The Ways of Our God: An Approach to Biblical Theology

by Charles H.H. Scobie

At a time when Old Testament and New Testament studies are considered to be two very different tasks, this major new work by Charles Scobie offers an approach to biblical theology meant to take in the entire sweep of divine revelation.

Comprehensive in scope, this book covers every aspect of biblical theology. Chapters are devoted first to the nature and task of biblical theology and then to major themes within the biblical message -- God's order, God's servant, God's people, and God's way. Each section of the book also features an extensive system of helpful cross-references. Not only is Scobie's attempt to bridge the biblical testaments admirable, but he also takes great care to present scholarship that is at the same time informed by, and relevant to, the daily life and work of the church. The result is a book that is relevant to readers everywhere.

Accessible to teachers, clergy, students, and general readers alike, this book will reinvigorate the study of the Bible as the unified word of God.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published December 11, 2002

Reviews

[Russell Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author of this book, Charles H. H. Scobie, develops a comprehensive biblical theology using the canonical approach. The historical-critical approach does not figure significantly in his development. In his preface, he reflects on two worlds: 1) the academic approach; and, 2) the world of the church and community (p. ix). While many biblical theologies were written to the former, Scobie wants to address the latter.

In his "Prolegomena," he defines biblical theology and develops the history and methodology of biblical theology very well. The structure of biblical theology unfolds as follows: OT Proclamation; OT Promise; NT Fulfillment, and NT Consummation. Thus, the discussion of each subject (or chapters) unfolds with the above four-fold pattern. Each chapter concludes with a section entitled "Theological Reflections" which extends the subject into leading thoughts in the area of practical or dogmatic theology.

Scobie usually avoids controversial topics with a clear presentation of the raw data on what the Scriptures actually say. His work is so comprehensive that some might complain that the work is too voluminous.

Overall, Scobie respects the methodology of his work. Occasionally, there are forays into systematic theology or citations from the Apocrypha (non-canonical sources) or other diversions from his task. However, Scobie has given us a very solid biblical theology! I recommend his work as a wonderful resource for a work which integrates into one whole both the OT and the NT. I recommend it very highly!

[Caleb Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

"(Biblical Theology) will seek the unity and continuity of Scripture, but without sacrificing the richness of its diversity. It will focus not on exegetical details but on the broad interrelationships between the major themes of the Bible, and above all on the interrelationship between the Testaments." - Charles Scobie

Wow. This one was a lot of book. Scobie's work isn't bad, I just didn't think it was that good. It reads more like a systematic theology. I think Scobie tries to be so inclusive of everything that he almost doesn't say much of anything in certain sections. His sections on "God's Order" and "God's Way" were fairly surface level and bland. There was some good content in "God's Servant" and "God's People," but overall I just have hard time seeing this as a reference book I will turn back to. There was nothing that stood out and grabbed me. A big critique I have to mention is the format: no outlines for the chapters was a mistake. I know there is a chart tucked in the back, but each chapter is decently hard to follow outside of the OT "Proclamation & Promise" and the NT "Fulfillment & Consummation." Also, Scobie endorses (or at least is okay with) higher critical views. He is constantly referring to the second half of Isaiah as "2 Isaiah" and seems to argue authorship and dating don't really matter since the books are canonical. He supports egalitarianism and seems sympathetic to some form of annihilationism.

I can certainly respect and admire his work and effort on something this large of scale. A coherent BT of both testaments is a worthwhile endeavor.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good information in the book about the themes that run throughout the Bible. Scobie traveled from OT to NT in each chapter to discuss in detail the topic of that chapter and its appearances in Scripture.

*Note: Although I read much of this book, I did not read the entire book. I only read what was required by my graduate school.*

[Heather Denigan]

Note: recommended by Mark Dever and Greg Beale