What Is New Testament Theology? (Guides to Biblical Scholarship New Testament Series) [Paperback]

Dan Otto Via (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2002 | Series: Guides to Biblical Scholarship

Does New Testament theology rightly deal with the documents of the New Testament or with something outside the text, such as the unfolding of early Christian religion, the events of salvation history, the historical Jesus in particular, or an understanding of human existence? Is New Testament theology a strictly historical project, a dialectical interaction between historical interpretation and hermeneutical concerns or a solely hermeneutical program? This volume by a seasoned biblical scholar not only describes how New Testament theology has been done but provides critiques of the major approaches in the twentieth century as well as his own proposal.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The "Guides to Biblical Scholarship" series aims to provide a popular presentation of major issues and developments in recent biblical scholarship. Here, Via (emeritus, Duke Divinity Sch.; The Ethics of Mark's Gospel) has written an updated version of a book of the same name by Hendrickus Boers that appeared in the series in 1979. Via examines major advances since then in the debate concerning the nature and structure of New Testament theology, especially regarding historical criticism, literary criticism, and existential interpretation. An introductory chapter discusses the contribution made by Boers's book, and Chapters 2 through 7 follow the same basic structure: Via presents a succinct overview of a significant issue (e.g., the objectivity of historical criticism, historical vs. hermeneutical structure, postmodernist interpretations) followed by a usually very brief but thorough overview of a dizzying array of contemporary scholars' contributions. At the end of each chapter, he summarizes the main issues and offers his evaluation. While constituting impressive scholarship, this book assumes too much of a general reader. It is geared to clergy or college students and is not recommended for public library purchase. Charlie Murray, C.S.S., Fordham Univ., NY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Dan O. Via is Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Duke Divinity School (Durham, North Carolina). He is author of several books from Fortress Press, including The Ethics of Mark’s Gospel (1985), Kerygma and Comedy in the New Testament (1975), and Parables (1967).

Product Details

• Paperback: 154 pages
• Publisher: Fortress Press (June 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080063263X
• ISBN-13: 978-0800632632
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #700,322 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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