New Testament Theology and Ethics (Volume 2) - Softcover

Witherington III, Ben

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0830851348 ISBN 13: 9780830851348

Publisher: IVP Academic, 2016

Synopsis

All too often, argues Ben Witherington, the theology of the New Testament has been divorced from its ethics, leaving as isolated abstractions what are fully integrated, dynamic elements within the New Testament itself. As Witherington stresses, "behavior affects and reinforces or undoes belief." Previously published as The Indelible Image, Volume 2, Witherington offers the second of a two-volume set on the theological and ethical thought world of the New Testament. The first volume looks at the individual witnesses, while the second examines the collective witness. The New Testament, says Ben Witherington, is "like a smallish choir. All are singing the same cantata, but each has an individual voice and is singing its own parts and notes. If we fail to pay attention to all the voices in the choir, we do not get the entire effect. . . . If this first volume is about closely analyzing the sheet music left to us by which each musician's part is delineated, the second volume will attempt to re-create what it might have sounded like had they ever gotten together and performed their scores to produce a single masterful cantata." What the New Testament authors have in mind, Witherington contends, is that all believers should be conformed in thought, word and deed to the image of Jesus Christ―the indelible image.

About this title

About the Author

Ben Witherington III (PhD, University of Durham) is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author of a full set of commentaries on the books of the New Testament, many of which focus on their socio-rhetorical perspectives. His numerous other books on the New Testament include New Testament History, Jesus the Seer, Jesus the Sage, The Jesus Quest, The Paul Quest and A Week in the Life of Corinth.

Review

"In this book, Ben Witherington III explains the theological and ethical significance of Christ as the center of the New Testament. He explains how each New Testament writer's encounter with Christ changed not only his worldview, but also his understanding of moral living. But in contrast to much of contemporary scholarship, Witherington believes the New Testament writers are not writing conflicting or competing theologies. He suggests they are different voices singing the same chorus. Witherington explores historical and ideological perspectives as they influence our apprehension of the New Testament. This text does not provide a list of legalistic moral commands to follow, but it does provide insight on controversial subjects, such as divorce, homosexuality and gender roles." (Stephen M. Vantassel, Bible Study Magazine, November-December 2010)

"To discuss the theology and ethics of the New Testament is to dive into a vast ocean of theological reflection from many angles. It would be easy to get lost at sea. That is where a good navigator and cruise director are essential. Ben Witherington takes up both roles and steers us on a solid course through the array of ideas the New Testament treats. He does so with skill, clarity and an eye on what is important. He also notes what dangers lurk in taking a wrong course. In sum, here is a solid introduction to how theology and ethics work together in the New Testament. Enjoy the tour and linger in spots. It will be worth it." (Darrell Bock, Dallas Theological Seminary)

"Ben Witherington is a skilled historical exegete who has, probably uniquely in our generation, pursued his passion for the theological and ethical message of the New Testament through commentaries on every one of the New Testament books. Now he has given us a summation that is even more unusual―a New Testament theology that allows to every one of those books a voice that really counts. A magnificent climax to Witherington's work." (Richard Bauckham, University of St. Andrews)

"Over the course of his academic career Ben Witherington has gone against the stream of increasing specialization in biblical studies, producing commentaries on every document in the New Testament. As a result, Witherington is no 'theological' jack-of-all trades; to the contrary, he has demonstrated his mastery over a variety of subdisciplines in New Testament studies. With The Indelible Image, volume 1, Witherington once again defies the communis opinio that New Testament theology and New Testament ethics must, of necessity, be treated in isolation from each other. Rather, drawing on his previous exegetical work, Witherington establishes that New Testament faith and practice―theology and ethics―are inextricably intertwined and, in order to understand the message of the New Testament, must be treated whole cloth. The Indelible Image is a model of 'theological exegesis' at its stunning best and confirms Witherington's reputation as one of evangelical Christianity's most thoughtful and prolific authors." (Mikeal C. Parsons, Baylor University)

"By insisting that theology be placed in conversation with ethics, Witherington offers numerous insights on the necessary intersection of faith and works, church and society. He and I may disagree on the particulars of Jewish tradition and women's roles in antiquity, but I have learned much from his canonically comprehensive, evangelically committed, historically informed and engagingly presented way of doing theology." (Amy-Jill Levine, Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies, Vanderbilt Divinity School and Graduate Department of Religion)

"Ben Witherington's The Indelible Image is no ordinary theology of the New Testament. From start to finish it is creative and insightful. The entire approach is refreshing, based on an appreciation of the distinctive voices that make up what we might call the theological choir of the early church. Witherington has given proper place to voices not often heard, such as those of James, Jude and Peter. Beginning students and veteran scholars alike will appreciate this remarkable achievement. I give it my highest recommendation." (Craig A. Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor, Acadia Divinity College)

Edition details

• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0830851348
• ISBN 13: 9780830851348
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 838