neuen Testament. 2. Reihe. 140) (Paperback)

This book is a true find! I must say it is not easy reading however. It includes 15 essays (usually 20-60 pages each), each surveying the concept of righteousness in a particular group of Jewish writings. This volume is intended to be the basis for volume 2 in which Pauline theology will be analyzed. The set overall is an examination of the "New perspective" theology which claims that Christians have mislabelled Judaism as a "works for salvation" or merit-based religion.