Synopsis: The Former Prophets of the Hebrew Bible includes the
books of Joshua through 2 Kings, a narrative of ancient Israel's
history of some seven hundred years from the "conquest" of Canaan
to the exile, when Israel lost the land. From a critical
perspective the narrative is a composite document incorporating
many different literary sources from different times; seen as a
whole, the result is a compelling example of ancient historiography
as well as an impressive artistic achievement. Included are
fascinating (and often horrifying) stories of war, religious
fanaticism, terror, and disaster, as well as stories of deep
personal loyalty, friendship, and faith. Many characters in the
books of The Former Prophets are at once virtuous and villainous,
such as King David: slayer of giants, writer of therapeutic songs,
and builder of empire, who is also a permissive parent, a rapist,
an adulterer, and a murderer. The books of the Former Prophets
feature a witch who is far from wicked, and a religious reformer
who slaughters the unorthodox. Even God makes an appearance as an
evil spirit Not only have such vivid personages inspired works of
art and motivated groups, including the Pilgrims, who came to
America to found communities like New Canaan. The Former Prophets
also present parallels--often uncomfortable ones--to events in our
own history from ethnic cleansing to tyrannical oppression. Yet the
Former Prophets also picture the dream of a just and peaceful
community that has motivated people of goodwill for thousands of
years. Through it all the Former Prophets raise perennial
questions: What is the relationship between divine sovereignty and
human political institutions? How does a culture identify
"insiders" and "outsiders"? In what sense are historical events the
result of human acts and also of divine Providence? How does a
nation come to terms with its failures as well as its triumphs?
Endorsements: "Having retold the first part of the Bible's story of
ancient Israel in his acclaimed The Book of the Torah, Thomas Mann
now presents the second half with critical and theological acumen.
The difficult themes and pictures are not glossed over, but Mann's
rich interpretive retelling opens up avenues into a contemporary
appropriation of this story, on which, for better or for worse, the
Christian community is grounded." --Patrick D. Miller Princeton
Theological Seminary, Emeritus "An amazing achievement. Lucidly,
with illuminating parallels from modern times, Mann guides us
superbly through vast terrain. He keeps the big picture always in
view, yet has an unerring eye for the telling detail. He concisely
explains disparate sources and historical background. But always
the story, with its rich cast of characters, takes pride of place.
We see complexities and ambiguities in narratives fraught with
violence and we confront the challenges they present today's
reader. The final chapter, deeply thoughtful, critical, and
constructive, lays out paths to better understand this great
theological history as a work of theodicy, the struggle to
comprehend God's ways in a calamitous world. In Mann's book, the
ancient work has an excellent modern companion." --David M. Gunn
Texas Christian University Author Biography: Thomas W. Mann has
taught religious studies at the college, seminary, and doctoral
levels and served as a parish minister in the United Church of
Christ. He is the author of The Book of the Torah (1988), to which
this book is a sequel.
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