Naming the Powers: The Language of Power in the New Testament (The Powers : Volume One) (Paperback)

~ Walter Wink (Author)
Key Phrases: archai kai exousiai, stoicheia tou kosmou, disputed passages, New Testament, New York, Christ Jesus (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 181 pages
• Publisher: Fortress Press (January 5, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080061786X
• ISBN-13: 978-0800617868
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #184,697 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book for the third section, September 9, 2004

By	Tedd Steele (Naperville, IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When I started this book I was disappointed, but I wasn't when I finished. The first section is a series of word studies on Greek words associated with the powers. The second section consists of expositions of troublesome passages dealing with spiritual powers. I found these sections useful, but rather dry. The third section was a surprise, which caused me to think more highly of the book. Wink takes the language of power in the New Testament and casts it in contemporary language. Now power is not seen as something that is out there in the heavens. It is not something that is primarily refering to disembodied ghouls that ought to give Christians nightmares. Instead, it is found in the material reality of bodies interacting in complex systems that can influence and control others. Wink sees that the language of the New Testament is profoundly true, yet at the same time myth. It is myth that represents an all too real situation. The great value I have found in the book is that it gives us a way to speak about power that makes it more than simply the sum of our social systems, yet is not "spiritual" in a way that gives postmodern thinkers fits. Wink makes it clear that evil is real and even gives some ways to confront it in our world.

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Meticulous scholarship and inspirational interpretation, February 25, 2002

By A Customer

This book lists the various words that are used for power in the New Testament and evokes their meaning in the wide variety of contexts in which they are used. It really makes the language of the New Testament come alive. Throughout the book, Wink's warmth and humanity shine through. Speaking of conflict, he says 'I resolved never to embark on a conflict which would not end in my sitting down to a meal with my adversary.' Inspirational - strongly recommended.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a volume one, August 27, 2006

By	Michael Grello (Columbia, SC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It lays the foundations for the series. This it does well. It could be observed that the book is overly technical, and if it were the whole enchilada that would be so. I makes you want to read the rest of the series, and that is what a volume one should do. For a digested version of this series "The Powers That Be" by this author is a great book. For an in depth treatment, the trilogy is excellent. I would suggest both.