Old Testament Theology - by John Goldingay (Paperback)

About the Book

In the first volume of his three-volume Old Testament theology, John Goldingay is closely attentive to the First Testament's narrative, plot, motifs, tensions and subtleties. Telling the story of Israel's gospel as a series of divine acts, he gives readers fresh and challenging perspectives on God and God's ways with Israel and the world.

Book Synopsis

ECPA Gold Medallion Award winner

In this first volume of a three-volume Old Testament theology, John Goldingay focuses on narrative. Examining the biblical order of God's creation of and interactions with the world and Israel, he tells the story of Israel's gospel as a series of divine acts:

• God Began
• God Started Over
• God Promised
• God Delivered
• God Sealed
• God Gave
• God Accommodated
• God Wrestled
• God Preserved
• God Sent
• God Exalted

This is an Old Testament theology like no other. Whether applying magnifying or wide-angle lenses, Goldingay is closely attentive to the First Testament's narrative, plot, motifs, tensions and subtleties. Brimming with insight and energy, and postmodern in its ethos, this book will repeatedly reward readers with fresh and challenging perspectives on God and God's ways with Israel and the world--as well as Israel's ways with God.

Goldingay's Old Testament Theology is not only a scholarly contribution to the ongoing quest of understanding the theological dimensions of the First Testament. Preachers and teachers will prize it as a smart, informed and engaging companion as they read and re-present the First Testament story to postmodern pilgrims on the way. This is Old Testament theology that preaches.

Volume two focuses on Israel's faith, or Old Testament theology as belief. It explores the person and nature of God, the nature of the world and humanity, the character of sin and the significance of Israel. Volume three's focus is Israel's life, or Old Testament theology as ethos, exploring its worship, spirituality, ideals and vision for living.

Review Quotes

"Abundant and rich material for Christian preaching."

"Goldingay has produced a scintillating exposition of Old Testament narrative, describing its rich 'particularities' (p. 37) and offering a wealth of critical suggestions for its theological appropriation. His treatment takes account of recent scholarship, exhibits a keen awareness of methodological debates and is written in a highly readable, even genial style. For theologians, pastors, students--anyone wanting to think through the Old Testament theologically (again) with an expert guide--his book is a must-read."

"Goldingay helps us all learn more about the Old Testament to the end that we more faithfully proclaim the Gospel of Jesus."

"Goldingay's Old Testament Theology boldly moves in new and welcome directions. Readers will appreciate his commitment to this Testament as a work with its own integrity, whose voice the modern world needs urgently to hear. Furthermore, his great exposition of its central themes hugs the biblical text in a way that will help us all, scholars, students and preachers alike, to capture his sense of excitement and delight in these ancient writings."

"In this volume, John Goldingay, as usual, presents himself as a knowledgeable, sensitive interpreter who pays close attention to the text and to the faith given through the text. The focus on narrative indicates the peculiar way in which biblical faith is mediated that is not excessively tamed by the usual categories of doctrine, piety or morality. The title of volume one, Israel's Gospel, exhibits Goldingay's acute theological passion, one that warrants close, sustained attention."

About the Author

John Goldingay (PhD, University of Nottingham) is David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. His books include The Theology of the Book of Isaiah, Key Questions About Interpretation, Models for Scripture and commentaries on Psalms, Isaiah and Daniel.