Deuteronomy

by Thomas W. Mann

Deuteronomy, Thomas Mann notes, is more than a relic of ancient history. It is a living document that deals with issues that have relevance for the modern-day reader, including justice and the vision of the Great Society, individual responsibility versus the importance of community, and the nature of loyalty to God and to the world. By examining these and other issues, readers will draw striking parallels between the world of Israel several millennia ago and today. This absorbing and readable book will stimulate discussion about the Deuteronomistic prescriptions for a healthy society and their applicability to contemporary life and society. Books in the Westminster Bible Companion series assist laity in their study of the Bible as a guide to Christian faith and practice. Each volume explains the biblical book in its original historical context and explores its significance for faithful living today. These books are ideal for individual study and for Bible study classes and groups.

167 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1995

About the author

Thomas W. Mann has taught at Princeton Theological Seminary, Converse College, Salem College, and Wake Forest University. For twenty-three years he was also the minister of Parkway United Church of Christ in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He is the author of The Book of the Former Prophets (Cascade Books, 2011), a sequel to this book; Deuteronomy (1995); and God of Dirt: Mary Oliver and the Other Book of God (2004).

Reviews

[Rob O'Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent non-technical introduction to the book of Deuteronomy. Mann handles the text with deft and keen theological and pastoral insight. If I had a critique it would be that his treatment is not exhaustive. He picks and chooses what sections to cover, spending a bulk of his time looking at the Decalogue and showing those the commands are played out in the book. Still, for the busy preacher who desires to preach from Deuteronomy (as I did while I was reading this) and does not have time to wade through weightier volumes, this is an excellent resource.