Begbie on Theology

Tonight I read the introduction to Jeremy Begbie’s recent work resounding truth: christian wisdom in the world of music.  As is the case in most every (good) introduction, Begbie defines his understanding of key terms and concepts.  By way of example, for Begbie theology is

the disciplined thinking and rethinking of the Christian gospel for the sake of fostering a wisdom that is nourished by, and nourishes, the church in its worship and mission to the world.

Begbie takes a few pages to unpack the significance of the various segments within his definition.  I am hoping to examine his understanding of theology over the next few days mainly because his definition in some ways is representative of some of the “forks in the road” that are before me at this stage of my journey.  This will become apparent as i explore his understanding of key concepts of his definition.  To be continued . . .

Some Goodies

Here are some recent resources:

• Ben mentions a lecture of Oliver O’Donovan.
• Chris links to a free Zizek book.

While i haven’t engaged either scholar yet, i am aware of their current relevance, and thought some who darken the doors of ATP might find these beneficial.  Enjoy!

I Made It!

Well, i did it; i finished my semester last week with a whole 17 minutes to spare.  In a weird way, my procrastination and subsequent “stress week” served as an encouragement for my future academic pursuits.  Having to read over four books, write papers, and other related matters in one week while doing ministry provided a good barometer for my ability to handle the type of work load (more or less) that will be required in the future.  So, while it was tiring, in a weird way i have more confidence in my future path.

Enough autobiography for now.  Book reviews, and hopefully posts related to my upcoming summer courses (1st up; theology of culture) to come.

An Update

I am in the midst of a reading & writing binge, which has to end on Saturday by 11:55 pm for this semester.  By the time i finish, i will have read nearly five books in 9 days!  Many may shrug at such a load, but i am a rather pedestrian reader in terms of speed, so that is quite a load for me.  The good news: when ATP fires up again, there will be lots of book reviews coming!

So, faithful readers, if you can wait for a few more days, ATP will be back to quench your theological thirsts.

Review of Article: Authorship of the Pastoral Epistles

Wilder, Terry L.  “A Brief Defense of the Pastoral Epistle’s Authenticity.”  Midwestern Journal of Theology 2, no. 1 (Fall 2003): 38-42.

Abstract/Synopsis

In this article professor Wilder briefly surveys the dominant arguments against Pauline authorship of the Pastoral Epistles.  The standard issues of language, style, church order, and coherency with Acts are all explicated.  After each section is explained Wilder seeks to demonstrate the lack of effectiveness of the standard arguments, arguing for the traditional view of Pauline authorship.  Wilder concludes by stating his conviction that the burden of proof is still with those who wish to affirm the pseudonymity of the Pastoral Epistles.

Contributions to Understanding

Many of Wilder’s insights are also found within other defenders of the traditional view (see the chapter on the Pastorals in David DeSilva’s NT Introduction, which I recently reviewed).  Despite this, i discovered a few unique pieces of argumentation.  For example, regarding stylistic differences Wilder points out how such a criticism cannot be maintained due to the sheer brevity of the Pastoral Corpus.  There is in Wilder’s view inadequate data for such a position (39).  Another insight gained from Wilder is that since elders were to be appointed by Titus in every town (1:5-7), this text can hardly be understood as referring to a “monarchial government (39).”  The efficacy of these arguments are up for the individual reader to decide.

Aside from these and other more tangential insights, the primary value of Wilder’s article is in how he demonstrates the seriousness with which the early church took accusations of pseudonymity within their canon; it was vigorously rejected, to the point where leaders were dismissed for attempting it, thereby giving the early church’s testimony of the authentic Pauline authorship of the Pastorals more validity (41-2). 

In this article Wilder’s agenda is clear, and so the reader must be wary of potential bias.  With that in mind, this article remains an excellent introduction to the issues surrounding the authorship of the Pastoral Epistles from a traditional view point.

David A. DeSilva: An Introduction to the New Testament

David A. DeSilva

An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods, & Ministry Formation.  Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2004.  975 pgs. 

Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to read a great deal of David DeSilva’s introduction to the New Testament.  In this book DeSilva seeks to equip Christian leaders to

(1) more fully engage the critical and prayerful study of the New Testament, and (2) more reliably discern the direction the Spirit would give through these texts for nurturing disciples and building communities of faith that reflect the heart and character of their Lord [20].

DeSilva seeks to achieve these two goals through by (1) taking a text-centered approach (as opposed to primarily pursuing early church history and Christian origins), (2) presenting numerous interpretative strategies that cut across ideological boundaries, and (3) by reflecting on the spiritual and pastoral implications of each book of the New Testament [20-21].

Each chapter begins with the standard questions of New Testament scholarship, attending to matters of authorship, date, genre and the like.  DeSilva usually does an admirable  job of  giving the reader an ample survey of the salient points without getting bogged down in the finer minutiae that consumes the professional scholar.  Further, the language of this section is understandable for the beginner. 

Following this, DeSilva begins to expound the message and theology of the NT book in question.  What makes this section invaluable is that you can never quite “label” or pin him down: as soon as you think he is simply a theological conservative, he will write something that would make many conservatives bristle, and visa-versa.  At times DeSilva’s most impassioned arguments will be for a view he rejects.  Sometimes you end a chapter not completely sure what he thinks about certain features of a NT book.  Much like his subject matter, DeSilva’s views cannot be fit into one mold, and that makes for more engaging reading.

As DeSilva builds his case for his interpretation, there are occasional inserts that allow eager readers to receive fuller treatments of certain themes or issues surrounding the NT [eg "The New Perspective on Paul and Early Judaism (500-1)," "Wisdom Christology in Colossians 1:15-20 (695)," and "Sources and Stages in the Composition of Revelation (892)," to name a few].  These sidebars, while giving more detail, do not depart from the overall readability of the volume for the novice.

Usually near the end of the chapter, DeSilva includes at least one section focused on exegetical techniques [20].  This “Exegetical Skill” section introduces the reader to a wide array of exegetical techniques, and like the sidebars mentioned above contains its own bibliography.  These sections are usually between 5-10 pages, include practical exercises to begin applying the technique, and are usually placed within a study of a book where the technique is especially relevant (ex: Feminist Criticism in the chapter on the Pastoral Epistles).  These techniques span across the theological and idealogical spectrum, and there will be likely a section or two in DeSilva’s work that will make the reader uneasy, to his/her benefit [767].  While it is clear that DeSilva favors some techniques over others (Rhetorical Criticism receives treatment at least four separate times), each technique is explicated with charity, extolling the value of it for if nothing else the questions it raises (see 757-70).

At the conclusion of each chapter is a “Ministry Formation” section, similar in length and format to the “Exegetical Skill” section.  Here DeSilva attempts to tie the exegetical work done in the chapter to the life of ministry.  At times i was convicted reading this section, as it challenged me to wrestle with all the information i had just gathered in relationship to my concrete life as a minister. 

In this ambitious introduction DeSilva has attempted combine the disciplines of hermeneutics, exegesis, and spiritual and ministry formation.  It is little wonder that at nearly 1000 pages DeSilva readily admits that “the study of the New Testament is a broad field with many questions” and that he ”does not pretend to write as an expert on every topic [21].”   Nevertheless, each chapter in essence is a “mini-commentary,” a great place to begin one’s research of a given book and text.  In my humble opinion, DeSilva has, as much as it is possible in one book, achieved his goal of providing an invaluable resource for thoughtful and prayerful study of the NT with the furtherance of the Gospel firmly in view.