Academic Alert IVP Academic’s Book Bulletin for Professors • Volume 19 • Number 3 • Winter 2011

Inside Historiography of a Miracle 4 | New & Noteworthy Michael R. Licona’s The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach takes biblical scholarship to a whole new level of historical accountability. The challenge of Jesus now comes with a DVD, Richard Mouw asks evangelicals to We knew we just had to weighing hypotheses. So, I was curious how behave, and after twenty have an Alert interview an approach to the question of Jesus’ resur- years, Darwin is still on trial. with Mike Licona and rection would look if conducted by a profes- get him to talk about sional historian outside of the community 5 | Views of Salvation this book. He was happy of biblical scholars who had been trained in to oblige. these matters. How would it differ and what Brenda Colijn models a more kaleidoscopic vision of Reid: This was a huge would the results be? soteriology. project. What got you Reid: Some will ask, “If I have Tom Wright’s Mike Licona started on it? 800-page Resurrection of the Son of God, why do Licona: The resur- I need another big book on this topic?” 7 | Ante-Reformers rection of Jesus is a significant topic of dis- Licona: Wright’s major contribution in New collection sheds light on cussion among scholars. Most of these are Resurrection of the Son of God was to inform us the contributions of early and biblical scholars and a few philosophers. of the various views of the afterlife held by medieval theologians to Christian orthodoxy. However, the large majority of them have the ancients. He also is one of the few bibli- never had a single course on the philosophy cal scholars who demonstrates an informed of history or historical method pertaining to approach to historiography. Where I believe

continued on page 2 Annual Meetings

It’s conference season For God and the Emperor again, and we at IVP are eagerly awaiting AAR, Upon the release of Defending Constantine: The Twilight of an Empire and the Dawn of ETS and SBL. We hope to Christendom, we suspect that Peter Leithart is making a career out of thwarting convention. see you there: So here’s the dare: read part, the reason for the book is to set the his- The American Academy of Religion Annual this interview and resist torical record straighter. Constantine is slan- Meeting in Atlanta, GA, the urge to buy and read dered by many believers today, and I wanted Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 2010. the book (and so put to offer a more balanced portrait of his life

The Evangelical yourself outside the con- and achievements, without white-washing his Theological Society versation it will stir up). flaws and sins. More importantly, the histori- Annual Meeting on As William Cavanaugh cal stories we tell contribute a great deal to “Justification by Faith” in says about this book, our and practice as Christians, so a Atlanta, GA, Nov. 17-19, Peter Leithart 2010. Plenary speakers “Any worthwhile politi- distorted view of Constantine and the civili- will include N. T. Wright, cal theology today can-­ zation that followed him is bound to produce Thomas Schreiner and not fail to take Leithart’s argument seriously.” distortions elsewhere. One place where the Frank Thielman. Reid: Your book is titled Defending “Constantinian question” will have tremen- The Society of Biblical Constantine. Many folks would say, “That’s just dous future import is among the emerging Literature Annual not done!” What led you to write this book? churches in Asia, Africa and South America. Meeting in Atlanta, GA, Leithart: Christians, including many well- Philip Jenkins has written that churches in Nov. 20-23, 2010. educated theologians, are mired in nine- the Southern Hemisphere are experimenting teenth-century prejudices about Constantine with political forms that may constitute the that most historians long ago abandoned. In “next Christendom.” If that’s true, then it’s

continued on page 3 academic alert • 2

Licona, continued from page 1 my book differs is that I devote far more many of them down the path of post- of an event when a hypothesis is “quite attention to a detailed discussion of modernism. What’s funny is that these certain” to “very certain.” A hypothesis matters pertaining to the philosophy of biblical scholars see their approaches as may be regarded as “very certain” if it history and historical method, including groundbreaking while being unaware fulfills all five criteria for an argument to the important topic of whether histori- that debates have been raging for dec- the best explanation and has a respect- ans may investigate miracle reports in ades by professional historians outside able distance between it and competing their capacity as historians. I also tackle of the community of biblical scholars on hypotheses. important exegetical matters related to relevant Pauline and Gospel texts in a more thorough manner than Wright. Finally, whereas Wright rushes through his treatment of naturalistic hypoth- It becomes quite clear that Paul and the early apostles eses, I devote considerable attention to understood Jesus’ resurrection as an event that occurred weighing five that are representative of to his corpse in space-time. the wide spectrum of what is presently being offered by nonbelievers and assess them according to controlled historical method. realist and postmodernist approaches Reid: You evaluate and respond to sev- Reid: Can you give us a taste of what to history with several leading postmod- eral scholarly hypotheses about the res- other New Testament scholars learn ernists conceding defeat within the last urrection—Vermes, Goulder, Lüdemann, about historiography from your book? fifteen years. Crossan and Craffert. What, in your Licona: Well, to start, I discuss the I discuss the part horizons play in opinion, is the most formidable argu- nature of historical knowledge. It’s every historical investigation and I sug- ment against the historicity of the bodily always provisional. Many biblical schol- gest a number of actions historians can resurrection of Jesus? ars become too pessimistic because they take in order to minimize their negative Licona: After accessing a number of can’t arrive at a thorough portrait of influence in an investigation. I also artic- them, I don’t think there are any. This Jesus with absolute certainty. What they ulate what controlled historical method honestly came as a shock to me—that is, will see in this volume is that these chal- looks like. Other issues include the role how strong the resurrection hypothesis lenges are not unique to historical Jesus of consensus, who carries the burden of actually is. Competing hypotheses are research but are present when attempt- proof and the nature of historical truth. not only weak, they are very weak. I dis- ing to paint portraits of most other Reid: You work to identify a historical covered that the agnostic position that ancient historical figures. This anxiety bedrock of evidence and then work from the evidence is indeterminate pertaining on the part of biblical scholars is leading there. Would you say something about to Jesus’ postmortem fate is a far better that? historical hypothesis than the fanciful Licona: Historical bedrock is comprised proposals being offered by many scholars of facts so strongly evidenced that they today and often involve psychohistory. are agreed upon by the nearly unani- Reid: And how do you respond to those mous and heterogeneous consensus of who say that Christ has spiritually ascend- scholars. They are for all practical pur- ed to the right hand of God and that poses beyond doubt. A portrait of the “resurrection” is a mythic or narratival historical Jesus must be built upon this symbol or rendering of that fundamental foundation of facts or it’s most likely inac- event? curate. Licona: Walk with me as we carefully Reid: What level of certainty is possible examine the key Pauline texts. I reveal for historical questions? a new linguistic discovery that clears up Licona: Absolute certainty is very rare a lot of the misunderstanding that has and elusive, since one can always posit a occurred. It becomes quite clear that “What if . . ?” I argue that historians are Paul and the early apostles understood warranted in holding to the historicity Jesus’ resurrection as an event that

continued on page 6 Winter 2011 • 3

Constantine, continued from page 1 exceedingly important for us to have an Stanley Hauerwas often use the argues that Christian theologians don’t accurate and nuanced grasp of what the term, and what Yoder describes as need to rely on the theoretical contribu- first Christendom was all about, both its “Constantinianism” has been a serious tions of the social sciences to understand glories and its evils. enough problem in church history and the basic shape of social and political Reid: plays a signifi- certainly a regular temptation especially life. In his reading of intellectual history, cant role in this book. Could you explain to churches that have some degree of social sciences have their roots in heresy that for those who are unfamiliar with political clout. But the label isn’t neutral. or paganism. Orthodox Christianity professes certain truths about human nature that imply a theology of human society. Christian theology has a social theory “built into” it. Why pay close attention to what late patristic, Byzantine Reid: You have some fascinating or medieval Christians have to say about politics if they things to say about the significance of are all in the grip of a heresy? Constantine’s ending sacrifice.

Yoder’s thinking about Constantine? It is a breathtaking error to say, as Yoder Leithart: Yoder was the most influen- does, that the church has been domi- tial Mennonite theologian ever, and his nated by this “heresy” for the better part influence is still expanding. He articu- of her history. Yoder, for instance, badly lates an unusual kind of “inner-worldly misreads Augustine because he’s trying Pietism” that is refreshing and attractive, to stuff Augustine into a simplistic histor- especially in our post-Christian world. ical narrative. There’s pressure toward Yet, there are some pretty basic problems that kind of misreading of history (and with his account of Constantinianism. hence of theology) when you use the Despite some modifications, he oper- name of a fourth-century emperor for a ates with a traditional Anabaptist narra- phenomenon that, in Yoder’s view, has tive about church history, according to lasted in various permutations for more which the church fell into fundamental than a millennium. And the label also compromise with the world (he some- subtly justifies hostility to and ignorance times describes it as “apostasy”) dur- of the vast riches of Christian thought Leithart: I read Guy Stroumsa’s book on ing the second-to-fourth century. For after Constantine. Why pay close atten- the “end of sacrifice” a few years ago, and Yoder, “Constantinianism” isn’t identical tion to what late patristic, Byzantine or the more I researched Constantine the to the “life and work of Constantine,” medieval Christians have to say about more relevant Stroumsa’s work became. but instead describes an ecclesiologi- politics if they are all in the grip of a As I show in the book, Roman civilization cal and eschatological “heresy” that, heresy? We need to be discriminating in was organized around animal sacrifice, Yoder claims, fundamentally misplaces thinking about the church’s relation to and Constantine marked the beginning the locus of meaning in history. In a power throughout history, and the label of the end of sacrificial civilization. If we Constantinian framework, the really big “Constantinianism” lends itself more to were thankful to him for nothing else, we things in history are wars and imperial denunciation than discrimination. can at least be thankful to Constantine enactments, rather than martyrdoms, Reid: You maintain that you want to for the fact that the U.S. Senate (unlike preaching and sacraments. “contribute to the formation of a theol- the ancient Roman Senate) doesn’t open Reid: What’s wrong with regarding ogy that does not simply inform but is a its sessions by slaughtering a goat. “Constantinianism” as simply a metaphor social science.” Would you explain that? Reid: Harvey Cox bundles up common for much of what went wrong with the Leithart: I’m using a phrase from my perceptions of Constantine in his recent church in the West? doctoral supervisor, . In his book The Future of Faith. Constantine Leithart: That’s the way Yoder and major work, Theology and Social Theory, he made an “adroit decision to commandeer

continued on page 7 New & Noteworthy

In this revised and remains key. We must cast off arbitrary In a society even more expanded edition of assumptions. If we are ever to arrive at polarized than when this The Making of the New the solution the search for answers to the book was first published, Testament, Arthur Patzia question of how life arose and developed few people in the evangeli- engages our burning ques- has to be free to follow the evidence wher- cal world have conversed tions surrounding the writ- ever it leads.” The trial is not yet over. The as widely and sensitively ing and formation of the New Testament prosecutor has not yet rested his case: as Richard Mouw. This new edition of canon. Its comprehensiveness and writing Darwin on Trial: 20th Anniversary Edition. Uncommon Decency adds an introduction style make it an ideal introductory text- and afterword, expands its treatment of We can’t understand book. Islam and sexual identity and provides a the modern world with- new chapter on the spiritual underpin- Though having to do with out understanding the nings of civility. prophets of an allegedly Enlightenment and its diminutive stature, there’s nineteenth-century after- In the most recent addi- nothing “minor” about math. Now more affordable tion to the Ancient the two newest entries in in this new paperback edition, Christianity Christian Texts series, the venerable Bible Speaks & Western Thought, Volume 2 offers, as Commentaries on Genesis Today series: The Message of Obadiah, Colin Brown says, “a judicious, balanced 1–3, readers will get an Nahum and Zephaniah by Gordon Bridger and well-documented survey of European excellent introduction to and The Message of Ezra & Haggai by and North American thought that will the Hexameron tradition of exposition Robert Fyall. serve students and teachers alike. Their of the Six Days of Creation. This popu- work has no rivals in this field.” Written by lar form of commentary highlights the The newest release Steve Wilkens and Alan G. Padgett. importance of the opening chapters of in the Resources for Genesis as the foundation for all theolog- Reconciliation series, Pastors with a passion for ical reflection. Both Severian of Gabala Forgiving As We’ve Been sound exposition and schol- and Bede the Venerable wrote in this Forgiven pairs L. Gregory ars with a heart for pastoral tradition, although extending their work Jones with Célestin leadership joined forces to beyond just the “Six Days.” Now students Musekura in a theological discussion on produce the readable and can gain direct exposure to their work. forgiveness. These two theologians and reliable IVP New Testament Translated with notes and introduc- practitioners reflect on essential commu- Commentaries. We are now releasing tions by Robert C. Hill and Carmen S. nity practices for peacemaking, engaging handsome, new and more affordable Hardin, edited by Michael Glerup. contexts from the Rwandan genocide to paperback editions. Alan Johnson’s contemporary congregational life. 1 Corinthians, Ray Stedman’s Hebrews and Culturally aware and thoroughly practi- George Stulac’s James make their appear- cal, the Resonate Series is For decades the secular ance in the new format this fall. a new kind of commentary world of science had for those weary of slog- largely ignored what was N. T. Wright’s classic ging through the special- regarded as an in-house introduction to Jesus, The ized language of more debate among Christians Challenge of Jesus, is now advanced commentaries. about how creation began. married to his 50-minute Series editors Paul Louis Metzger and Then, twenty years ago, Berkeley law pro- DVD, Resurrection, shot on David Sanford, and contributors like Dan fessor Phillip Johnson’s book Darwin on location in Israel, Greece Kimball, Tim Keel and Matthew Woodley Trial came out. He analyzed and held up and England. He walks us through the invite those looking for an accessible to scrutiny the nature of the arguments political, historical and theological issues way in to the Scriptures to encounter the and assumptions behind evolutionary at stake in Jesus’ day and today. Priced ten “Word made fresh.” science and found them wanting. While dollars less than the two bought separate- there has been much more research since ly, this pair brings to life a fresh, provoca- then, as microbiologist Michael Behe tive and historically credible portrait. says, “Two decades later, even as scientific advances accumulate, Johnson’s insight Winter 2011 • 5

Many Images, One Salvation

“The New looks like freedom from those forces. and new creations; rescue and healing; Testament does From yet a third angle, the human pre- redemption, ransom, freedom and for- not develop a dicament looks like alienation from God, giveness; reconciliation, adoption and systematic doc- from other people, from creation, and peace; justification; election; being in trine of salva- even from one’s own best self. Salvation Christ, glorification and theosis; sanctifi- tion. Instead, it looks like the restoration of those rela- cation and perfection; and pilgrimage, presents us with tionships.” So writes Brenda Colijn in contest and worship. Ben Witherington a variety of pic- introducing her broad survey of New commends the book, noting, “Highly rec- tures taken from Testament soteriology, Images of Salvation ommended for those wanting to under- different per- in the New Testament. Advanced under- stand not merely the nature of salvation spectives. From one angle, the human graduate students and seminarians alike but also its many facets and dimensions.” predicament is rebellion against God. will benefit from her wise and stimulat- David deSilva adds, “Colijn honors the Salvation looks like living under God’s ing discussions of New Testament images distinctive perspective that each New universal reign. From another angle, the and metaphors. Included in her broad Testament author brings to the discus- human predicament is bondage to both sweep are inheritance; citizenship and sion, helping us to see the kaleidoscopic internal and external forces. Salvation discipleship; eternal life; regeneration beauty of the whole.”

Having a Form of Worship But Denying Its Power

Perhaps we’ve all been touched by the be really present. have a Copernican revolution that enables so-called worship wars going on in so And that us to break free of views of reality generat- many churches at one time or another. lack of expecta- ed by growing religious pluralism, the John Jefferson Davis of Gordon-Conwell tion, Davis notes, impact of economic globalization and the Seminary knows this often times disrup- is fed in many digital revolution. A transformed vision of tive phenomena all too well. However, and various ways, the grace, glory and reality of God does he’s not at all convinced that what we often subtly, by not mainly result in a new theory, but in need or even what we’re looking for in the cultural soup new and renewed practices of worship— worship can be resolved by adjusting we swim in. Davis practices that Davis helpfully holds out to our styles of music or investing in mega- does not advise us in Worship and the Reality of God. multi-media equipment. What’s missing that we merely return to traditional forms is any expectation that God will show up, of worship, but rather that we need to

Paul’s Grand Opera

Lying some- Gombis, whose Ph.D. dissertation thing that’s unusual. Gombis’s writing where between at St. Andrews was on divine warfare in voice might be considered somewhat atyp- a commentary Ephesians, brings a wealth of insight to ical for a New Testament scholar—that is, and an intensive this study. His approach, however, is one conversational and pastoral. His ability to thematic study, not often attempted. Rather than cata- make exegetically sophisticated argu- Timothy Gombis’s loguing the letter’s theological artifacts ments without showing his “math” up The Drama or offering a belabored exposition of front might be a triumph in its own right! of Ephesians: the text, Gombis envisages Ephesians as And so this is a versatile text that will work Participating in the a dramatic narrative inviting readers to well across a variety of applications, from Triumph of God should capture the atten- inhabit Jesus Christ’s rule over the powers the classroom, to preaching and even tion of professors and students with a and principalities. Bible study. We hope you agree. strong interest in Pauline studies. The format of the book isn’t the only academic alert • 6 Licona, continued from page 2 occurred to his corpse in space-time. was probably written prior to Matthew’s your ability as a New Testament scholar Reid: Must we believe that dead saints strange report of the dead saints. to just come at the evidence as a historian were raised after Jesus’ resurrection, Reid: As you well know, what seems utter- and follow where it led. Could you com- entered the holy city and visited many ly persuasive and compelling to one per- ment on that? if we wish to argue for the historicity of son simply does not to another. What do Licona: It was perhaps the most agoniz- Jesus’ resurrection from the dead (Mt you hope to accomplish with those who ing exercise of my life. As a conservative 27:52-53)? In other words, are these two just will not find the resurrection hypoth- Christian, I wanted the resurrection to be points in Matthew’s narrative—separat- esis probable in any degree? proven. And I recognized that this desire ed by hardly fifteen verses of sustained Licona: Horizons play a huge role in jeopardized the integrity of my investiga- narrative—of an equal order of histori- even those historical investigations not tion. So, I worked hard at bracketing my cal probability? Does it damage the case religious in nature. And they play an desired outcome, even distancing myself for Jesus’ resurrection if we understand even larger role in those that are like the from my worldview, while my investiga- the story of the saints being raised as resurrection of Jesus. There are some for tion proceeded. This was important to me metaphorical “special effects,” highlight- whom no amount of evidence would dis- because I’m a second guesser in nature ing the eschatological significance of suade them from belief while no amount and I wanted to deal with my personal Jesus’ resurrection? of evidence would ever be enough to doubts. I reminded myself that I didn’t Licona: Not at all. Matthew’s narrative of compel belief for others. It’s the respon- have to fear truth and that it was in my “When the Saints Go Marching In” has sibility of the historian to consider what best interest to follow it, even if that perplexed scholars for a long time. I like the evidence would look like if she were meant jettisoning my Christian faith. your term “special effects.” That’s what not wearing her metaphysical bias like a Reid: In your mind, who are the readers I think is going on here, given similar pair of sunglasses that shade the world. of this book and what do you hope they’ll reports in both Roman and Jewish litera- It is not the responsibility of the evidence get out of it? ture of the period. One of the elements to shine so brightly that they render such Licona: The intended primary readers that distinguishes Jesus’ resurrection glasses ineffectual. So, I hope to chal- are historical Jesus scholars and students from this sort of special effects is that lenge them to recognize that their biases interested in this field. I hope to chal- the earliest Christians like Paul based are most likely a handicap that needs to lenge them to a higher level of sophisticat- the fact of his and our future resurrec- be handled carefully in an honest search ed work on the historical Jesus that will tion on the historicity of Jesus’ resurrec- for truth. be conducted with integrity. When it tion and that if Christ was not actually Reid: It sounds like you really tried to comes to the resurrection of Jesus, this raised the Christian faith is worthless. bracket your faith as you researched and degree of work favors orthodoxy rather That’s not metaphorical language and wrote this book, that you were testing than skepticism.

Before the Protestant Era

The new Aquinas, are written by top evangelical era and the rise of the Reformation fif- volume, Shapers Protestant church historians who provide teen centuries later by offering a robust of Christian thorough historical contextualization of account of the doctrinal development of Orthodoxy: the background and thought of each fig- Christian orthodoxy in the first millen- Engaging ure. The distinctive theological legacies nium of the Church. with Early of these important figures are carefully With contributions from Carl and Medieval presented and analyzed with particular Beckwith, Gerald Bray, Robert Letham Theologians, puts attention given to the constructive value and Bryan Litfin, among others, this is a into the hands of continued engagement with these his- benchmark text for students, scholars of students a torical thinkers by evangelicals today. and pastors who wish to engage in the substantial introduction to key patristic This volume aims to overcome tradition that set the standard for the and medieval figures who contributed the common misperception in much Reformation and the churches birthed by to the permanent shape of the Christian Protestant theology that presumes a criti- this profound orthodox movement. theological tradition. These eight essays, cal depletion in doctrinal vitality in the covering figures from Irenaeus to period between the end of the apostolic Winter 2011 • 7

Constantine, continued from page 3

Christianity to bolster his ambitions for tioned as “head” of the church in the Christians disagree on how achievable the empire . . . [and] imposed a muscu- fourth century. As for paving the way for that project is. It is, of course, full of risk lar leadership over the churches. . . . He fundamentalism—well, let’s say that I’m a and temptation (like everything else). and not the pope was the real head of good bit less spooked by fundamentalism I have a difficult time understanding the church.” Constantine and his succes- than Harvey Cox is. Christians who object to the premise of sors “crowned Christianity as the official Reid: So what do you think about Christendom. religion of the Roman Empire,” and for Christendom? Could you just as well write Reid: When all is said and done, do you Christianity this “proved to be a disaster. a critique of it? come away not only defending but admir- . . . From an energetic movement of faith Leithart: Absolutely. Christendom had ing, or maybe even liking, Constantine? it coagulated into a phalanx of required many flaws, and in different circum- Leithart: Admiration, certainly. Few fig- beliefs, thereby laying the foundation for stances I would want to write a critique. ures in history achieved more than every succeeding Christian fundamen- I’m working currently on a book on Constantine, or left such an enduring leg- talism for centuries to come” (pp. 5-6). empire that will include a critical (but acy. Like? That’s harder. Much of what we What do you have to say to Cox? I hope still nuanced) assessment of know about Constantine comes from pub- Leithart: I acknowledge in the book that America’s self-image as a redeemer nation. lic records—edicts, decrees, imperial let- Constantine had political as well as reli- For all its flaws, though, I believe that the ters—and he was surrounded by a fog of gious reasons for becoming a Christian project of Christendom—the project of imperial ceremony and courtly pomp. and supporting the church, but becom- seeking to reshape political and cultural That makes it difficult to get a clear idea ing a Christian didn’t bring obvious polit- institutions and values in accord with of the man. Eusebius tries to give us some- ical benefits to Constantine. In a book the gospel—is a direct implication of the thing more intimate, but he airbrushes that was unfortunately published too late gospel’s proclamation that Jesus is Lord. Constantine. From what I can see in and for me to use for my research, the French Kiss the Son, the Psalm says to kings, and around the records, Constantine was a historian Paul Veyne argues in support in that exhortation rulers are being called rather taut personality, demanding and of J. B. Bury’s claim that Constantine’s to pursue justice, mercy and truth in their morally strict, massively self-assured, impa- conversion was the most audacious act public actions as well as in private life. tient with folly and frivolity, every inch the ever committed by an autocrat in defi- To the extent that this call is heard and late Roman emperor. Eusebius’ account of ance of the majority of his subjects. It was enacted, we have Christendom. Yoder, to his baptism is very interesting in this a huge risk politically, and everything his great credit, argued that Christians regard, since it gives us a brief glimpse of indicates that Constantine was willing are called to live in conformity with the the man underneath the imperial robe. to take the risk because he became con- demands of the gospel here and now, and All in all, I doubt that I’d want to spend vinced that the Christian God was the he even imagined what a more faithful many evenings with Constantine, but then living God and would bless Rome if he Constantine might have looked like. (His he wasn’t the first or last great leader who worshiped Him. Cox to the contrary, imaginary Constantine resembled the real was less than cuddly. neither the pope nor Constantine func- Constantine more than Yoder realized.)

Preaching the

Reclaiming the Old Testament for Christian sermons that finding her way through genre, plot, nar- Preaching is a unique collection of essays attend to the art rative convention and difficult texts, in written by celebrated evangelical Old of the texts. order to exegete and preach more faith- Testament scholars especially for work- Beloved bib- fully from this part of the canon. The ing pastors and students who have the lical scholars, final essay in this volume, by R. W. L. responsibility of sharing and proclaim- like Christopher Moberly, integrates the sound biblical ing the Word of God from the Hebrew J. H. Wright, scholarship on offer throughout with the- Scriptures. The essays in this volume David Firth, ological sagacity that unites the First and provide wisdom for discerning the shape Tremper Second Testaments of the Christian canon of the story in the narrative, poetry and Longman III, for the practicing preacher. characters of the Old Testament texts, Daniel I. Block and Gordon Wenham and deliver practical advice on crafting among many others, assist the reader in academic alert • 8 Academic Alert Book Bulletin for Professors To End the War of Origins

Teamwork is often called to properly interpret the biblical texts relating Andy Le Peau Associate Publisher, Editorial for in order to make to creation. In the first place this means that progress on a challenging all the texts that deal with creation need to be James Hoover Associate Editorial Director problem. That’s just why brought to bear on the issues raised in Genesis & Senior Editor, IVP Academic physicist Richard Carlson 1 and 2. Carlson and Longman demonstrate Daniel G. Reid and Old Testament scholar that the practice of good, faithful interpreta- Senior Editor, IVP Academic Tremper Longman III got tion not only opens up a world of meaning in Gary Deddo together to address the the biblical message, but also leads to the reso- Senior Editor, IVP Academic issues of both proper bibli- lution of many disagreements between Mike Gibson Associate Editor, IVP Academic cal interpretation and the Christian faith and the findings of contempo- implications for the ongoing faith and science dis- rary science. Al Hsu Associate Editor, IVP Books cussion and debates. In Science, Creation and the Ben McCoy Bible, they argue that key to that discussion is how Editorial Assistant

Ellen Hsu Rights Manager Theology on Shuffle Nick Liao IVP Academic Sales Adam English has been the traditional loci of doctrinal affirmations, & Marketing Manager keeping up with media English covers the same ground, but presents Heather Mascarello coverage of the new athe- the doctrinal content under new categories. By Print Publicity Manager ists as well as attempting presenting orthodox and evangelical theology Adrianna Wright Online Publicity Manager to lead his students to under the rubric of what Christian theology is grasp their faith in a way and is not he addresses widespread misunder- Krista Carnet Broadcast Publicity Manager that can answer some of standings from the outset. By comparing and the current charge being contrasting the positive content of Christian Addenda & Errata Blog: ivpress.com/blogs/addenda- aimed at the church in faith to story, language, game and culture he errata/ particular and religion as provides both a fresh take on Christian doc- The IVP Academic Alert is pub- a whole. As a result of his trine and also engages current discussions and lished three times a year by listening, debating and teaching undergraduates mindsets in a way that both relates and distin- InterVarsity Press. To order any books featured in this bulletin, he pursues a different approach for understand- guishes the Gospel from any other story, lan- return the accompanying reply ing and interpreting the Christian faith in today’s guage, game and culture. An intriguing remix card or contact: InterVarsity Press postmodern and post-Christian context. In indeed of the Christian faith that re-presents P.O. Box 1400 Theology Remixed, rather than taking up in order the abiding truth of Jesus Christ in the ongo- Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426 (630) 734-4321 ing flow of culture. [email protected] ivpacademic.com

Manuscripts and book proposals should be sent to the appropri- Did God Give You the Business? ate academic editor. Questions, comments, change of address Jeffrey Van Duzer has sur- human activity we call business. Getting a grip notifications and all other cor- respondence may be sent to prised himself. Years ago he on the theological foundation of God’s purpos- [email protected]. couldn’t have imagined es for human being and behavior in a fallen yet For information about translations of InterVarsity Press titles, please himself writing this book. redeemed world was key for him and essential contact Ellen Hsu, Rights Manager, He was a skeptic. Not of to this book. Recognizing that the many valua- at [email protected], or visit our website at ivpress.com/info/ God but of business. What ble books by Christians that address issues of translations. good could it really be individual character and morality still didn’t get Academic journal editors, for media copies visit ivpress.com/ expected to do, especially in down to the bottom of the issues also played a media. service of Jesus Christ? Of large part in generating the essential message Vol. 19, No. 3 course, by no means is all of this book. The result is Why Business Matters Copyright © 2010 by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA. All rights well in the world of business today. But Van Duzer, to God (And What Still Needs to Be Fixed), a pres- reserved. now dean of the School of Business and Economics entation of the positive purpose of business at Seattle Pacific University, has come to have a that squarely faces the problem of conforming deep appreciation for God’s involvement in the its practice to that enduring purpose.