History of Interpretation (Righteousness, vol. 1)
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
The first volume of this three-volume work reviews the history of efforts to define biblical righteousness. Modern views are engaged and critiqued, from the seminal article (1860) by Ludwig Diestel (God’s righteousness as the agreement of his will and purpose) to others in the theological stream known as the “New Perspective.” Scholars discussed include Walther Eichrodt, Gerhard von Rad, Elizabeth Achtemeier, James D. G. Dunn and N. T. Wright. Other perspectives are also engaged, including H. H. Schmid’s definition of righteousness as conformity to the created order (Weltordnung), John Piper’s view that God’s righteousness is God’s concern for his own glory, and the traditional view, championed by C. L. Irons, that God’s righteousness is his iustitia distributiva. The author examines these views, all of which have been supported by inductive studies, in light of a proposed alternative: that righteousness is conformity to God’s Being and doing. That definition will be explored further in Volumes II (OT) and III (NT). Unlike previous studies, the present work proceeds deductively and experimentally, and thereby seeks to avoid the pitfalls of a dogmatic approach. Extra-biblical, patristic, medieval, and reformation views of righteousness are also considered as background to the modern study of righteousness.
- Reviews the history of efforts to define biblical righteousness
- Seeks to avoid the pitfalls of a dogmatic approach
- Explores extra-biblical, patristic, medieval, and reformation views
Jeffrey Niehaus has provided a lucid and thoroughgoing account of ‘righteousness’ in Scripture against its historical background. Vol. 1 provides a helpful overview of the history of interpretation; his attention to the German language tradition will be especially useful to English-speaking readers. No student of this crucial topic can afford to miss Niehaus’ valuable contribution.
—Sean M. McDonough, professor of New Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
This book a meticulous and comprehensive study of the righteousness which is central to God’s character and which defines all his actions. It is what makes redemption necessary, and it issues in the great summons to the church to be righteous as God is. Jeffrey Niehaus is a sure-footed guide through the complexities of some of the scholarly discussion because he never loses sight of what is really important. This is a study that will richly reward a careful reading.
—David F. Wells, author of No Place for Truth
- Title: History of Interpretation
- Author: Jeffrey J. Niehaus
- Series: Righteousness
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Pages: 308
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Resource ID: LLS:HSTNTRGHTSNSS01
- Resource Type: Systematic Theology
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-09-16T17:34:21Z