New Light from Old Stories: The Hebrew Scriptures for Today's World

by Leslie J. Hoppe OFM

The stories in the Bible are not history―at least not in the modern sense. They are however important vehicles for theology and it was through the medium of the story that the biblical writers articulated their religious beliefs. In our own lives stories are our first teachers, and stories continue to fascinate, educate, and influence us in our adult years as well. New Light from Old Stories provides Catholic readers with a clear understanding of the value and relevance of Old Testament narratives. It groups representative samples of these stories in six Beginnings, Moses and the Exodus, Brothers, Kings, and Prophets. The author's goal is to show how these "old" stories shed light on the values, concerns, challenges, and ideals of Christians today. Readers will see models that show how they can find "light and life" in these Old Testament stories. Leslie Hoppe has written a work focuses on the theology of the Old Testament, but not from the perspective of ancient Israel and early Judaism. Rather, he attempts to show how the theological values underscored in stories from the Old Testament remain relevant for Christian, and particularly Roman Catholic, life today. New Light From Old Stories will make an excellent secondary text in college-level and seminary-level courses on biblical narratives, hermeneutics, the Old Testament for preaching, and Old Testament theology―particularly in a Roman Catholic setting. It will aid instructors in making clear the pastoral, practical implications of what their students are studying. It will also make a useful resource in parish (adult) Bible studies. It offers models of how Catholic can appropriate the Old Testament in today's ecclesial and cultural context. †

208 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[David Szatkowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I intentionally read this book (very) slowly. I used it for my theological and spiritual reading, so I only read a few pages at a time. Which was, for me, a good way to enjoy the book as well as re-reading the relevant sections of the Bible as necessary. It was a wonderful way to get back in touch with a theology that still speaks and challenges today. Also, given that I had Hoppe as a professor, it was good to hear his wisdom again.

[Micah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, although unspectacular, offers often helpful interpretations of numerous stories from the Hebrew Scriptures which achieve the author's goal of adding relevant, modern insights to these ancient stories. The book is certainly an easy read and not meant for the more advanced biblical scholar, but one who wants to glean more from the Hebrew Scriptures would do well to read this book. It should make one think and be a rewarding text as long as one isn't expecting too much.