Tremper Longman III - Confronting Old Testament Controversies: Pressing Questions about Evolution, Sexuality, History, and Violence

Tremper Longman is a highly respected name in Old Testament studies. I myself am a grateful beneficiary of his scholarly work and have appreciated his friendship and collegiality over the years. So when he writes about Old Testament controversies, we readers should take notice and ponder his well-considered perspectives, however challenging they may be. Longmans high view of biblical authority, his deep pastoral concern, and his commitment to the power of the gospel have shaped this insightful guide to help inform our conversation about difficult and hotly debated Old Testament topics.

Paul Copan , Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University; coeditor of the Dictionary of Christianity and Science

Longman walks where mere mortals fear to tread, and he does so with erudition, honor, and grace. His scholarship is vast, and he takes those who hold different views seriously in a manner that is not only commendable but should be the standard for critique. I doubt there are many who will agree with him across the board on these challenging issues, yet the depth of reflection he offers is enough to help you return to the Scriptures to address your own presuppositions and aid you in articulating your current understanding of these controversies. I am profoundly grateful for Tremper for countless reasons, and this labor simply adds one more reason I consider him our generations foremost Old Testament scholar.

Dan B. Allender , professor of counseling psychology and founding president, The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology

Fools rush in where wise men fear to tread, but Tremper Longman is no fool. This book covers ground on which people can make fools of themselves, but he has been thinking for decades about the questions he discusses here. He has stayed abreast of changing views among evangelicals and knows how to keep reflecting on issues without giving up ground when he knows one needs to stand firm. If you want not-too-conservative and not-too-liberal answers to the questions he raises, you will find them here.

John Goldingay , David Allan Hubbard Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary

What a wonderful opportunity to journey with the expertise of Tremper Longman and consider the Bible regarding some of the most difficult subjects facing Christians today! This is a valuable book and worthy of study and consideration.

Richard Hess , distinguished professor of Old Testament, Denver Seminary

The Old Testament is full of difficult and controversial passages. These are often read without consideration of their original, ancient cultural contexts. Dr. Tremper Longman has tackled four of the most controversial topics: evolution, history, violence, and sexuality. Rather than settling for simplistic explanations that will not hold up under genuine scrutiny, Longman has brought many years of study and scholarship to bear on these problems. In a truly marvelous way, he explains these very complex issues with a clarity that will enhance readers comprehension. Far from being a mere Christian apology, this book wrestles with the real issues and sheds light that brings about a full engagement. It is a pleasure to recommend this very significant volume.

K. Lawson Younger Jr. , professor of Old Testament, Semitic languages, and ancient Near Eastern history, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Many books on issues of faith and practiceand what the Bible has to say about bothgladly take on the authors ideological opponents. Tremper Longmans book is unique in taking on his friends, both literal and theological. He specifically addresses the arguments of scholars who could be characterized broadly as evangelical (though some are fleeing the term) but who are embracing and advocating understandings of the Bible that have been more characteristic of liberal scholars. He defends the Bibles integrity and truthfulness authoritatively but with a wonderfully irenic spirit and accessible style that should be a model for such exchanges of ideas between people of good will.

Daniel Taylor , author of The Skeptical Believer and Death Comes for the Deconstructionist

Tremper Longman addresses the most controversial questions raised by the text of the Old Testament with courage and aplomb. Here we have a clear-eyed, common-sense treatment of the biblical text offering readers answers that many will find helpful. Indeed, the church will benefit greatly from this work.

Bill T. Arnold , Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, Asbury Theological Seminary