New Testament Theology: Basic Issues in the Current Debate

by Gerhard Hasel

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 1978

Overview

Theologians have discoursed over and offered various interpretations on the nature, function, method and scope of New Testament theology. Many of these approaches have resulted in tension and confusion amongst scholars and students. Gerhard Hasel addresses this situation with an in-depth discussion of the basic issues of the debate. Beginning with a comprehensive survey of the emergence and development of New Testament theology over the last two centuries, he examines numerous issues which have led to the present state of crisis in this area. Hasel examines the issues related to methodology, to the unity of the New Testament, and to the relationship between the New and the Old Testaments. He concludes with some basic proposals for doing theology with an historical and theological method which seeks to be faithful to the biblical material. George Ladd, from Fuller Theological Seminary, says of Hasel’s book: “As a prolegomena to New Testament theology, this book has no peers.”

Contents

Top Highlights

“It is a surprising fact that no two scholars who produced works agree on the nature, function, method, and scope of NT theology.” (Pages 9–10)

“Bultmann’s presentation of Pauline theology is rightly understood as the center of his NT theology. He considers Paul to be ‘the founder of Christian theology.” (Page 90)

“Jeremias appears again as a conservative critic who insists that there is a connection between all major NT themes and the proclamation of Jesus.” (Page 110)

“Demythologizing as a method of interpretation is needed because ‘the cosmology of the New Testament is essentially mythical in character.” (Page 84)

“The fact is that not all parts of the NT are directly or even indirectly related to the covenant” (Page 154)

Praise for the Print Edition

As a prolegomena to New Testament theology, this book has no peers.

—George Eldon Ladd, Fuller Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: New Testament Theology: Basic Issues in the Current Debate
• Author: Gerhard F. Hasel
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 1978
• Pages: 254

About Gerhard Hasel

Gerhard F. Hasel is Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology at Andrews University.