For Christians, the Old Testament often presents a conundrum. Theologians and laypeople throughout church history have struggled to define it, interpret it, and reconcile it with the New Testament.
Laying a foundation for constructive study of the Old Testament, Duane A. Garrett surveys three primary methods Christians have used to handle the Old Testament, from the church fathers to today: hermeneutical, schematic, and conceptual. Garrett also explores major interpretive topics such as the nature of the law, the function of election and covenants, and how prophecy works, boldy offering a way forward that is faithful to the text and to the Christian faith.
This is a book to own. Duane Garrett is an admired scholar and teacher who brings to The Problem of the Old Testament a lifetime of explaining its content in ways that are both enlightening and encouraging. Pastors can use it to orient their preaching and teaching. Students will appreciate its wise guidance to the heart of issues. Laypeople will value its readability and the way it defines the challenges and offers solutions in nonobtuse language. The Old Testament is three-fourths of the Bible. This book keeps its readers from stumbling over the hard parts, the unfamiliar parts, and the confusing parts so that they can more fully grasp what God has caused to be written for their benefit.
—Douglas Stuart, senior professor of Old Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
In a time when many are predisposed to ignore or even jettison the Old Testament, this book is needed to remind us how vital the Old Testament is for the Christian faith. Duane Garrett has provided the academy and the church with a helpful and thorough discussion of the 'problem of the Old Testament.' This book will be an essential conversation partner for anyone considering the importance of the Old Testament for the church today.
—Daniel S. Diffey, associate professor of Old Testament at Grand Canyon University
Duane Garrett clearly identifies and constructively engages numbers of 'problems' with Christian engagement with the Old Testament. He then goes on to provide accessible yet learned guidance in how Christians can approach and read the Old Testament in a way that respects the text, honors the God who gave the text, and nurtures the spiritual life of the reader. Anyone who is a person of the Book should consider the guidance provided in this book.
—W. David Buschart, professor of theology and historical studies at Denver Seminary
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by an incredible set of reseach and study tools. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using Overview tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.