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Exodus recounts the origins of ancient Israel, but it is also a book of religious symbols. How should it be interpreted, especially in light of modern historical-critical study? In this addition to an acclaimed series, a respected scholar offers a theological reading of Exodus that highlights Aquinas's interpretations of the text. As with other volumes in the series, this commentary is ideal for those called to ministry, serving as a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups.
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2016
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About the author
Thomas Joseph White
35 books62 followersFather Thomas Joseph White, O.P. is rector of the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the “Angelicum”). Fr. White is an expert in Thomistic metaphysics, Christology and Roman Catholic-Reformed ecumenical dialogue. Fr. White converted to Catholicism at age 22, while studying at Brown University.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 31, 2017
I previously read R. R. Reno's Genesis volume in the Brazos Theological Commentary series, and as evident in my two-star review, was not a huge fan. So I picked up this Exodus volume by Thomas Joseph White with some nervousness.
Fortunately, it was excellent. Father White is a well-regarded Thomistic scholar, and his commentary focuses on theological issues as well as the current state of scholarship regarding the historicity of the events recited in Exodus and other non-theological issues. He pursues the same linear format as Reno (starting at Exodus 1 and commenting through to Exodus 40), but he does so in a much more organized fashion with much less repetition. Part of that is no doubt because Exodus is less cyclical than Genesis.
This is a very in-depth commentary. Each chapter, and often individual verses, of Exodus are analyzed across several pages that explore the traditional Thomistic senses of the literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical. While Fr. White always explains the ultimate Church teaching about an issue, he is careful to present competing strands of thought. This was particularly interesting for me in his discussion of various theories regarding the composition and redaction of Exodus, and the underlying historical basis for everything from the Exodus itself to the construction of the Tabernacle.
Highly recommended for someone interested in a detailed overview of Exodus from the Catholic perspective.
Fortunately, it was excellent. Father White is a well-regarded Thomistic scholar, and his commentary focuses on theological issues as well as the current state of scholarship regarding the historicity of the events recited in Exodus and other non-theological issues. He pursues the same linear format as Reno (starting at Exodus 1 and commenting through to Exodus 40), but he does so in a much more organized fashion with much less repetition. Part of that is no doubt because Exodus is less cyclical than Genesis.
This is a very in-depth commentary. Each chapter, and often individual verses, of Exodus are analyzed across several pages that explore the traditional Thomistic senses of the literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical. While Fr. White always explains the ultimate Church teaching about an issue, he is careful to present competing strands of thought. This was particularly interesting for me in his discussion of various theories regarding the composition and redaction of Exodus, and the underlying historical basis for everything from the Exodus itself to the construction of the Tabernacle.
Highly recommended for someone interested in a detailed overview of Exodus from the Catholic perspective.
October 13, 2018
I appreciated this book and much of it was helpful in teaching Exodus in a classroom setting.
However, I did not like a few passages here and there where the theologian viewed everything in 'light of Christ'. At one point he even seemed to declare the Covenant with Moses to be imperfect and not valid.
I do not believe or accept this. CCC781 states... "[God] therefore chose the Israelite race to be his own people and established a covenant with it". We believe, that even today, the Jews are still God's chosen people and their covenant is most assuredly true and correctly established.
Grace is a gift, and to be evangelized and able to embrace Jesus as the Son of God is most assuredly our way to salvation, but this does not make the Covenant with Moses incorrect, ineffectual or 'past'.
Faith builds to Salvation, and for individuals and peoples this will happen at the pace possible and fore-ordained by God.
However, I did not like a few passages here and there where the theologian viewed everything in 'light of Christ'. At one point he even seemed to declare the Covenant with Moses to be imperfect and not valid.
I do not believe or accept this. CCC781 states... "[God] therefore chose the Israelite race to be his own people and established a covenant with it". We believe, that even today, the Jews are still God's chosen people and their covenant is most assuredly true and correctly established.
Grace is a gift, and to be evangelized and able to embrace Jesus as the Son of God is most assuredly our way to salvation, but this does not make the Covenant with Moses incorrect, ineffectual or 'past'.
Faith builds to Salvation, and for individuals and peoples this will happen at the pace possible and fore-ordained by God.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews