Clash of Visions: Populism and Elitism in New Testament Theology

by Robert W. Yarbrough

Each year thousands die for the Jesus they read about in the Bible. At the same time scholars worldwide reject central truths of the Book. Here is an analysis of two contrasting approaches to biblical interpretation: one which has encouraged many to abandon the Christian heritage, the other which has informed the largest numeric increase of professing Christians in world history in recent generations and which is projected to continue.

Genres: Politics, Theology

128 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2019

Reviews

[Jeremy Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book on dealing with the pressure that critical scholarship can put on anyone who believes the Bible is the word of God.

Read for Pastoral, General Epistles, and Revelation at CTS.

[Brad Hough · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 // Helpful and unexpectedly hopeful. Yarbrough lays out the current reality of elitism that permeates biblical study at an academic level, in particular as it is embodied by historical criticism, which takes a generally dismissive and/or suspicious view of what the Bible actually purports to be true, and instead assumes that only when we reject anything supernatural can we get to the “real” message of the Bible. Yarbrough expertly (if briefly) examines why this falls flat. He contrasts this with the growing populist movement, a label he uses to describe those who understand the Bible to be the very Word of God and allow it to work transformationally in their lives and study.

Yarbrough paints with a bit of a broad brush, and his tone can veer into something approaching disdain, of which the elitist camp is itself guilty. But his arguments are solid, and important to consider. And his question of whether rapprochement between elitism and populism is even relevant in light of those who are ready to die for their faith helps put some things into perspective.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Examines the division between critical-academic and believing attitudes toward the Bible. Argues that the Western world's mind is dominated by skepticism and cultural agendas in Biblical studies. Christian practice the world over, by contrast, engages in Bible study in order to strengthen faith. Presents some specific examples of how these contrasting attitudes work out. This short book provides a helpful framework for understanding the current state of Bible study. Includes a critique of the rise of Higher Criticism in New Testament studies.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging case for standing firm in biblical faith in solidarity with a world full of the faithful. Dr Sydney Park’s testimony in the appendix is worth the price of this little book.

[Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some of my thoughts on this book: https://cbs.mbts.edu/2019/09/06/book-...

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is short, but an expert look at the difference between "populism" (that which is believed about Scripture by the vast majority of believers around the world) and "elitism" (that which is proffered by academia and its critical school) in biblical studies. And I do mean "expert"--I don't know anyone who combines exegetical exactitude and a deep grasp of 200 years of the history of interpretation like Yarbrough does. I would recommend any of his commentaries, and do so highly. This quick book might only interest those in the throes of modern scholarship, but it is incisive while also hopeful.

[Phil Cotnoir · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful introduction and summary of the big themes surrounding New Testament Theology as an academic discipline. I think the author is largely right, and demonstrably so.

That being said, I remain ambivalent about the usefulness of the 'populist' and 'elitist' categories. Further, there was some weak writing at some moments in the book.

I would happily hand this to someone starting to study academic theology.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author has some grave concerns about Christian biblical scholarship, but, having read the book, I can't say I'm clear on the nature of the problem. He seems to be writing about the liberal mainline types who don't believe in anything supernatural, but his main point appears to be the views of these individuals are not that of the majority of Christians - a point that seems fairly obvious. So is his concern that they are nonetheless achieving some degree of influence among biblical churches or in evangelical seminaries? I really can't tell. He does not articulate the impact, if any, on evangelical churches - in America or abroad.

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief book on the two postures people often take towards the scriptures. The guild view or the "elitist" and the faith view or the "populist." I found this book to be encouraging.

[Lucas Blackwell]

Helpful and concise