New Paths Through the Old Testament

Rating:
Summary: OT concisely thorough guide with a scholarly stance.
Review: Scriptural Fresh air:
This introduction to the Old Testament for all kinds of people, Bible study groups, college and seminary freshmen and women, and the typical Amazon.com theological seekers is enlightening. This slim book is an excellent introduction of the Hebrew Bible and its Christian counter part, the Old Testament, written by an OT expert, and teacher, is recommended for any Christian or Jewish reader looking for a deeper understanding and faith promoting guide in the light of modern scholarship. New Paths invites readers to re-approach the Bible in a friendly way, inquiring, discovering, yet listening, in order to understand the new scholarship as compared to the pragmatic treatment of scripture.

New Paths' book themes:
Bible, Biblical Criticism & Interpretation, Hebrew Bible & Old Testament, Old Testament Commentary, Messianic prophecies, Study References. Those themes are elaborated in six chapters and an instructional introduction. chapters four and Five make the core of the author's facilitation of scholarly issues. The only prequalification to read and enjoy this book is the interest to rediscover the book of books. The author will take you through the whole OT in just 110 pages, an ever challenging and enriching tour of the total collection. The reviewer recommends this book as an excellent introduction to the subject per se, and for those who are then ready for "The Jewish Bible and the Christian Bible," by Prof. Julio T. Barrera.

Pilgrimage through the OT:
The book reflects the depth of Fr. Carroll's understanding of scriptural unity, meaning of revelation, and inspiration supported by his massive readings and writings of authority in the field of holy scripture, coupled with his exceptional talent of teaching the Old Testament with a clear purpose and proven clarity. Fr. Stuhlmueller explains the basic biblical themes of the OT utilizing the contemporary theological tools and clarifies the assumptions of modern biblical scholarship.
In chapter 4: 'Traditions Alive'; he starts showing the Jewish Vs Christian arrangement of the OT books to reveal their unique message. He hence discusses ways that scriptural traditions (J,E,P,D) merge to reveal an integral picture of God in the Pentateuch (five books of Moses). Fr. Stuhlmueller skillfully demonstrates their applicability with selected example studies from Exodus and Isaiah, citing their major difference. He compares liberation, covenant and election to Isaiha's themes; Lord's enthronement, Jerusalem temple, and Davidic entrust.
His fifth chapter on historical reality behind the Bible, he discerns the religious from the historical message pursue his argument calling on; "How much is historical", and "A unique kind of History and Theology." He concludes with examining the messianic icons and prophecies in the Old Testament.

Carroll Stuhlmueller,C.P.
The author, the late Fr. Carroll Stuhlmueller (passed away, before few years), is a widely read author. He invites lots of fresh air into biblical scholarship, while explaining in plain English. He has authored some thirty popular studies, While serving as professor of old Testament at the Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, IL, he wrote profusely. In addition to 'Scripture and Prayer,' and 'Biblical Meditation,' he composed in six volumes.