Values in European Thought. Volume I by Fritz Joachim von Rintelen (review)

BOOK REVIEWS 411 Values in European Thought. Volume I. By FRITZ JoACHIM VON RINTELEN . Pamplona: Editiones Universidad de Navarra, 197~. Pp. 565. $8.50. This is the author's 193~ Der Wertgedanke in der Europiiiachen Geiatesentwicklung with an effort at updating the notes through the mid-sixties. Although it covers only the classical and medieval periods, the author feels its English translation is appropriate at this time given present concern with value theory. Yet here perhaps is the difficulty. Kluckholm and others agree, that the contemporary discussion of value dates back only a century and a half. Attempting to read it into the whole of the Western tradition, with whatever disclaimers, is to make dichotomies unknown to the thinkers under consideration; it is casual poking at a haystack. The result is so general that we can conclude ethical thought has .always been a concern of our tradition, but little more. The .author's attempt to integrate Eastern thought into his perspective does give the survey an interest for today it would otherwise lack. The Pen1181Jlvania State University University Park, Pa. JoHN B. DAvis, 0. P. Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. By J. BALDWIN. Downer's Grove, TIL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1972. Pp. 253. $5.95. This is a highly useful commentary on three prophets about whom the pertinent literature is widely scattered. Dr. Baldwin has gathered and considered 'this literature and so has presented a useful source reference, but she, has done more than that. Her introductions have given the plausible backgrounds to these prophetic writings, and here Dr. Baldwin displays a mastery which would make the average reader wish space requirements had not been so limiting to her exposition. Her investigation into the theological significance of the temple and messianic hopes stimulates without satisfying entirely. Generally, however, rather ample footnote references suggest paths of further study. Her wide range of scholarship is evidenced by both the scope and judicious selection of reference material. She is fair-minded in her evaluating of differing views and, one may say, ecumenical in her spectrum .of consideration. All Scripture scholars will not agree with all her decisions, but, at least, they can know the historical setting she deems likely for the prophecies and some of the reasons for the positions she takes. The work does not get bogged down in excessive technicalities, ...