Rethinking the Pentateuch: Prolegomena to the Theology of Ancient Israel [Paperback]

Antony F. Campbell SJ (Author), Mark A. O'Brien OP (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 20, 2005

Scholars have long attempted to explain how the Pentateuch was put together. According to the predominant theory--the documentary hypothesis--the material in these books, which varies in historical and theological points of view, came from four hypothetical sources designated as J, E, D, and P. Answering the increasing scholarly call to rethink this theory, Antony Campbell and Mark O'Brien offer a revolutionary explanation for the development of plurality and multiplicity within the text.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"New models on Pentateuchal theory are constantly offered; however, all of them are simply variants of one single basic insight. Campbell and O’Brien now change the basic insight. If accepted, this is indeed a revolution in pentateuchal theory. Will these new voices succeed in overthrowing the old system? Whatever the outcome, their arguments have to be dealt with." —Norbert Lohfink, SJ, Sankt Georgen School of Theology, Frankfurt, Germany

"Highly recommended. Campbell and O’Brien are old hands in the critical study of the Pentateuch. Always up to date and in conversation with other scholars, their articles and books manage to be accessible yet of great interest to scholars. This book indeed rethinks–and radically–traditional approaches to the Pentateuch. The authors give many examples of how fruitful their approach can be." —Richard Clifford, Professor of Old Testament, Weston Jesuit School of Theology

"These two fine critics continue their creative and daring reframing of Old Testament texts. This book will be a rich field for imaginative reflection for those who care about honesty, discernment, and freshness in biblical testimony. The authors linger over critical issues, but the book teems with implications that matter for faith." —Walter Brueggemann, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary

About the Author

Antony F. Campbell, S. J. is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Jesuit Theological College within the United Faculty of Theology in Parkville, Australia. He has coauthored books such as Sources of the Pentateuch and Unfolding the Deuteronomistic History.

Mark A. O'Brien, OP is the Dominican Regent of Studies and Prior of St Dominic's, East Camberwell, Australia. He is the author of a number of books in biblical studies, including Unfolding the Deuteronomistic History: Origins, Upgrades, Present Text with Antony Campbell SJ.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press (October 20, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664228097
• ISBN-13: 978-0664228095
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,354,965 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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