Ian Henderson

New Testament Theology

Theology

“In his New Testament Theology: Extending the Table Jon Isaak has invented a new kind of text book. Too often the rather boring, sometimes prideful, but necessary old kind of academic introduction (who wrote this, when, where, why . . . ?) has been ruthlessly separated from any thought about how the early Christian texts might today inform living faith and vital theological debate in our day. Isaak builds especially on the work of George Caird and of Luke T. Johnson, yet he also draws on his own Anabaptist sense of faithful conversation and charitable conflict. The result is an accessible yet gently challenging book which systematically introduces the writings of the New Testament as diverse voices in a theological conversation in which readers are also active yet mutually and biblically accountable participants. Historically and theologically, Isaak is generally respectful of traditional positions, occasionally he over-simplifies, but unlike some 'conservative' authors, he does not pretend that the conversation of theologies in and around the New Testament is always an easy harmony of voices. Readers, teachers, and groups will particularly appreciate the creative exercises and discussion topics at the end of each chapter. Isaak consistently articulates problems and proposes possible solutions with a candor that invites readers to discern, to argue, and even to disagree among themselves in a spirit of generous friendship. Isaak approaches the challenges of biblical scholarship in a way that is pastoral and evangelical in spirit without being defensive or evasive.”