It’s been a while since I posted on new books that I have received to review, and it’s not because there’s a shortage! I have quite a range of material here, so rather than posting the blurb, I’ll write something on why I am reviewing it.
If you are wondering why I do these posts, partly it’s because I know people like to keep up with what’s new, but it’s also because I want to stay above board and keep a record of what I receive from publishers. That way, if they see that I have announced a book, they know that I’m holding myself to reviewing it and that they’ve not just thrown it into a black hole. Maybe it helps build some anticipation too?
Richard Hays – Reading Backwards (Baylor University Press)
I’ve not read anything by Hays yet, but I’ve certainly noticed his impact on scholarship. Readers will know that I have a real love of Christology and Biblical Theology, and this book pulls both together in exploring how the Gospel writers presented Jesus through their application of Old Testament passages to Him.
Daniel Block – By the River Chebar / Beyond the River Chebar (Wipf & Stock)
I’ve long had an interest in Ezekiel, probably due to the combination of its wacky contents and the fact that I’ve never heard it taught. Generally when I know next to nothing about a Bible book I want to teach it, since that’s the best way to learn a topic! Maybe one day. I don’t quite have it in me to read through Block’s two monster commentaries, so I thought I’d get my feet wet with these two collections of essays.
Douglas Moo – Encountering Romans, 2nd Edition (Baker Academic)
A “theological survey” of Paul’s letter to the Romans. I’m considering having my Romans students read through this in preparation for our sessions together, and I was curious to see how Moo would distill his reading of Romans into a fairly short introductory book.
Kevin Vanhoozer – Faith Speaking Understanding (Westminster John Knox)
I’m quite enthralled by Vanhoozer, despite never reading a book of his. Every quote I’ve read of him, post about him, and lecture I’ve heard from him, only makes me more excited to read this book. I know it’s a little outside of my normal interests, too, despite the fact that I teach an Intro to Theology class… that’s another reason why I’m working through this book.
Dean Davis – The High King of Heaven (Redemption Press)
I think that this is the first review book that I didn’t asked for. Davis contacted me and asked if I was interested in reviewing his (thick!) book on eschatology. I had already heard of it, and want to understand the Amillennial viewpoint better, so I agreed on the condition that I can take my time. I really look forward to digging into this one. As a Calvary Chapel teacher, perhaps it’s controversial that I even agreed to read this, and though I’ve run into that attitude a lot, I think we ought to be unafraid of engaging with different viewpoints! I’ve only ever been sharpened through widening my horizons and expect that to happen here.
Michael Gorman – The Death of the Messiah and the Birth of the New Covenant (Wipf & Stock)
I’ve taught a class at CCBCY on Christ and the cross (hey, that’s the title!) twice now, and one of the themes I’ve somehow managed to miss both times (through sickness and scheduling conflicts) is Jesus as the New Covenant sacrifice. I can’t get in the way of divine providence, but, Lord willing, the third attempt will be fruitful with this book under my belt!
Various – Studies in the Pauline Epistles (Zondervan Academic
This is a collection of essays in honor of Doug Moo, including contributions from Carson, Beale, Westerholm, Schreiner, Dunn, Wright, and others. I must say that it’s a delight to see scholars such as Schreiner and Wright both in the same book!
I actually have at least two more on the way, so you can be certain that I’m not slowing down anytime soon. Although, I certainly don’t intend to rush these books!
Many thanks to the above publishers for their generosity in sending me review copies of these books!
