Abstract
The Bible in the Contemporary World collects fourteen essays written by Richard Bauckham at various times in his prolific career, all of which relate the Bible to the contemporary world. Bauckham has long since established himself as one of today’s foremost biblical scholars. This collection reminds the reader that his expertise extends far beyond biblical texts and periods into the contemporary world. In addition to interpretations of multiple biblical texts and concepts, this book offers an ‘interpretation of the contemporary world’ (p. ix) that is sound, honest, engaging, and critical without claiming comprehensiveness (p. xii).
The essays included in this volume are ‘Reading Scripture as a Coherent Story’, ‘Are We Still Missing the Elephant? C. S. Lewis’s “Fernseed and Elephants” Half a Century On’, ‘Contemporary Western Culture—A Biblical-Christian Critique’, ‘The Bible and Globalization’, ‘Freedom and Belonging’, ‘Humans, Animals, and the Environment in Genesis 1–3’, ‘The Story of the Earth according to Paul’, ‘Ecological Hope in Crisis?’, ‘Creation—Divine and Human: An Old Testament Theological Perspective’, ‘God’s Embrace of Suffering’, ‘The Christian Way as Losing and Finding Self’, ‘The Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecy’, ‘Where Is Wisdom to Be Found? Christ and Wisdom in Colossians’, and ‘What is Truth?’
As a collection of previously written, unrelated essays, this book covers a wide range of topics, including culture, ecology, art, and interfaith dialogue. There is no correct reading order, rather, as Bauckham himself encourages (pp. xii–xiii), it is best to read the chapters in order of interest. As such, readers can jump straight into whatever discussion holds particular appeal to them without needing to first wade through chapters of literature review and methodology. Just as important, Bauckham avoids using technical language whenever possible, without sacrificing argumentation, so that his essays are accessible to as many readers as possible.
This small book is a treasure trove of knowledge from a formidable scholar. While it may appear a quick read, readers will likely find themselves pausing frequently to reflect upon Bauckham’s insights. For those who believe that the Bible has something to say to the contemporary world, this book will help discern its message.