Review of Biblical Literature Jan 3, 2008

The following new reviews have been added to the Review of Biblical Literature:

Joseph Blenkinsopp
Opening the Sealed Book: Interpretations of the Book of Isaiah in Late Antiquity
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=5660
Reviewed by Riemer Roukema

Greg Carey
Ultimate Things: An Introduction to Jewish and Christian Apocalyptic Literature
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=5659
Reviewed by Lorenzo DiTommaso

A. Andrew Das
Solving the Romans Debate
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=5772 Reviewed by David J. Downs

Martin Hengel; Claus-Jürgen Thornton, ed.Studien zur Christologie: Kleine Schriften IV
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=5799
Reviewed by Lidija Novakovic

Larry W. Hurtado, ed.
The Freer Biblical Manuscripts: Fresh Studies of an American Treasure Trove
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=5716
Reviewed by Juan Hernández Jr.

Percy S. F. van Keulen
Two Versions of the Solomon Narrative: An Inquiry into the Relationship between MT 1 Kgs. 2-11 and LXX 3 Reg. 2-11
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=5327
Reviewed by Zipora Talshir

Victor Matthews
Manners and Customs in the Bible: An Illustrated Guide to Daily Life in Bible Times
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=5735
Reviewed by Aaron Koller

Santiago Guijarro Oporto
Jesús y sus primeros discípulos
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=5851
Reviewed by Ruben Dupertuis

Christine Stark
«Kultprostitution» im Alten Testament? Die Qedeschen der Hebräischen Bibel und das Motiv der Hurerei
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=5674
Reviewed by Christian Frevel

Guy Waters
The End of Deuteronomy in the Epistles of Paul
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=5789
Reviewed by Kenneth D. Litwak

Karen Strand Winslow
Early Jewish and Christian Memories of Moses' Wives: Exogamist Marriage and Ethnic Identity
http://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=5726
Reviewed by Amelia Devin Freedman

Biblical Training Announces New Course

Biblical Training announces a new course on New Testament Survey by Dr Craig Blomberg. In this course, "Dr. Blomberg introduces you to the background and content of the books of the New Testament. Understanding more about the historical background, authorship and the theological ideas emphasized in each book and the NT as a whole, can help you understand scripture more completely and apply it to your life more effectively."

Dr Blomberg is the author of numerous NT books and commentaries.




The contents of the 10-hour course include the follwoing topics:

• Why and how should you study the NT
• Historical and religious background for NT study
• The canon and text of the NT
• The Gospels
• Letters of Paul
• General letters and Revelation

You need to register in order to listen to the lectures. Registration is free! Check it out, and you will not be disappointed.

Tyndale Fellowship Biblical Theology Study Group 2008

Tyndale Fellowship Biblical Theology Study Group 2008

July 9-11: Theme: The Significance of Exodus Themes for Biblical Theology

Introduction:

As the second book of the Bible, Exodus contains a rich variety of concepts and themes that contribute towards the shaping of ancient Israel and the NT church. From the Passover, with its emphasis upon redemption, atonement, purification and sanctification, to the tabernacle which underlines the earthly presence and holiness of God, the book of Exodus introduces ideas that enrich the whole corpus of Scripture. From the divine deliverance of the enslaved Israelites to their acknowledgement of God as their sole sovereign, the book of Exodus provides in micro-story a paradigm of God’s salvific activity that mirrors the macro-story of the whole Bible.

The Study Group invites papers for 2008 that explore further the significance of Exodus for Biblical Theology. In general we are looking for papers, short or long, that either start with a particular book or section of the Bible and explore the presence of a theme or themes linked to Exodus or start with an Exodus theme and explore its use in the rest of the Bible. However, we are open to alternative proposals. Please send proposals to Dr Keith Hacking by 14th February 2008 at the following email address hacki261@aol.com.

Happy 29th Anniversary, STM

Seminari Theoloji Malaysia, where I teach, turned 29 on Jan 6 on the Day of Epiphany. It was founded in 1979.

I am so privileged to be associated with you. There are exciting future developments, and I pray that you will continue to grow in your mission of training men and women for ministry. All best wishes for the years ahead.

New Academic Year at STM

New students have arrived at the seminary for the new 2008 academic year. The orientation programme begins tomorrow, Jan 7. This year, although we experience a slight drop in the total number of intake, the number of international students surged. It is very encouraging to note that more than 35% of our new student body comprises international students from various countries including China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Germany, among others.

Tomorrow night is the welcoming BBQ dinner for the new students. This is an excellent opportunity for the students to get to know the faculty in an informal setting. I look forward to meeting the new students. I wish them all the best as they embark on an exciting (hopefully!) journey of learning together.

Back at Blogging!

It's been a while since I last updated my blog. Someone pointed out to me that I only had 2 entries for the month of December. That's partly because I was on the road for about 3 weeks in December. And in between my travels, I was busy packing and moving house. Now that is all behind me, I can now resume my regular blogging activities!

So watch this space....

From the Mountain Top to the (Klang) Valley

It was a great 2-week break - away from internet (almost all the time) and emails (my apologies to those who have been trying to reach me)! Now, it's back to work - and piles of emails and other stuff to attend to.

Will be back blogging in the next couple of days - so much to update!

Short Break

I am hitting the road again - not for work, but for a well deserved short vacation. There will be very limited internet access so I may not be able to update my blog while I am away.

Will be back on December 10!

TEE Schedule 2008

The revised TEE schedule for 2008 is finally posted on the web.

There are some interesting courses lined up for 2008. Of major highlights are the course to be taught by Dr Peter O'Brien of Moore College, Australia, and the Special Travel Course Following the Footsteps of Paul. Check out these and other courses, and sign up!

If you are interested in our Theological Education by Extension (TEE) or would like further information on our TEE programmes, please click here.

Financial Transparency

Transparency. Good governance. Integrity. These are buzz words not only in the Malaysian politics but also in churches today.

In the Malaysian scene, I have yet to see churches publicly display their financial statements (for obvious reasons - and I could be wrong here) although these are often made known to the church members/congregation during their annual general meetings.

But there is one mega church in the neighbouring country that has precisely done that - publicise the financial statements online for all to scrutinise. Many thanks to Blogpastor who highlighted this.

City Harvest Church makes it known publicly her detailed financial statements from 2003-2007. Even the church building construction cost is made known. Very impressive indeed. One may criticise or disagree with City Harvest Church for many things the church does, but certainly, the impressive transparency with finances and attendance details is one area that many churches need to emulate.