Unlocking Wisdom: Forming Agents of God in the House of Mourning (A canonical-linguistic exposition of the Books of Job and Ecclesiastes) [Paperback]

James Reitman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 8, 2008

Reitman's exposition of Job and Ecclesiastes is written for serious Bible students, combining a transparent hermeneutical methodology with a canonical-linguistic expositional style to explore the authors' intended meaning as expressed in the text. This innovative commentary provides a more canonical, literary and synthetic reading of these two books of Wisdom than is available in verse-by-verse exegetical treatments and relates the arguments of the two books to make them eminently applicable to contemporary readers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Reitman's excellent expostion of the books of Job and Ecclesiastes shows how unjust suffering and self-motivated ambitious schemes result in frustration and confusion, and how only the fear of God can resolve disillusionment. Here is a remarkably perceptive study of two often-neglected wisdom books whose messages are desperately needed today. Any student of these two books will be spiritually enriched by this exposition. --Roy B. Zuck

I especially appreciate Dr. Reitman's self-conscious and meticulous hermeneutical rigor....He explains his rationale for the format that he employs in the commentary one that is both idiosyncratic and effective. In the commentary's organization, his careful and analytical mind excels....Would that all commentaries were so rigorous. And would that all were so satisfying in their conclusions. Beyond his attention to methodological precision, Reitman's conclusions ring true to life always the test of a commentary's effectiveness. --William W. Klein

Reaching into his own experience and reflecting deeply on the theological questions of the books of Job and Ecclesiastes, Jim Reitman pursues the profound issues of pain and suffering as both victim (Job) and oppressor (Ecclesiastes). Whether as a guide for further study of these books or as a counterpoint to various traditional and postmodern understandings, the reader will be challenged and encouraged to find new significance to a Christian theology of suffering at a time when this message desperately needs to be told. --Richard S. Hess

About the Author

James S. Reitman (B.A., Pomona College; M.D., Washington University, St. Louis; M.A., Dallas Theological Seminary; Fellowship in Biomedical Ethics, University of Virginia; and D. Min. student, Denver Seminary) retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2006 as a specialist in Internal Medicine, having served as Chief Consultant in Medical Ethics from 1995-1997. He is Adjunct Professor in Spiritual Formation and Teaching Assistant in hermeneutics at Denver Seminary.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: 21st Century Press (February 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977953556
• ISBN-13: 978-0977953554
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,212,715 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

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4.0 out of 5 stars impressive scholorship, December 4, 2011

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This review is from: Unlocking Wisdom: Forming Agents of God in the House of Mourning (A canonical-linguistic exposition of the Books of Job and Ecclesiastes) (Paperback)

How I wish I had gotten this book 6 mos sooner. I just got it and I am almost finished teaching a bible class on Job and nearly through a series of sermons drawn heavily from Eclesiastes. There is more material in these pages than in the whole library of references I used. It was easy to see that this work emerged from years of turmoil and extensive study. Thank you so much James for sharing your journey through this particular part of God's word with us.