Nijay Gupta provides a friendly, largely affirmative, and probing set of thoughts.
Thomas Schreiner expresses his appreciation for some of the volume’s core impulses but suggests that the proposals gains fail to outweigh the corresponding deficiencies that it creates.
Thomas Schreiner, “Some Reflections on Sola Fidei“
Gregory Goswell, “Having the Last Say: The End of the OT”
Terrance Wardlaw, “Shaddai, Providence, and the Narrative Structure of Ruth”
Brian Tabb, “Salvation, Spreading, and Suffering: God’s Unfolding Plan in Luke-Acts”
Ben Witherington III, “‘Almost Thou Persuadest Me . . .’: The Importance of Greco-Roman Rhetoric for the Understanding of the Text and Context of the NT”
Russell Moore, “Man, Woman, and the Mystery of Christ: An Evangelical Protestant Perspective”
Denny Burk, “Is Homosexual Orientation Sinful?”
Ross Blackburn, “Sex and Fullness: A Rejoinder to Dennis Hollinger on Contraception”
Glenn Butner Jr., “Eternal Functional Subordination and the Problem of the Divine Will”
offers a substantial and accessibly written overview of the whole Bible. He traces the storyline of the scriptures from the standpoint of biblical theology, examining the overarching message that is conveyed throughout. Schreiner emphasizes three interrelated and unified themes that stand out in the biblical narrative: God as Lord, human beings as those who are made in God’s image, and the land or place in which God’s rule is exercised. The goal of God’s kingdom is to see the king in his beauty and to be enraptured in his glory.
The text’s page on Baker’s website also provides a PDF of the front matter and first chapter. The text is currently also available for order from Amazon, Logos Bible Software, and other booksellers.
Thomas R. Schreiner, Luke Timothy Johnson, Douglas A. Campbell, and Mark D. Nanos, Four Views on the Apostle Paul, edited by Michael F. Bird, reviewed by Arthur J. Dewey
The folks at Zondervan sponsored this year’s Institute for Biblical Research meeting reception. In addition to the deserts there, they very kindly provided attending members with a copy of the recent (2012) Counterpoints volume on Paul, edited by Michael Bird. According to the publisher’s description:
The apostle Paul was a vital force in the development of Christianity. Paul’s historical and religious context affects the theological interpretation of Paul’s writings, no small issue in the whole of Christian theology.
Recent years have seen much controversy about the apostle Paul, his religious and social context, and its effects on his theology. In the helpful Counterpoints format, four leading scholars present their views on the best framework for describing Paul’s theological perspective, including his view of salvation, the significance of Christ, and his vision for the churches.
Contributors and views include:
Reformed View: Thomas R. Schreiner
Catholic View: Luke Timothy Johnson
Post-New Perspective View: Douglas Campbell
Jewish View: Mark D. Nanos
Like other titles in the Counterpoints: Bible and Theology collection, Four Views on the Apostle Paul gives theology students the tools they need to draw informed conclusions on debated issues.
General editor and New Testament scholar Michael F. Bird covers foundational issues and provides helpful summaries in his introduction and conclusion. New Testament scholars, pastors, and students of Christian history and theology will find Four Views on the Apostle Paul an indispensable introduction to ongoing debates on the apostle Paul’s life and teaching.
