Biblical Theology

Abstract

Biblical Theology Fred W. Guyette and Christopher T. Begg 788. Walter Brueggemann, Gift and Task: A Year of Daily Readings and Reflections (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2017). Pp. vii + 400. $20. ISBN 978-0664263218. This is a collection of 365 devotions, providing an opportunity to consider in critical ways the cost and joy of Christian discipleship. The OT readings for the first week of Advent are drawn from the prophet Amos and center on his vision of God's justice. Themes for the week following Christmas include: Micah's vision of God's peace and Elijah's witness to a new way of life. Epiphany is a season of light and illumination. Leviticus deals with who is clean/unclean, but new light shows that all people are invited to God's feast. The Tower of Babel warns us about the dark side of globalism: greed and arrogance, while the covenant-making God of Gen 9:13 shows us a better way. The prophet Ezekiel makes several appearances in the readings for Lent. Ezekiel 18 says that faithful people must reject (1) idolatry, (2) sexual exploitation, and (3) economic injustice. As Holy Week approaches, God says, "I hid my face, but I will pour out my spirit, and the nations will know me" (Ezekiel 39). The story of Joseph in Genesis 37–50 is also prominent in B.'s readings for [End Page 266] Lent. Joseph dreamed of being worshiped by his brothers, but instead they sold him into slavery. The purposes of God are hidden, but in spite of suffering, Joseph remains faithful. Eventually Joseph is given the power to humiliate the brothers who wronged him, but with God's help he makes the right choice—reconciliation. With Easter very close, Exodus and emancipation from bondage come to the fore. Pharaoh's heart is hardened, but our hearts must remain open to what God is doing in our midst.—F.W.G. 789. Francisco Lozada, jr., Towards a Latino/a Biblical Interpretation (Resources for Biblical Study 91; Atlanta: SBL Press, 2017). Pp. vii + 139. Paper $51.95. ISBN 978-1-62627-200-7. In this book, L. explores the complex, diverse issues related to Latino/a biblical interpretation, ranging from what it means to do Latino/a biblical interpretation to whether one must be Latino/a to do Latino/a biblical interpretation. After laying the theoretical foundations, he offers three sample readings of biblical texts to lead readers through the intricacy of interpretation that has historically and culturally surrounded understanding what it means to do Latino/a biblical interpretation. Throughout, L. works out various strategies, including correlations, dialogical, and ideological, that Latinos/Latinas have employed to read biblical texts. He argues that Latino/a biblical interpretation is concerned with identity and belonging, with the goal of transforming/liberating the Latino/a community. The volume's component chapters are: (1) Introduction: Theorizing Latino/a Biblical Interpretation; (2) Towards Latino/a Biblical Studies: Foregrounding Identities and Transforming Communities; (3) Journey and the Fourth Gospel: A Correlation Strategy; (4) Matthew 6:9b-13 (The Lord's Prayer): A Dialogical Strategy; (5) Galatians 2:11-14: An Ideological Strategy; and (6) Conclusion: Latino/a Biblical Interpretation: Is It a Question of Being and/or Practice?. The volume comes with a bibliography, plus indexes of ancient sources, authors, and subjects. [Adapted from published abstract—C.T.B.] Fred W. Guyette Erskine College and Seminary Christopher T. Begg Catholic University of America Copyright © 2018 The Catholic Biblical Association of America