Knowing God the Father Through the Old Testament

by Christopher J.H. Wright

It's almost second nature for Christians to call God Father. Jesus taught his followers as much, although for them it was apparently a surprising practice. The worshiping community of the Old Testament used fatherly images for understanding God's character and actions, but "Father" was not a common way for believers to address God. In Knowing God the Father Through the Old Testament, Christopher Wright explores in depth the images that pervade the biblical narratives, psalms and prophetic texts of the Old Testament. God is acknowledged as tender yet terrifying, challenging to the nations and yet intimately personal, offering loving care, provision, discipline and forgiveness. This is the God whom Jesus knew, and whom we can know, as Father. Such knowledge of God is far from merely devotional or doctrinal, but governs our worldview, personal and social ethics, and expectations of the future.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Old Testament, Spirituality, Christianity, Biblical Studies

234 pages, Paperback

First published April 20, 2007

About the author

Christopher J.H. Wright, (born 1947) is a Anglican clergyman and an Old Testament scholar. He is currently the director of Langham Partnership International. He was the principal of All Nations Christian College. He is an honorary member of the All Souls Church, Langham Place in London, UK.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book was overall ok. My biggest beef is that he defines YHWH as God the Father, instead of defining YHWH as the Triume God. In the sense that almost every interaction of God in the OT is the Father. I fail to see how this is different from the "the God of the NT is nicer than the God of the OT" argument. Such a problematic definition can view the Father to be more God than the Son and Spirit, which can lead to heresies like Eternal Subordination.

[G Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this little Trilogy by Wright... Chris Wright is immanently accessible and thoroughly edifying... Good Stuff... all three volumes are helpful and do have good things to say by way of Old Testament studies, Trinitarian studies as well as for devotional or doxological purposes... Kuddos to Mr. Wright!

[Maer]

To-Read

[Christopher Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing