Reading the Old Testament as Christian Scripture: A Literary, Canonical, and Theological Survey

by Mark S. Gignilliat, Heath A. Thomas

Genres: Theology

448 pages, Hardcover

Published March 11, 2025

Reviews

[Jason Albertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ROTCS is everything that I hoped it would be. I look forward to adopting this as the textbook for my OT Introduction class next year.

Standout features for me:
- The writing itself is compelling and clear. It could be the most readable writing I've encountered in a textbook - not dumbed-down; distilled.
- The text avoids the entrenched hermeneutical debates that often characterize textbooks in this subject area. It points out true insights that are helpful regardless of which party in the debates would claim those insights. The focus is on what helps us listen well to the Scriptures, not what will ensure allegiance to a party line.
- The canonical connections are well-substantiated, enlightening, inspiring. The explanations of how canonical connections work appear effortlessly clear. As a teacher, I know that points to hard work and clear thinking, and I appreciate it!

Couldn't be happier with this textbook.

I received a NetGalley ARC in exchange for my honest review. Couldn't believe my good fortune to get early access to a text I already had my eye on.

[Kenneth · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book does little more than summarize the Bible. It contains almost no discussion on the cultural, religious, and historic background of the Old Testament. The small quantity of biblical theology connections and other details that aren’t direct summaries of the Bible are small excerpts in the margin, not part of the actual prose.

[Brianna Calkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this book for an Old Testameny Survey class. I was thoroughly surprised with how much I enjoyed this commentary. It was accessible, insightful, and something that will be added to my list of resources I will often look back at

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

The section on Leviticus was just what we needed for family worship: visuals, summaries, and fascinating connections.

[Ched Spellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent textbook.

[Chris Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished most of this for OT class. Gignilliat is the goat and someone who sees Jesus in all the OT

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

My OT proof used this book as our textbook and this was by far the best "textbook" I have ever been forced to read. The style made me feel that I was reading this for fun rather than for a class