Cliff Notes Reading the Old Testament an Introduction by Lawrence Boadt

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While this was written every bit a textbook, it is remarkably free of academic cant, and is really readable. There are times when just a bit more detail would have been useful, such as when the word of the Geography of Israel didn't make a bespeak of mentioning that the Northern kingdom'due south lands were much more fertile than the Southern kingdom'southward lands, which partly accounts for the unlike trajectories of the two nations. Also, the discussion of the O.T. Catechism is likewise simplistic: it mentions the While this was written as a textbook, it is remarkably costless of academic cant, and is actually readable. There are times when just a bit more particular would have been useful, such every bit when the give-and-take of the Geography of Israel didn't brand a point of mentioning that the Northern kingdom'southward lands were much more fertile than the Southern kingdom's lands, which partly accounts for the different trajectories of the two nations. Also, the discussion of the O.T. Canon is too simplistic: it mentions the Hebrew Scriptures, the Catholic Canon, and the Protestant Catechism, simply makes no mention of the Orthodox Catechism. It as well doesn't mention that while at that place is a single canon of Hebrew Scriptures in utilize today, that particular canon hadn't been airtight in Jesus' day, and in fact there were multiple canons: the Saducees (and the Samaritans) used the Torah alone; the Pharisees used the Police and the Prophets, but not the Writings; the Essenes had a much larger catechism; and the Diaspora (like the early Christian Church) used the Septuagint, which existed equally a widely variant drove of writings. Perhaps I quibble too much; this is an introduction, afterwards all. But an introduction should at least make mention of variant views, even if for reasons of space it cannot explore them. Some reviewers have downgraded this book for its embrace of higher criticism, only in that location is a departure betwixt using college criticism as a methodology, and comprehend of higher criticism and its conclusions---this book does the starting time. Withal, every bit a full general introduction to the Old Testament and modern scholarship about same, this is a fine work, and highly recommended. ...more than

May 28, 2009 Alexis rated it really liked information technology

Picked back up to back up Biblical Schoolhouse classes...

Aug 25, 2014 RaRa rated information technology it was amazing

This was the all-time book on the Old Testament I've ever read! This was the all-time volume on the Erstwhile Testament I've ever read! ...more than

I didn't actually stop this. I didn't actually finish this. ...more than

Dec 14, 2010 David South. T. rated it information technology was amazing

After reading Raymond Brown'south Introduction to the New Testament terminal year, I wanted to read a similar book on the Onetime Testament, I concluded up selecting this 1. This volume doesn't get into virtually the depth of Brown's book simply at the same time it covers three times the amount of biblical texts simply is merely half as long. I constitute this book to exist very well written and fascinating, but its quite unlike from the evangelical introduction that I've previously read. Overall though it was exactly what I was Later on reading Raymond Chocolate-brown'southward Introduction to the New Testament last year, I wanted to read a like volume on the Old Testament, I ended upwards selecting this 1. This book doesn't get into near the depth of Brown's book just at the same time it covers three times the corporeality of biblical texts simply is only half as long. I found this book to be very well written and fascinating, but its quite different from the evangelical introduction that I've previously read. Overall though it was exactly what I was looking for. Based on this book and Brown's book, I'm surprised at how different these two Cosmic scholars approach scripture from what I'chiliad used to, they both seem very high up on disquisitional scholarship and aren't afraid to doubt the validly of certain scriptures, but at the same fourth dimension appear to keep their faith in Christ.

Even though this book is big it covers a lot of material, so for many subjects await a not bad overview but non much depth. Also for the most role expect to only be presented certain scholarly views as fact and non have whatsoever dialog with other views. I think both of these things are fine, otherwise the book would have had to be much larger and it might have broken up the pace. This leads me to my biggest complaints, the bibliography is pretty weak and references to sources is not existent. My other complaint is that this book is over 25 years old and I'm certain scholarship has changed over that time. I'll take to look for a more than upwardly to date book subsequently.

Those complaints aside, this book is exactly what I remember a Old Testament Introduction should be (as long as you call up its more than critical scholarship than evangelical). It covers the Ancient Nigh East, the geography of the land, daily life, cult and worship in State of israel, textual criticism, archeology and tell digs. Information technology introduces the different books of the bible, talks most the different type of Psalms and literature and places the books in their proper context, this is particularly useful and informative when you get to the prophetic books which tin can exist confusing if you don't know the background. I found extremely interesting the discussions of the Assyrian, Babylon and Greek empires and the pressure they put on the Jews.

Now when I say this book uses critical scholarship what I mean is expect lots of references to the JEPD editors of the Pentateuch (where Moses didn't write the Torah, simply it was a series of 4 different editors who compiled stories). He points out obvious story reuses, and contradictions. He has comparisons from the creation account to the other cosmos stories in the Ane and doesn't accept a young world. I don't think he believes the exodus business relationship (at least not to the extent of 600,000 men, plus women and children in the desert for xl years). He also believes Isaiah was written by 3 different sources. There are other examples I could requite, just this should requite an idea of some of the non evangelical views he holds. Of grade at the aforementioned time he appears to have reverence for Jesus and does believe that Jesus is the son of God. Overall this book was highly informative and if yous don't mind having your conventionalities in the inerrancy of the Old Attestation challenged (although perhaps its still inspired), then this volume is highly recommended.

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May 05, 2010 Matt Burgess rated it really liked it

Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction (1984), Lawrence Boadt
I'm not going to lie. The last half of this book was every bit daunting equally it was the first time effectually. Almost seven years ago, I was quizzed on this 576 page bohemoth and the outcome was a C average. This fourth dimension around is received more attention and more understanding that the kickoff, but information technology was still a lot of eat.

Lawrence Boadt does a great job at presenting the methods used to understand the ancient cultures identified in the Onetime Testame

Reading the Sometime Testament: An Introduction (1984), Lawrence Boadt
I'thou not going to lie. The last half of this volume was as daunting equally it was the starting time time effectually. Almost seven years agone, I was quizzed on this 576 page bohemoth and the upshot was a C average. This time around is received more attending and more understanding that the showtime, but information technology was still a lot of consume.

Lawrence Boadt does a corking job at presenting the methods used to understand the ancient cultures identified in the Old Testament likewise every bit our strategies to explore its claims. I found the scientific methods very interesting every bit the tactics of several mod sciences were explained. An appreciation of the work performed by archaeologists and historians laid the background for the findings presented in the subsequent capacity.

Although in that location are times I felt the author put his two cents into what is mostly a presentation of cumulative research, Reading the Erstwhile Testament: An Introduction presses you to consider the cultural climates in which these aboriginal texts were written and by whom. The first few chapters challenged me to run across God through the optics of those early civilizations, and consider how the perception of the authors may accept influenced their writing. All in all this book serves as a historical introduction to the Bible and the origins of the Abrahamic religions with historical emphasized. I would circumspection nearly readers to the length of the text and what could be miscontrued equally data that inadvertedly supposes errant texts.

Perhaps I'll choice it back upward at some indicate and revisit those last few chapters that were glossed over.

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May 30, 2017 Adam Marischuk rated it really liked information technology

A very readable introduction to the Onetime Testament and related scholarship

Few fields elicit as strong a bias as Olt Testament studies across the religious-political spectrum- Lawrence Boadt offers a very light introduction to Old Attestation scholarship with this single volume book.

He writes from what Fr. Richard McBrien would draw as a liberal academic position (and on a few issues a conservative academic position). Overall the book is non-controversial and non-confrontational. The background

A very readable introduction to the Erstwhile Testament and related scholarship

Few fields elicit as potent a bias as Olt Testament studies beyond the religious-political spectrum- Lawrence Boadt offers a very light introduction to Onetime Testament scholarship with this single volume book.

He writes from what Fr. Richard McBrien would describe as a liberal academic position (and on a few issues a conservative academic position). Overall the book is not-controversial and non-confrontational. The background data (the Canon and place of the OT in the Church) is from a Cosmic perspective but is neither dogmatic nor apologetic. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the People and the Land, which sets the stage for the Jewish Scriptures.

The book additionally gives a wonderful summary of Source Criticism (p.92-103), which is instrumental in understanding the Pentateuch. Then a brief outline of Form Criticism which has played a major part in curtailing various extravagenses in Source Criticism.

At 550 pages (excluding notes and bibliography), this is intended as a single volume textbook for the Old Attestation. It works wonderfully well as such.

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May 22, 2012 Kenneth rated it really liked information technology

Written by a one-time professor at the seminary where I received an M.A. in Theology.

Our class on the Erstwhile Attestation used the volume for a text.

The narrative is clear. The arguments counterbalance the evidence that Biblical Studies involve. Boadt integrates the various types of modern criticism (Historical, Genre, Class, etc.) with concise outlines of each individual volume or story.

Every important attribute of the Quondam Attestation is described in pedagogical depth with relevant cultural information providing illu

Written by a old professor at the seminary where I received an K.A. in Theology.

Our course on the Old Testament used the book for a text.

The narrative is clear. The arguments weigh the bear witness that Biblical Studies involve. Boadt integrates the various types of mod criticism (Historical, Genre, Grade, etc.) with curtailed outlines of each individual volume or story.

Every of import aspect of the Old Testament is described in pedagogical depth with relevant cultural data providing illumination of the important themes.

Boadt is in the ideological "center" of the Roman Catholic study of Holy writ, in the same category with, say, Raymond Brownish or the New Jerome Biblical Commentary cohort.

The approach to the subject affair is written in a manner that is interestingly attainable by the standard of aboriginal history.

Recommended for an introductory text. Helps when the reader is familiar with the actual books existence discussed in the Bible.

...more

Jul 26, 2014 Timothy rated information technology liked it

FINALLY I am done with this book. It was good, but it took me forever to read; it consistently sparked my interest but never really grabbed me. Oh well, I shouldn't be also disquisitional of an introductory textbook on the Old Testament for not beingness exciting enough.

The content is shaped past the author's personality. As a (liberal-ish?) Catholic with a high regard for Judaism, he is determined that readers should feel these scriptures in their original Jewish context instead of trying to filter thursday

FINALLY I am washed with this book. Information technology was good, but it took me forever to read; information technology consistently sparked my involvement but never actually grabbed me. Oh well, I shouldn't exist too critical of an introductory textbook on the Old Testament for not beingness heady plenty.

The content is shaped by the author'southward personality. As a (liberal-ish?) Catholic with a high regard for Judaism, he is determined that readers should experience these scriptures in their original Jewish context instead of trying to filter them likewise much through Christian theology.

This is a great source of information, but for as long and comprehensive as it is, information technology'due south very easy to read and light on references. I imagine that makes information technology more palatable for students, but in many cases I establish myself wishing information technology would pile on the footnotes and go into thornier conceptual territory.

...more

Jan 08, 2011 Steve Douglas rated it it was astonishing

When I was in undergrad and starting to wrestle with the nature of the Bible, I happened upon the recently late Catholic scholar Lawrence Boadt's Reading the Old Attestation among the books my dad had accumulated for some theology courses he took when I was a youngster. Although in some need of a revision incorporating more than contempo critical scholarship, I still think this book holds up fairly well, not only as an introduction to the study of the One-time Testament, simply especially as a template for what When I was in undergrad and starting to wrestle with the nature of the Bible, I happened upon the recently tardily Catholic scholar Lawrence Boadt'southward Reading the Old Attestation among the books my dad had accumulated for some theology courses he took when I was a youngster. Although in some need of a revision incorporating more recent disquisitional scholarship, I still think this book holds upwards fairly well, not only as an introduction to the report of the Old Testament, but especially as a template for what an arroyo to the Bible looks like that takes its mind from honest biblical scholarship and its heart from inside the "faith of our fathers, living still." ...more than

May 11, 2010 Sue rated it actually liked information technology

Skilful historical study of the Old Attestation, written every bit a text for a class Boadt may have taught well-nigh how to study the sources of the written certificate that becomes the Bible, from both oral and more ancient source cloth, archaelogical show, histories of other cultures that lived during pre-Bible times, besides equally the problems associated with translations and the tools scholars have used to overcome them. Written with the respect of a believer, it follows the established theory of J, P, E, Good historical study of the Erstwhile Testament, written as a text for a class Boadt may have taught about how to study the sources of the written document that becomes the Bible, from both oral and more ancient source material, archaelogical prove, histories of other cultures that lived during pre-Bible times, every bit well as the problems associated with translations and the tools scholars have used to overcome them. Written with the respect of a believer, information technology follows the established theory of J, P, Eastward, D, etc. Good reference book. ...more

Jan 03, 2013 Danny rated it it was amazing

This is i of the very best books I have ever come across in reading nigh the bible. It is packed full of so much information and I learned so much for it. I recommend this book to every Christian out there as I feel this is a must read. I think it's of import that anybody sympathize the historical context of their sacred texts. Those that I have recommended this to and finished reading it said it was very helpful and gave them a new understanding of the bible. I do warn you though--this is l This is i of the very all-time books I have e'er come beyond in reading virtually the bible. Information technology is packed full of so much information and I learned so much for information technology. I recommend this book to every Christian out at that place every bit I feel this is a must read. I retrieve it's of import that anybody understand the historical context of their sacred texts. Those that I have recommended this to and finished reading it said it was very helpful and gave them a new understanding of the bible. I do warn you though--this is like a textbook--it can be rather dry so be prepared for a long read. ...more

Jun 15, 2013 Theodros marked it as to-read

I read this book back in high school when I was a sophomore my youth pastor gave information technology to me to read I don't know how many times I read information technology and I still call up reading it on the school autobus , it is my favorite book because it made me fall in dear with ancient history and the bible and that love. has grown a lot since then. The book itself is sound scholarship and lovingly detailed. Will read it again I read this book dorsum in loftier school when I was a sophomore my youth pastor gave it to me to read I don't know how many times I read it and I still recollect reading it on the school motorbus , information technology is my favorite book because it made me fall in love with ancient history and the bible and that love. has grown a lot since and so. The book itself is audio scholarship and lovingly detailed. Volition read it once more ...more than

Oct 25, 2017 Diane Wallace rated it it was amazing

This is an excellent book chalk total of data on the sources backside the Old Attestation. It discusses what is learned from archeological tells to the 4 master sources of the Pentateuch. Broadt discusses every book, its origins and bulletin. It is incommunicable to retain all this information then I know I will reread over again carefully. I read this volume kind of fast-paced for a course taught past a sister.

Oct 26, 2010 Donna rated information technology information technology was amazing

Corking book to read and to help to understand more near this history of the ancient Near East and the types of people/tribes that are represented in the OT. Gives a more in depth understanding of the OT. You will learn more than than y'all ever did in church building by reading this book along with studying the OT.

Interesting read that reviews the Old Testament and also compares it to myths and legends of other ancient cultures. I did only read chapter 6, which is on Genesis 1 - 11, the topic for my current consignment.

Oct 21, 2010 Dee rated it it was amazing

A lengthy scholarly volume that covers the archeology and anthropology of the world earlier the birth of Christ. He leads us through the development and thought of the Jewish and other pre-Christian peoples.

Information technology's a tome, but I'm nearly finished. Lots of good information. Should exist read with a couple of books with view the material in a different lite. Some of Boadt's interpretations are open to debate. But I enjoyed the book. I remember Boadt's writing is a piffling cumbersome for many readers, though. Information technology'south a tome, merely I'm nearly finished. Lots of good information. Should exist read with a couple of books with view the cloth in a different light. Some of Boadt'south interpretations are open to debate. But I enjoyed the book. I call back Boadt'due south writing is a trivial cumbersome for many readers, though. ...more than

Aug eighteen, 2007 Stacy Parrish rated information technology actually liked it

Recommends it for: anyone

I dear history. This book will alter the way you read the Bible.

January 19, 2008 Gilbert rated it really liked it

A basic approach to the old testament without underestimating that the OT is primarily Hebrew and and so Christians can put on their lens after agreement that context.

May 14, 2012 Rscarff rated information technology it was amazing

My understanding of scripture needed a lot of assist, and I found a great source of that help in this book. Thanks, Clark.

Jun 21, 2012 David rated information technology liked it

Comprehensive, very detailed; smashing add-on to one's library, peculiarly if y'all will take future scripture classes. Comprehensive, very detailed; great add-on to one's library, especially if you will take hereafter scripture classes. ...more

Great volume for OT study. Read it for a course (Level Two Catechesis certificate). Nifty resources for future reference.

Another great volume for understanding and diving into the Quondam Attestation. The jews accept an amazing history and understanding this history can make the Old Testament truly come to life.

Apr 13, 2017 Charlene rated information technology really liked information technology

This book has given me much more insight to the stories of the Former Testament

Jul 30, 2019 Carol rated it it was ok

This guide to the Old Testament expands on the information given in a written report Bible and gives the background of the people who lived during the fourth dimension the Erstwhile Testament describes. The 26 chapters incorporate a wealth of information alluded to in the Onetime Testament only not specifically stated, and other data that adds to the understanding of the Old Testament. I used this for a college course for my master's and found it very challenging.

Aug 05, 2019 Aaron rated it it was amazing

I took the time to read this volume, section past section, as I read the Sometime Testament this past twelvemonth, and it was worth the wearisome read. This is a fantastic book that explains the background history and literary aspects of each book of the Old Testament. Easy to read, with lost of charts, pictures and maps to assist with understanding what the Old Attestation authors were saying.

2d fourth dimension I have read this text and information technology was just equally riveting this time around as it was initially. Very attainable to the educated layperson interested in historical critical methodology practical to these ancient texts bringing insight to the contemporary realities we live in. A good text for higher and mail graduate courses. Lawrence Boadt is gifted scholar, author and teacher.

Mar 03, 2019 A rated it it was amazing

Excellent explanation of almost of the books of the Former Testament. Helps in understanding why the bible cannot be interpreted literally and how the books were formed. Should be required reading for anyone who calls themselves Christian.

Not finished all the same.
It is an academic book written in an easy read sort of manner.
His uncomplicated explanation of the documentary hypothesis has convinced me more than ever why I donT believe it at all. I am on page 105 every bit I write.

Lawrence Edward Boadt, C.S.P. (October 26, 1942 – July 24, 2010), was an American Paulist priest and Biblical scholar, who advocated on behalf of improved communication and understanding between Christians and Jews.

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