Wednesday, April 16, 2008

OT Theology, what to do?


Okay, so I shared with my family that I would like a copy of Gerhard von Rad's Old Testament Theology and knew it would help that CBD has it on sale for $9.99. I do not know if it has been ordered yet or not. BUT, Chris Tilling keeps jawing about how wonderful and categorically imperative it is one go out right now and purchase John Goldengay's (so far) 2 volume Old (First) Testament Theology; Israel's Gospel and Israel's Faith. One is old, the other is newer. Even so, there is also Waltke's new OT Theology that seems like a must read (or even a must have).

So, what do I do? Tell the fam not to get von Rad and get me one of Goldingay's volumes or just skip all that and go with Waltlke? Perhaps let von Rad come and get Waltke too? I really don't need (or have room for) a shelf full of OT Theology books but one or two might be useful...

Oh, what to do??!!

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15 Comments:

At 5:11 PM, Blogger Nathan Stitt said...

My selfish instincts would compel me to say:

Ask your family for Waltke and buy von Rad for yourself!

 
At 5:18 PM, Blogger Brian said...

You have a point there Nick! I may do just that! Did you pick up an application for AGTS yet? ;)

 
At 6:20 PM, Blogger Nathan Stitt said...

"I am serious, and don't call me Shirley!" -Airplane!

Ugh. No. More. School.

Greek is hard enough...

 
At 9:01 PM, Blogger Bryan L said...

Forget Waltke and Von Rad and go with Goldingay. Goldingay is large enough with another volume coming out to keep you busy for a long time.

Bryan

 
At 9:16 PM, Blogger Brian said...

but I like much of what Waltke does...so Goldingay is doing three volumes? I was wondering.

 
At 9:26 PM, Blogger Bryan L said...

Walke? Really? I'm not that big into Waltke. I have his course on OT theology and some other courses he's taught and really he does nothing for me. But if you're into him then go for it. I've just found Goldingay to be a lot more stimulating and less predictable.

And yes he's doing 3 volumes in all.

 
At 9:35 PM, Blogger Brian said...

I am willing to consider it. Does Goldingay interact with other scholars or just kind of do his own thing?

 
At 9:45 PM, Blogger Bryan L said...

I think Goldingay kind of does his own thing. From what I remember.

 
At 10:23 PM, Blogger Brian said...

Well, I knew few who are as astute with the Hebrew (which naturally leads to excellent theology) than Bruce Waltke - and I am sure there are several very good OT Theologies available - so I am torn asunder.

On a side note: I can see why professors probably go with a text like Walke's over Goldingay since Waltke's book can cover most of the issues in a semester - Goldingay isn't done yet. Know what I am saying?

Ah well.

 
At 3:15 AM, Blogger Chris Tilling said...

You really don't have a problem:
GET GOLDINGAY, QUICKLY!

 
At 9:39 AM, Blogger Brian said...

okay, okay, gosh! if only I could get IVP to send me a review copy - I don't want to be the cornered conservative.... (see Chris Tillings recent post).

 
At 6:09 PM, Blogger Nathan Stitt said...

I asked my dad what single volume he used, and he likes his Sailhamer's Introduction to Old Testament Theology: A Canonical Approach.

 
At 6:50 PM, Blogger Brian said...

Thanks Nathan, I have it on my wish list - it is an intro and would be great along side a more complete work such as vo Rad or Watlke. I have vol 2 of the Expositors Bible Commentary and Sailhammer did the section of Genesis. I have used him in some papers. He has good stuff.

 
At 4:51 PM, Blogger tcrob said...

I actually have put aside Waltke to purchase later, and I think I'll get Von Rad, since it so cheap.

 
At 6:35 PM, Blogger Brian said...

sounds like a good plan TC. Thanks for posting.

 

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