Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 576 pages
• Published by: Paulist Press January 1, 1984
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0809126311
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0809126316
• Book Dimensions: 8.6 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Weighs: 1.7 pounds

Product Description
Reading the Old Testament is a clear and carefully organized introduction for contemporary readers. It is designed to guide the student of the Bible through the text and its problems, enrich their understanding of the individual biblical books, and explore the way the Bible came to be written.

Reading the Old Testament combines the latest scholarship with sensitivity to religious issues and Israel's ever deepening understanding of God's ways. The author gives special attention to recent archeological discoveries in the Middle East and how these affect our understanding of the Old Testament. The book contains numerous maps, charts, and drawings.

Reading the Old Testament is particularly illuminating about the way Israel's religious experience was translated into written records. No other introduction offers the same thorough treatment of the Exile and the post-exilic periods as crucial times in the formation of the Old Testament.

About The Author
Lawrence Boadt, CSP, is an ordained priest in the Paulist Fathers, and professor emeritus of Scripture Studies at the Washington Theological Union. He has written and spoken widely on Old Testament topics, and currently serves as the president and publisher of Paulist Press in Mahwah, NJ.

Reader Reviews
This book makes historical study of the OT fascinating. I do not wholly agree with the author's a priori assumptions - mine are conservative and evangelical in contrast with his catholic perspective. On the other hand it is very unfair to the author to suggest that he does not see Holy Scripture as divinely inspired. I am not even so sure he deserves the "liberal" tag: the fact that he is willing to explain the views of liberal scholars without attaching a Surgeon General's Warning is hardly the first step on the road to perdition. Besides, if we only ever read books we wholly agree with, we may never grow up as Christians. It is always wonderful to read a book that stresses the work of the Holy Spirit behind scripture and history - but that is essentially devotional writing. Actually many of my evangelical colleagues would say that's the only sort of theology we need, but it doesn't take much reflection to see the limitations of such an approach. How can we answer the world's questions (as indeed we can and must, with flying colours!) if we do not grapple with the questions that arise naturally when scripture is read with an open mind by anyone with a basic grasp of human history? I find no evidence that Fr. Boadt disagrees radically with an orthodox position on the inspiration of scripture - rather I tend to assume that he takes it for granted. However, he has set out to write a book not about Christian pneumatology but about the historical and cultural roots of the Hebrew scriptures. That task has been undertaken by many writers ranging from Christian fundamentalists to blatant atheists. I do not think any of them can have done so with more intelligence, sensitivity, honesty and grace than Fr. Boadt. If you really want a more conservative introduction that covers similar ground, try John Drane's excellent "Introduction to the Old Testament". I have worked extensively with both books as a trainee Anglican lay Reader; both are strongly recommended, and Drane is actually a little more up to date in terms of the latest scholarly fashions (new edition soon please, Fr. Boadt). However, the evangelical Drane writes little more dogmatically than the catholic Boadt - and fittingly so as both books are intended primarily as introductions to scholarly thought. In fact of the two books I found Boadt more helpful on many counts: Easier to read, more interesting, better prose, better structure and generally more informative. Indeed, because Boadt writes from a very open viewpoint, you can bring your own theological preferences to your reading of it. Whatever your angle, you are likely to find this book interesting, informative and spiritually uplifting (unless of course you simply want a book that tells you what you want to hear). The key tests of a book like this should not be "is it correct on every page?", but "does it ultimately glorify God?" and "is it likely to help me to understand and explain my own faith more effectively?" On both counts, Boadt's book is a valuable resource.