So, What Did Jesus Think about the Old Testament?
The Old Testament has run into some hard times as of late. It’s seen by many as a curmudgeonly, legalistic, violent, confusing, and, maybe most of all, boring sort of book. As the atheist Richard Dawkins famously opined, “The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all of fiction.”
On top of these sorts of complaints are questions about the historical veracity of the Old Testament. Are we really supposed to believe in a literal Adam and Eve? A global flood? Sodom and Gomorrah? People struggle to believe these sorts of things really happened.
Sadly, however, the critiques don’t come from just non-Christians. Even believers, … Continue reading...
Is the Old Testament Still Relevant for Christians?
It goes without saying that there has been a lot of chatter lately about the applicability of the Old Testament for new covenant believers. For instance, you can check out my TGC article, “Why We Can’t Unhitch from the Old Testament,” a review of Andy Stanley’s latest book on this topic, Irresistible.
But, some people don’t have time for a lengthy article, and certainly not a book. If you (or someone you know) is looking for just a brief 3-minute summary of why the OT still matters, then here’s a video I did recently for Credo Magazine on this very question:
Is the Truth of the Bible Essential to the Christian Message? Engaging (Again) with Andy Stanley
There’s been a good bit of buzz lately about Andy Stanley’s recent interview with Jonathan Merritt. Stanley had already created a stir back in April when he said that Christians should “unhitch” themselves from the Old Testament, and this interview seems to be heading down the same tracks.
Needless to say, this recent interview has continued to fuel concerns about Stanley’s view of the Old Testament. Over the weekend, Al Mohler offered a response where he points out that the early church did not cut off the Old Testament, as can be seen in the disputes with the second-century heretic, Marcion.
But, I think the problem may be … Continue reading...
John Currid Contributes to the NIV Study Bible
Later this year, Zondervan will release the “NIV Zondervan Study Bible” which seems to be quite an impressive volume. D.A. Carson is the editor, and there are over 60 different contributors.
RTS Charlotte’s own Dr. John Currid, the Carl W. McMurray Professor of Old Testament, contributed the portions on 1 and 2 Samuel.
Dr. Currid is the author of numerous other works, including Against the Gods, Crossway ESV Bible Atlas, and commentaries on every book of the Pentateuch (see description at EV Press). In addition, he is a favorite in the classroom amongst the students at RTS Charlotte.
Here is the description of the … Continue reading...
Did the Old Testament Borrow from ANE Literature? New RTS Charlotte Faculty Book
It is tough being an evangelical Old Testament scholar. As a New Testament scholar, I can say this. While the New Testament side of things has its own challenges, the Old Testament presents countless issues, questions, and potential pitfalls.
Examples of such issues are legion. How should we take the creation account in Gen 1? How much of Genesis is history? Who wrote the Pentateuch? Was the Old Testament transmitted with reliability? What about the textual variations in the Dead Sea Scrolls? Why would God command the Israelites to slaughter whole cities, including women and children?
However, in recent years, a new challenge to the OT has surfaced (though it … Continue reading...