Naming the Powers: The Language of Power in the New Testament (The Powers : Volume One)

Rating:
Summary: Meticulous scholarship and inspirational interpretation
Review: This book lists the various words that are used for power in the New Testament and evokes their meaning in the wide variety of contexts in which they are used. It really makes the language of the New Testament come alive. Throughout the book, Wink's warmth and humanity shine through. Speaking of conflict, he says 'I resolved never to embark on a conflict which would not end in my sitting down to a meal with my adversary.' Inspirational - strongly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Buy this book for the third section
Review: When I started this book I was disappointed, but I wasn't when I finished. The first section is a series of word studies on Greek words associated with the powers. The second section consists of expositions of troublesome passages dealing with spiritual powers. I found these sections useful, but rather dry. The third section was a surprise, which caused me to think more highly of the book. Wink takes the language of power in the New Testament and casts it in contemporary language. Now power is not seen as something that is out there in the heavens. It is not something that is primarily refering to disembodied ghouls that ought to give Christians nightmares. Instead, it is found in the material reality of bodies interacting in complex systems that can influence and control others. Wink sees that the language of the New Testament is profoundly true, yet at the same time myth. It is myth that represents an all too real situation. The great value I have found in the book is that it gives us a way to speak about power that makes it more than simply the sum of our social systems, yet is not "spiritual" in a way that gives postmodern thinkers fits. Wink makes it clear that evil is real and even gives some ways to confront it in our world.

Rating:
Summary: interesting and often insightful but...
Review: Wink writes from a perspective that takes what would almost have to be considered a liberal approach to the gospel. Although there are defintely moments when his scholarship and spirit shines, it must be kept in mind that he is writing from a world view that sometimes implies that the disciples may have misunderstood Jesus's message. His view of the Powers as mere spirits of organizations and his denial of their independent conscious existence is not convincing. Liberal Christians who do not consider the Bible the literal word of God will have a much easier time dealing with this Carl Jung inspired rendition of Christianity than those with more fundamental leanings.