New Testament Theology: Basic Issues in the Current Debate

by Gerhard F. Hasel

Recent years have witnessed the publication of a vast amount of material on New Testament theology. Many theologians, unable to agree on the nature, function, method, and scope of this discipline, have offered their own interpretations of the subject. Unfortunately, this increasing variety of approaches has resulted in a tension and confusion among scholars and students. Gerhard Hasel addresses the situation with an in-depth discussion of the basic issues of the debate. He begins with a comprehensive survey of the emergence and development of New Testament theology over the last two centuries. From this overview he discerns various issues which have led to the present state of crisis in this area of study. Professor Hasel examines the issues related to methodology, to the unity of the New Testament, and to the relationship between the New and the Old Testaments. He concludes with some basic proposals for doing theology with an historical and theological method which seeks to be faithful to the biblical material.

Genres: Theology

255 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 1978

Reviews

[Daniel Arter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I read this book as part of a PhD seminar in NT Theology.

NT Theology isn’t my primary focus of study (it’s not my field of expertise), so this book was particularly helpful for me as it provided an historical framework for the development of NT Theology as a discipline over several centuries. Of course, the book is older, so it isn’t as up-to-date as a scholar would prefer, but it was still worth the read just for the framework.

On another note, it’s dry. Hasel isn’t trying to entertain, he’s only trying to pass along information. So, it took me much longer to read the book than I expected.

[Timothy Decker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me 4 hours to read. Rather dry and boring, but a good entry into the foray. Due to its date (I know it can't be helped), I would give it 3.5 stars. But alas, there are no 1/2 points here. So I rounded down since it didn't really advance a theory into NT theology beyond very basic ideas.

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an exceedingly clear and concise overview of approaches to New Testament biblical theology. However, its usefulness is somewhat diminished by its age (1978).

[Marvin Bac]

I like this book because the author is my favorite, write clear and direct