The Old Testament and the Significance of Jesus

Evangelical Quarterly "Notable for its positive use of both conservative-evangelical and broader approaches to the Old Testament. The eirenic approach to the topic offers a commendable example of how dialogue should be conducted."Theology Today "The author has written a timely book on a matter of great significance. His chief purpose is to make us sensitive to the essential connections between Judaism and Christianity, particularly in the formative period but also today. The chief virtues of the treatment are outstanding clarity, good judgment, sensitive and persuasive exegesis, and attention to the problems inherent in any discussion of this sort. . . We are in Professor Holmgren's debt for the presentation of a very readable argument. The book can be used by a wide audience. It is a positive contribution to the discussions of Jewish-Christian exegesis and figural reading now taking place."Review & Expositor "All ministers should read this book. For the sake of the integrity of the church's mission and witness, Christian theology, proclamation, and practice must rediscover the importance and validity of the Hebrew Bible. Holmgren opens the door to this rediscovery."The Expository Times "This book serves as a clearly written and well-ordered introduction to the points of dispute in the field under review. Every chapter begins with a synopsis of its contents and ends with concluding remarks. It should prove to be a useful volume for discussion groups in colleges and churches alike."Walter Harrelson in Interpretation "Holmgren presents a thoughtful and sensitive exegetical study of texts and ideas in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament that have served to damage relations between Jewish and Christian communities through the centuries. . . The author carefully reviews a wide body of literature, Jewish and Christian in particular, and then clearly states his own judgments. His conclusions are sane, temperate, and widely useful. The book contributes distinctively to the ongoing dialogue between Jewish and Christian groups and individuals."Catholic Biblical Quarterly "Fredrick Holmgren's book reawakens our imaginations to new readings of the Bible. He draws on the contributions of scholars from many traditions and presents alternative interpretations of key texts which have shaped the Christian understanding of the OT. . . Holmgren's approach is both balanced and provocative. Even as he stretches our thinking, he stands firmly in his Christian identity. . . A single chapter from this book could easily be used to inform and challenge group discussion in seminaries, college classes, or parochial education. This book is an excellent tool by which to pull our imaginations out of the ruts in which they have run for all too long."