Start saving: you'll want this for your library

I finished The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration (Fourth Edition, Oxford University Press: Oxford/New York), 2005, by Bruce M. Metzger* and Bart D. Ehrman* last night. From the beautiful cover, featuring "the frontpiece of the Gospel of John in the famous medieval Latin manuscript, in which the opening words ("In principio erat verbum...") are spelled out with intricate design" one is greeted with a true work of scholarship which introduces the student to text criticism and provides the seasoned scholar with a crucial resource for their library.

The book is divided into three intuitive parts. The first part is on the materials for textual criticism of the New Testament. Chapter one, labeled "The Making of Ancient Books" describes the background of paleography. The reader is presented with ancient writing practices with detail and clarity. Chapter two describes the important witnesses to the text of the New Testament. This is a crucial section for scholars, as it describes the history and content of the important witnesses. No doubt many know the infamous history of Sinaiticus, first re-discovered by Tischendorf. But where else does one find information on the sixth century Codex Sinopensis? As such this chapter is a vital addition for determining external evidence.

Part two tracks the history of the New Testament textual criticism as reflected in printed editions of the Greek testament. Here the authors have divided history into two parts, set in chapters three and four respectively: the pre-critical period, spanning from the autographs to the dominance of the Textus Receptus, and the modern critical period, starting with the work of Griesbach and continuing to the present.

Part three deals with the application of textual criticism. Chapter six describes the methods of textual critics after setting out basic assumptions of the science. Chapter seven describes the possible causes of error in the transmission of the text of the New Testament. This chapter serves as an excellent introduction to both unintentional changes and intentional changes. Chapter eight describes the history of the transmission of the text, and seeks to describe the rise of the different text types and evaluate them. As well the authors look at places of intentional changes within different manuscripts to describe the social history of early Christianity. Issues such as doctrinal disputes, Jewish-Christian relations, oppression of women, asceticism and others are discussed. Overall, being aware of these cultural interests is crucial when looking at different textual variants. The final chapter describes the practice of the text critic. It describes the artistic side of the scholar, describing that the student should begin, but never remain, with an emphasis on the external criteria. As the student grows and becomes more comfortable with exegesis, then they are encouraged to consider internal evidence as well. The chapter concludes with an extensive list of exemplary passages, describing the textual analysis performed upon them.

I cannot recommend this book enough for anyone who goes through a graduate program. The academic will benefit from years of reading, beginning with introduction to text criticism as a student of exegesis through their career as a scholar. The pastor will benefit from being able to give a reasoned argument to their flocks concerning the academic practices of their colleagues. After all, as we are all told in exegesis class, the first step of exegesis is to determine the text. This book is a valuable resource for that. The cost is well worth the investment.

I found this book much more helpful than Greenlee's, reviewed below. It was more expensive and higher level than the basic primer, but one feels like this is truly a handbook for graduate exegetes. I found myself recognizing the value as a resource that intends to be, and skimmed the longer descriptions of manuscripts and the final examples. These are definitely parts that I can return to when I need the information. As well the section on cultural influences on the transmission of the text, in particular the issue of introducing extra-orthodox material into the text, really interested me. No doubt such issues are not just academic issues. On the theological level we should consider them as well. Can we deny that there is elements of potential truth in them? But at the same time what do we do once we recognize a good manuscript such as Codex Bezae is riddled with seemingly anti-Jewish and anti-feminist readings? I can imagine any pastor struggling with these readings as they expound the passage to their congregations. As well I am looking into purchasing Erhman, Orthodox Corruption of Scripture. Although I disagree Ehrman theologically his work in this field cannot be questioned. My library will expand once again, and I encourage you as well to at least make room in yours and add this tome to your collection.

*Bruce M. Metzger was Professor Emeritus of New Testament Language and Literature at Princeton Theological Seminary. He is the author or editor of more than thirty books, including The New Revised Standard Version Bible with Apocrypha, Compact Edition (OUP, 2003), The Oxford Guides to the Bible Set (OUP, 2002), The Canon of the New Testament (OUP, 1997), and The Early Versions of the New Testament (OUP, 1977). Dr. Metzger passed away 13 February, 2007, shortly after his 93rd birthday. He was survived by his wife Isobel and two sons. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live forever.

*Bart D. Ehrman chairs the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An authority on the early Church and the life of Jesus, he is the author of numerous books, including Lost Christianities (OUP, 2003), Lost Scriptures (OUP, 2003), and The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings, Third Edition (OUP, 2003).

Preventive Care

President Obama is pushing this myth that preventive care will lower health care costs. One must wonder exactly why this talking point is being pushed so hard by people on both sides of the aisle, both Republicans and Democrats. As with most things, its because its most likely being funded by doctors and medical people.

You go in for a preventive check-up. You get tests run. Every person gets paid along the way. And because each person gets paid very well, the costs are high. Just because more people get more preventive check-ups does not mean that all those nurses and assistants get paid less. Equipment still costs money, and people with special training deserve just compensation. Good to know that Big Brother will decide exactly what people in the health care industry is worth.

And yet he has the audacity to say that the quantity of care is worse than the quality of care. One might remind him that this preventive care option is nothing but quantity of tests. And each step has to be paid out.

A decent TC primer

So I finished J. Harold Greenlee*, Introduction to New Testament Textual Criticism (Hendrickson: Mass.), 1995. My overall conclusion is that in a field which is extremely technical and so introductions and primers are rare, this tome fulfills its role.

The book is divided into 8 chapters with a concluding appendix of commonly used Latin terms. Although there is no thematic division of topics, the first three chapters can be considered introductory material. Chapter 1 lays out and defines textual criticism and its priority in NT studies. Chapter 2 deals with paleography, and so Greenlee gives a very good survey of the physical materials which were used in production of manuscripts and the manuscripts themselves. Chapter 3 explains the sources of NT texts such as the Greek manuscripts, versions and patristic quotations. Overall this section of the book shines as organizing the material for the lay person being introduced to text criticism for the first time.

The second topic covering another three chapters deals with the history of the text. Chapter 4 covers the transmission of the text from autograph to 1516. A section is dedicated to the collection of Byzantine texts under Emperor Constantine in the fourth century. As well Greenlee introduces the types of variants found in texts, such as different types of intentional and unintentional changes. Chapter 5 traces the history of the Textus Receptus, from 1516 to Westcott and Hort's decision to edit a critical text in 1882. Chapter 6 fulfills two roles. Firstly it fills out the age of the critical texts by looking at different authors. Secondly it is quite evident of Greenlee deals with modern arguments that seek to defend the Textus Receptus' priority over critical texts. In this hostility, Greenlee shows distinct bias against the Textus Receptus.

The third and final section I see within the book deals with practical use of textual criticism. Chapter 7 deals with reading an apparatus of a critical text. He describes the apparatus of several scholars, and so the book gets very technical as most students will only be familiar with either the United Bible Societies and Nestle-Aland's critical texts. As well Greenlee describes in more detail ways to recognize and explain textual variations. A majority of the chapter is devoted to solutions of some variants. Chapter 8 explains the process of collation and classification of manuscripts. I am unsure to what extent students will actually be involved in collation, so this section might be seen as a the final apex of a scholar's work. In this regard the introduction to this process seeks to encourage the student to pursue their career until this point. The book then concludes with an extremely helpful appendix of commonly used Latin terms and their meanings.

For all the benefits, there are some questions about the book that the reader should be cautious about. Firstly the reader is thrown in a large debate between the Textus Receptus and the critical texts. One wonders if Greenlee is preparing the student of text criticism to dialog with Textus Receptus proponents. Secondly the last two chapters are filled with multiple examples which become repetitive. In truth I started to skim the last few pages because the amount of needless examples.

Overall I enjoyed the book, despite it being a true introduction. At a pastoral level it is extremely helpful to help introduce text criticism to a congregation without too many specifics. For students it is a good introduction to the actual process, and so would be a good summer reading before an introduction to exegesis class.

*J. Harold Greenlee is professor of New Testament Greek, a missionary with OMS International, and an International Translation Consultant with Wycliffe Bible Translators. He is also the author of A Concise Exegetical Grammar of New Testament Greek.

To what end Federalism?

Blogger Althouse gives us a great review of a current court decision on the 2nd amendment, federalism, and Supreme Court precedent.

I personally agree with the court's reasoning, even if it scares me to do so. I cannot find fault that individual state's can impose laws that they see fit. To that extent, this includes laws on gun control. The example in the article of long arms vs. handguns is a reasonable, and logical hypothetical, despite my personal belief that all type of guns ought to be available. These are issues of federalism, which I normally enjoy and support. But I also believe that a person has a natural right of self-defense. Allow me to then say that while the 7th Circuit is right, it is also wrong.

What I think this comes down to is really an issue of what gun to ban and how that process is to be carried out. Now the 2nd Amendment has traditionally been applicable to self-defense, and Heller makes it clear that it is individual's right at that. Can we ignore an individual's right to bear arms for self-defense, or even circumvent that right by controlling certain types of guns that promote self-defense, on a state level? Stated another way, can either state or national government impose "[a]n obligation to avoid lethal self-defense" by restriction of arms? Obviously the national government can't. But my feeling is that if the national government protects an individual's right at this point, then the individual retains the right regardless of state imposition.

Stated another way, this is making something illegal on a state level which is considered legal on a national level. That does not fit. Can the state of Alabama restrict types of speech in a somewhat different way than the state of Minnesota by disallowing Mormon congregations? (Random I know.) Of course not. You cannot restrict individual rights at any level. While a state might set forth obligations to avoid lethal self-defense, I do not believe it can be added "at all costs." To that point then you run the risk of giving up your right to life, which most people would agree is a grievous act. Arms should be available to law-abiding citizens for self-defense; this is at all levels. In this case I think federalism has been invoked beyond its intended parameters. By doing so the court allows intrusion into individual liberty.

This is still something I struggle with, so these are just preliminary thoughts. I could see myself agreeing with the court's decision, but feel uneasy doing so. To that extent I think it necessary to tell why I feel uneasy. This is what I have.

Summer plans and update

So I guess I am beginning my summer reading/playing plans.

Games:

Star Ocean 2 (PSP)

Star Ocean 3 (PS2) with the missus

Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure (DS)

I first fell in love with the Star Ocean series with Star Ocean 3 about five years ago. I played through it, but my wife has not. Rhapsody just looks fun.

Books:

Exegetical Fallacies, D. A. Carson

Introduction to New Testament Textual Criticism, Greenlee

The Text of the New Testament, Metzger/Erhman

Studies in the Theory and Method of New Testament Textual Criticism, Epp/Fee

A Biblical History of Israel, Provan/Long/Longman

Paul: In Fresh Perspective, Wright

The Justification of God, Piper

The Future of Justification: A Response to N. T. Wright, Piper

Justification, Wright

Surprised By Hope, Wright

A good selection of materials I think. I bought all the above within the past 2 months, with the exception being Paul: In Fresh Perspective. After finishing the slim book on Exegetical Fallacies (a must read for any pastor, scholar, or lay teacher of the Bible), I hope to work my way through the text criticism materials. I already understand it, so my hope is to be able to explain text criticism properly to an audience that cares to listen.

I might save A Biblical History of Israel for last so that I can jump into the conversation between Piper and Wright. I've started each book, but have not completed any. My reasoning for reading in this order is obvious. Start with Wright's most current layout of his argument (Paul: In Fresh Perspective) and Piper's exegetical work on Romans 9-11. From there I can understand where both are coming from as they begin their dialogue. As always my hope is to understand Piper better. The Justification of God, and Wright's critique, seems to me a crucial point in how both men understand δικαισυνη θεου.

I'll note quickly that Wright, Justification, 49, says this about Piper, The Future of Justification (original emphases kept):

And as for Piper's insistence... that "the final court of appeal is the context of an author's own argument" (Piper, p. 61), I respond: Yes, absolutely; and that means taking Romans 3:21-4:25 seriously as a whole argument, and discovering the meaning of its key terms within that. It means taking Romans 9:30-10:13 seriously as a whole argument, and discovering within that why Paul makes the use of Deuteronomy 30 that he does, and how that helps us, precisely from within his own argument, to discover the meaning of his key terms. It means, as well and behind those two, taking Romans 2:17-3:8 seriously as part of a single train of thought and discovering the meaning of its key terms within that. And I note sadly, that in this book at least Piper never deals with any of those great arguments, but contents himself with picking piecemeal at verses here and there. Almost anything can be proved that way.

When I first picked up Wright's response and read this passage my mind was blown. This is a dagger into the heart of Piper right away, and my motivation for needing to understand Piper better. To my knowledge Piper has never produced a exegetical commentary on the whole of Romans. In this regard he lags behind Wright's commentary on Romans in the The New Interpreter's Bible commentary series. If anyone knows if Piper has done an exegetical commentary on Romans, please let me know as I might invest in it for sake of comparison.

The final two books to be discussed are A Biblical History of Israel and the other Wright book. Biblical History has two of my former Regent professors as authors: Provan and Long. The book seeks to bring a true canonical approach to the Old Testament, something that is rarely seen in OT studies. I know straight from the sages' mouths that it is a book heavily criticized in the Academy. This actually makes me determined to read it more, since the Academy is hostile to most canonical readings of the text in the first place. The last book, Surprised by Hope, again contrasts between series academic work for me and practical theological reading. It is the book that I hope to end my vast summer reading work on, as will become apparent.

Oh yes, you read that last comment correctly. To further discussion, and practice remembering what I read, I will start up the old system of blogging on what I read. I hope to get through a book every 2 weeks. So perhaps a chapter or two every couple days. Check back for updates.

So will be slowing my down? A lot unfortunately. I have two papers to finish and send in to Regent before July. One is the literary artistry within Daniel 1-6, and the other is the identification of the four beasts in Daniel. Russia, Egypt, Iran, and China right?

So if you haven't heard, I really enjoyed my Daniel class. Not only did we critique Hal Lindsey's (pretty much this generation's model for apocalyptic "prophecy") method of interpretation the first day, but Dr. Provan was able to articulate a position which explains the purpose of the books of Daniel and Revelation. Both books use specific historical circumstances as to describe how one should live within the world generally. Daniel, by using exilic stories in Babylon in 1-6 and then prophetic utterances in 7-12 about Greece, demonstrates how one should view the eventual destruction of all beastly empires. Revelation does the same thing, but places the setting under Rome. The problem in both the Academy and popular end-times authors such as Hal Lindsey and the Left Behind series is that they begin with the assumption that the specific characters in each book must line up as specific events/people/kingdoms once we get to descriptions of general beastly empires, even when the general beastly empires are described with as specific events/people/kingdoms. Confused yet? Good. The point of the book, as it were, is never to describe specifically the end of time or even the end of any specific beastly empire. Rather the book recognizes that beastly empires exist, and will continue to exist until the final Eschaton; Daniel and Revelation are therefore how to live under specific beastly empires with eyes to how to live under any general beastly empire. To that extent I cannot agree more and more. Just don't take the details as being the point of the book.

Back to summer plans... I will also (hopefully) be starting a Bible study this summer. Probably within the next two-three weeks. It will be on the Gospel of Mark. At my disposal I hope to bring in aspects of text criticism, source and redaction criticism, and intertestamentality. So instead of just "what does this pericope mean to us today?" or even a running commentary on the text, I hope to show the specific nature of Mark and then draw conclusions for what it means for us today. Basically, we're going to read what Mark wrote and try to find out what he intended to mean before we get to the practical theological understanding. Novel concept, huh? All I have to worry about is not coming off sounding like a preacher.

So what tools do I have at my disposal. You thought my shopping spree was over with the books, didn't you? Ha! Birthdays are awesome. I've had Baker's Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament for over a year now, and I'll be referencing Watt's commentary on Mark every step of the way. Yep, another Regent professor, and really the best article in the Commentary since its the most fleshed out of all the NT books. As well I have invested in two purchases for Accordance. The first is the Word Biblical Commentary set (all books except 1 Corinthians and Judges). The second is the IVP dictionary and commentary set. I'll just make a list:

IVP-Biblical Imagery

IVP-Biblical Theology

IVP-Jesus & Gospels

IVP-Later NT

IVP-NB Dictionary

IVP-NT Background

IVP-Paul & Letters

IVP-Pocket Dictionaries

IVP-Theology

IVP-Hard Sayings

IVP-NB Commentary

IVP-NT Commentary

IVP-OT Commentary

Yeah, both purchases (IVP and WBC) were about $500 total. Not each, total. Money very well spent.

So yeah, I'm very busy. I'll leave off with my ratings of summer movies I've seen so far and ones that I hope to see.

Dragonball Evolution: B

X-Men Origins: Wolverine: B

Terminator Salvation: B+/A- (would have been better without the trailers)

Star Trek: solid A (not sure if its better than Wrath of Khan, but a nice surprise from Abrams)

Funny People

Land of the Lost

G.I. Joe

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

Astroboy

And of course, last but really first in my heart and mind: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen