Book Review: Studying the New Testament: A Fortress Introduction

Abstract

Judging from the author index, Goldingay's favorite theologians are the good company of Barth and Brueggemann, Heschel and Hauerwas, Milgrom and Miller. Going through this volume was like sitting in on lectures from a well-informed, wise, and witty lover of the OT. Goldingay's positions might be described as evangelically secular, reflecting the southern California setting where the work was produced, "where the sun shines in the winter and where every band comes to play" (p. 11). He concludes with a suggested Decalogue for the twentyfirst century. Here are some samples: "Praise God at dusk and at dawn. Relax and sleep for the time in between. Grow things to eat . . . . Keep out of department stores and shopping malls (beware the Internet, too). . . . On Thursdays, pray laments for people who are suffering…." (p. 839). I enjoyed the book, learned from it, and recommend it.