A Book Review from Books At a Glance
by G. T. Tran
Summary of Content
Students of Old Testament Theology (OTT) are probably acquainted with Gerhard Hasel’s Old Testament Theology: Basic Issues in the Current Debate (1991) published around thirty years ago. Since then, the literature on OTT continues to multiply, hence the need for an updated survey (ix). Recognizing that need, Brittany Kim and Charlie Trimm coauthored Understanding Old Testament Theology with the aim to “provide a reliable map to the mountainous terrain of recent approaches to Old Testament theology” (8).
In the Introduction, Kim and Trimm 1) discuss the promise and problems of OTT (1-3), 2) offer a brief history of the discipline (4-7), and 3) give an overview of seven approaches surveyed in the book (7-10). The authors clarify that they “do not claim that it is the only way of mapping the terrain” and “apologize to authors who feel that they would fit better in a different category” (10). In fact, some treatments of OTT can fit within multiple categories (10). In any case, these seven approaches are lumped into three groups, which form three main parts of the book (8-9).
Here’s a look at the table of contents:
Introduction
Part 1: History
1. Old Testament Theology Grounded in Biblical (Hi)story
2. Historical-Critical Old Testament Theology
Part 2: Theme
3. Multiplex Thematic Old Testament Theology
4. Old Testament Theology Focused around a Central Theme
Part 3: Context
5. Canonical Old Testament Theology
6. Jewish Biblical Theology
7. Postmodern Old Testament Theology
Conclusion
Appendix: Summary of Approaches
As the table of contents shows, the first part (History) deals with two historical approaches that focus on the history of Israel (chaps. 1-2). The second part describes thematic approaches that stress either multiple themes (chap. 3) or a central theme (chap. 4). The third part discusses contextual approaches, particularly canonical (chap. 5), Jewish (chap. 6), and postmodern contexts (chap. 7). In the Conclusion, Kim and Trimm summarize all seven approaches (see also the appendix) and provide multiple resources for further study (see esp. their annotated bibliography). The authors wrap up by making some observations about the future of OTT and encourage readers to begin their journey.
Evaluation of Content
I commend the book for two reasons. First, the book is written clearly. In each chapter, Kim and Trimm consistently 1) provide a definition of the approach at hand, 2) offer a representative bibliography, 3) observe prominent features of that approach, 4) discuss how even people within the same approach differ from one another, and 4) conclude with a test case on Exodus (cf. 8-9). This consistency makes the book easy to follow. Second, I find their seven categories helpful when organizing the vast literature of OTT. The number seven is neither too narrow nor too broad, so most OTT books can fit easily in one (or more) of these categories.
Meanwhile, I believe the authors should have cautioned which approaches are out of bounds within evangelical circles. To be sure, each approach brings unique contribution to the field of OTT, and students should be aware of them (156). Nevertheless, it is not the case that all approaches are equally valid and helpful. For example, the historical-critical approach (chap. 2), as well as the Jewish and postmodern approaches (chaps. 6-7), can lead to conclusions that contradict evangelical confessions. Thus, I find it troublesome when Kim and Trimm advise prospective students to “first determine which approach most deeply resonates with [them] and then select one of the paths found in this book that leads to that peak” (157). I cannot help but wonder: Are all mountains worth climbing all the way to the top?
Kim and Trimm also wish to see more contributions from female, minority, and majority-world scholars (154). I understand their desire and have no objection to that, but I would add that the emphasis should be on faithful scholarship, not just mere diverse scholarship.
Overall, Understanding Old Testament Theology is a welcome update to Hasel’s survey. Students who are new to OTT would benefit from reading this book. If I teach a class on OTT, this book would be required!
G. T. Tran