Brevard Childs, Biblical Theologian: For the Church's One Bible

by Daniel R. Driver

In pursuit of the oneness of scripture's scope, Brevard Childs (1923-2007) ranged across the Christian Bible, writing Introductions to the Old and New Testaments before attempting a landmark Biblical Theology of the same. For him the canon is a christological rule of faith, though perceiving the "family resemblance" in its historic formation and impress in the life of the church as well as, mysteriously, the synagogue, is always a great struggle. Yet Childs' argument for final form exegesis rose out of his form-critical Hermann Gunkel is a crucial antecedent. Childs' work has been much discussed, and in the wake of James Barr's criticism much misunderstood. Driver gives its total profile for the first time, from its background and controversy to its later development, analyzing all published titles and filling out this record with a number of previously unseen letters and papers.

Genres: Biography, Theology

328 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2010

About the author

Daniel R. Driver (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is associate dean and assistant professor of Old Testament at Tyndale University College in Toronto, Ontario. He coedited A Cloud of Witnesses: The Theology of Hebrews in Its Ancient Context and The Epistle to the Hebrews and Christian Theology.

Reviews

[Caleb Rolling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Driver presents an excellent critical rehearsal of Childs and his canonical approach. Anyone looking to engage a canonical approach must consult Driver.

[Sooho Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A most comprehensive, dissertation-esque, monograph on possibly the most influential and important biblical theologian of the 20th century: Brevard Childs. The man has written truck loads of monographs, dissertations, articles, lectures, and sermons--and Dr. Driver has meticulously compiled a thorough outline of the progression of Childs' thoughts and theological prolegomena. Though Childs has spent most of his academic life in an uphill battle, his contributions are far and deep--we are reaping the theological gravitas of his works. This theological and intellectual biography is an invaluable resource for those curious about canon, hermeneutics, and OT and NT relationship. But be forewarned: it is extremely dense, detailed, and, at times, frustrating (Driver quotes blocks of German text and the translations are in the endnotes).

(cf. www.sooholee.wordpress.com)