Longman
tackles four controversial issues in the Old Testament, evolution
(creation), history (exodus), violence (God's), and sexuality
(homosexuality). He is clear that this is a book written for
Christians, people who believe the Bible is the Word of God. His
focus is on how people within the evangelical church have
reinterpreted texts to be more culturally acceptable. These are not
issues of salvation, he says, but ones open to discussion.
He
says his book is for a broad audience. I found his review of some of
the literature tedious. Many of the authors I did not know, had not
heard of their arguments, and was not really interested in having
their views refuted. I felt that part of the book was aimed at
scholars, rather than laypeople.
With
respect to creation and evolution, Longman firmly believes evolution
is a proven science and interprets the creation account in such a way
that allows for it. He reminds readers of genre and uses that concept
heavily. I was surprised by his understanding of “image of God”
and how it applies to humans. He proposes humans in a broad sense and
that not all humans are image bearers of God. (1178/5874) He can even
explain Paul's seemingly reference to a real Adam individual in
Romans 5. Here's his understanding of image of God:
“Here
it is important to realize that the image of God is not a quality or
an attribute of human beings but rather a status that comes with
responsibilities.” (1178/5874) He consults extra-biblical uses of
image to conclude, “At a certain point, then, when humans became
capable of moral choice and were morally innocent, God conferred on
them the status of being his representatives.” (1190/5874) Along
with it came the responsibility of caring for the earth, etc. He also
presents a few other possibilities. He is firm in saying it is
important to understand “what the Bible does teach is not
undermined nor contradicted by the findings of modern biology.”
(1209/5874)
I
was surprised at his comments about original sin but upon thought,
they did make sense to me. I appreciated his argument that the exodus
has to be an historical event, considering other truths in the Bible
hanging on that event. I liked his comments on divine violence. He
confesses that he has a sense of unease when he thinks of children
being killed in the conquest but notes that his unease does not make
him reject the consistent account of God's actions. (3453/5874) I
appreciate that Longman says we cannot make God into an image we like
(only loving) but must rather recognize the mystery of God's ways.
(3463/5874)
I
found his discussion on sexuality in the Bible compassionate yet
holding true to what Christians have held for centuries.
The
issues Longman covered are controversial. There has been much
discussion and many books written about them. I found many of his ideas
new and worthy of consideration. I must admit that I skimmed over
some of his critiques of other authors, especially those unfamiliar
to me.
Longman
has included discussion questions on the topics so this book could be
used in a group setting.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
Tremper
Longman III (PhD, Yale) is Distinguished Scholar and Professor
Emeritus of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara,
California where he was the Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical
Studies for nineteen years before his retirement. Before Westmont, he
taught at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia for
eighteen years. He has authored or coauthored more than thirty books.
Baker
Books, 320 pages.
I
received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My
comments are an independent and honest review.
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