Old Testament Theology: Its History and Development

Abstract

This comprehensive study covers the history and main problems of Old Testament theology from its beginnings to the present day, in a clear account with full bibliographies. Part One deals with earliest developments, including the question of when Old Testament theology as a discipline may be said to begin. It extends from the Reformation to de La Peyrere and Spinoza. Part Two extends the account through the eighteenth century. Part Three first surveys the major movements of nineteenth-century theological thought and the study of Old Testament theology and religion during this time, charting the decline of Old Testament theology as a discipline and the rise of the 'History of Israelite Religion', Part Four describes the 'rebirth' of Old Testament theology after the First World War and surveys the Old Testament theologies of that period. The last part surveys more recent Old Testament theologies and considers continuing and contemporary issues in Old Testament theology, ranging from narrative theology to the question whether the Old Testament may be said to have a centre. John H. Hayes is Associate Professor of Old Testament at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia.