In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

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, 412 BOOK REVIEWS though research references are given to satisfy the speci!tlist without wearying the reader who seeks a more intelligent appreciation of these three biblical prophecies. Theologians especially should find this volume of assistance for, as Dr. Wiseman remarked in his general preface, " ...the author of this commentary has shown that it is possible to make a book of the Bible-:--often little read and studied outside a few well-known passages-stand out afresh in its historical and prophetic setting, yet with meaning, relevance, and application for the serious reader today. " Even an extremely long review would not suffice to illustrate Dr. Wiseman's opinion fully; only a reading of the work itself would convey these nuances of scholarship. Dominican House of Studies Washington, D. C. ALAN SMITH, o. p. Jesus And The Old Testament. By R. T. FRANCE. Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity Press, 1971. Pp. Q86. $9.95. Jesus' concept of his own identity and mission continues to preoccupy biblical exegetes, as this work illustrates. The approach of Prof. France is via Christ's use of Old Testament quotations: an approach which has not been thoroughly explored. Closely allied to this. issue is the question of the authenticity of sayings attributed by the Evangelists to Jesus. Limiting himself to the Synoptic Gospels, the author addresses his study to the solution of both problems by asking two questions: (I) Does Jesus' approach to the Old Testament represent an original line of development? and (Q) Did it form the model followed by the New Testament writers? His research leads him to an affirmative answer in each case. An examination of the text-form of the Old Testament quotations employed by Jesus occupies the first stage of this work. Rejecting the extreme skepticism of the followers of Bultmann, Dr. France concludes that there is no substantial evidence to be found in Christ...

pdf

Share