Abstract
This article reviews five recent contributions to the field of New Testament theology. More accurately, three NT theologies will be examined alongside two biblical theologies, given that some regard NT theology as inherently deficient apart from OT theology. These five works are notable not only for their diversity of methodology but also their diversity of cultural perspective—one book by a Finn (Timo Eskola’s A Narrative Theology of the New Testament), one by two Germans (Reinhard Feldmeier’s and Hermann Spieckermann’s God of the Living: A Biblical Theology), one by a Canadian (Thomas R. Hatina’s New Testament Theology and its Quest for Relevance: Ancient Texts and Modern Readers), one by an American (Craig L. Blomberg’s A New Testament Theology), and one by a native Briton (John Goldingay’s Biblical Theology). Along the way, this review article will consider how these works navigate the tricky and contested terrain of NT (or biblical) theology, particularly vis-à-vis matters of history, canon, synthesis and diversity, and contemporary relevance.
Highlights
The aim of the present article is to review recent contributions to the field of NewTestament theology (NTT)
Does our survey reveal there to be no standard approach to NewTestament theology (NTT), it shows that each work struggled to articulate and/or consistently implement a coherent strategy for carrying out its own approach
By avoiding, minimizing, or mishandling one or more crucial issues—such as the role of history, the limits of the canon, the synthesis of the diverse biblical witness, and the ongoing relevance for today—these five books have left the door open for others to attempt a NTT that contains the kind of theoretical coherency and consistency required for bringing the genre out of its longstanding identity crisis
Summary
The aim of the present article is to review recent contributions to the field of New. Testament theology (NTT). The present article takes up the baton from these excellent review articles and surveys five works published in the previous decade: three NTT’s and two biblical theologies. These five works are notable for at least two reasons. Blomberg), and one by a native Briton (John Goldingay) They represent a spectrum of theoretical assumptions, theological convictions, and methodological approaches. In Matera’s aforementioned review essay, he opens by claiming, “NT theology suffers from something akin to an identity crisis about its task, method, and goal” If one does look for unity, how does one retain the diversity in the NT? Is unity about finding a core theme (or themes) from which may sprout diverse expressions of a common core; or is the unity closer to discovering various points of overlap among the NT voices, like a complex Venn diagram? Should all the NT voices be heard, and if so, with equal voice; or can we, for example, largely sideline Jude and the Pastorals?
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