Old Testament Ethics for the People of God

by Christopher J. H. Wright

Publisher:

IVP

, 2004

Overview

Nothing confuses Christian ethics quite like the Old Testament. Some faithful readers struggle through its pages and conclude that they must obey its moral laws but may disregard its ceremonial and civil laws. Others abandon its teaching altogether in favor of a strictly New Testament ethic. Neither option, argues Chris Wright, gives the Old Testament its due.

In this innovative approach to Old Testament ethics—fully revised, updated and expanded since its first appearance in 1983 as Living as the People of God (An Eye for an Eye in North America) and including material from Walking in the Ways of the Lord—Wright examines a theological, social and economic framework for Old Testament ethics. Then he explores a variety of themes in relation to contemporary issues: economics, the land and the poor; politics and a world of nations; law and justice; society and culture; and the way of the individual.

This fresh, illuminating study provides a clear basis for a biblical ethic that is faithful to the God of both Testaments.

Key Features

• Examines a theological, social and economic framework for Old Testament ethics
• Provides a clear basis for a biblical ethic that is faithful to the God of both Testaments
• Explores a variety of themes in relation to contemporary issues

Contents

• Part One: A Structure for Old Testament Ethics
• Part Two: Themes in Old Testament Ethics
• Part Three: Studying Old Testament Ethics

Praise for the Print Edition

Chris Wright has been one of the most significant writers on Old Testament ethics over recent decades. In a unique way he combines commitment to listening openly to the Old Testament as Scripture, reflectiveness over questions of method, and clarity as a writer. It is excellent that he has been able to stand back and rework so much of his important work into this definitive volume.

—John Goldingay, Fuller Theological Seminary

After thirty years' research and writing on Old Testament ethics, Chris Wright has brought his conclusions together in this comprehensive and readable textbook. It is truly a magnum opus and should be at the top of the reading list for any student, teacher, minister or layperson interested in the relevance of the first part of the Bible to modern ethical issues.

—David L. Baker, Tyndale House, Cambridge

Product Details

• Title: Old Testament Ethics for the People of God
• Author: Christopher J. H. Wright
• Edition: A fully revised, updated and integrated edition
• Publisher: IVP
• Print Publication Date: 2004
• Logos Release Date: 2023
• Pages: 520
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Christian ethics; Ethics in the Bible; Bible. O.T. › Criticism, interpretation, etc
• ISBNs: 9781844744398, 1844744396
• Resource ID: LLS:LDTSTMNTTHPPLGD
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-09-15T16:51:53Z

About Christopher J. H. Wright

Christopher J. H. Wright (PhD, Cambridge) is international ministries director of the Langham Partnership, providing literature, scholarships, and preaching training for pastors in Majority World churches and seminaries. He has written many books including commentaries on Deuteronomy, Jeremiah, Lamentations, and Ezekiel, The Mission of God, Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit, Old Testament Ethics for the People of God, and Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament. An ordained priest in the Church of England, Chris spent five years teaching the Old Testament at Union Biblical Seminary in India, and thirteen years as academic dean and then principal of All Nations Christian College, an international training center for cross-cultural mission in England. He was chair of the Lausanne Theology Working Group from 2005-2011 and the chief architect of The Cape Town Commitment from the Third Lausanne Congress, 2010.