This is a well written, well researched and well referenced book that is also a good read. The Authors have done a good job in making a case for their argument, and have been gracious in how they have dealt with differing views. Note: sections of this book are quite graphic when it comes to warfare, violence, rape and torture. Those sensitive to such things be warned. It is not surprising that most of us will find that the Ancient World had horrific practices (sadly many of which still exist). I appreciated the thorough examination of Ancient Warfare Reporting as a genre that was common and well understood in the Ancient Near East. Many of the extra-biblical examples that they reference were ones I knew, but they were far more exhaustive - and nice to have this all in one place. I also applaud the handling and examination of the concept of hyperbole. I found that many of the arguments the authors make are akin to ones I have made over the past few decades, but they do it much better. I also appreciated that they address Greg Boyd’s approach, and seem to come to a similar conclusion as I did after reading his material. Whereas I though that Boyd ends up almost with an “Injustice doesn’t matter” and in doing this I feel makes Scripture less inspired. The authors of this book do not do this - in fact they handle this very matter of Injustice in their conclusion. I also appreciate that they are not claiming that the problem is solved - rather that the hermeneutic that they are proposing works better with OT + Gospels/Letters + Revelation. While probably not the best book for a young Christian (unless the are serious distraught by the topic), I would highly recommend this book for those who want to take the Old Testament seriously - especially the warfare side of things - but want to see how this fits in with being “all about Jesus”. Not saying all the answers are here, and you may disagree with some (or most!) of what the authors say - but it will be a worthwhile journey. Only downside I think was I had to go and download the appendices - I would much rather have had them included in the book - as they are quite useful!

I read my first 4 views (on the Millennium) back in the early 80s when this was a novel concept. These days there are a plethora of these books - and with series from different publishers even duplication. Given recent genetic and genealogical research, I though that this recent work looking at 4 views on the Historical Adam would be a worthwhile read. Given different views and the topic, I should point out my bias. I was a devout Young Earth Creationist in my youth but have been far more attracted to old Earth models for several decades. I would say that I like the work that C. John Collins has done on Genesis. While I do have a Science degree and a Teaching degree, my areas of expertise are Mathematics and Computer Science - I have read heavily in Physics - and I did study Microbiology and Organic Chemistry at University. I am also a pastor ;-) First let me say that all 4 views are well written and reasonably easy to read. The Non-Historical Adam was the hardest for me to consider as the author and I have significantly different views on Scripture - and his view on Scripture is essential for his argument. I did agree with him on some of his critiques of the articles from the other authors. The Mytho-Historical Adam was the only view written by an author I was familiar with - William Lane Craig. While I appreciated his consideration of genre, this came across more as a philosophical solution rather than one that cames to grips with the New Testament side of the hermeneutics involved. The Genealogical Adam did a better job at presenting a more consistent hermeneutics - but needs more work justifying the ethical side of “non-image humans”. If I had to pick one of the 4 I would probably pick this one - though there is many concerns that it introduces. The Recent Adam is a Young Earth Creationist approach. I was very pleasantly suprised at how much I enjoyed this author. I didn’t agree with him - but his graciousness and gentleness is to be applauded. My break with YEC was motivated by the lack of kindness in so many of the authors. (I have also struggled with this in those from other camps). He probably does the best theological argument of the 4. It seems that when it comes to the Biological side of things, and especially those the revolve around Evolution - it is an all or nothing situation. Where I seem to be free to question various aspects of Quantum Mechanics - this does not seem to be “allowed” when it comes to Evolution. With these views I seem to be being forces into an all or nothing when it comes to genetic modelling - and I did find that a bit disappointing. Would’ve been nice in the Afterword (which was quite good) to perhaps note some of the strengths and weaknesses of the scientific area that is causing this debate ;-)

Those addition to Luther’s Works is a larger volume than some (at over 500 pages) that contains theological writings from the latter part of his life. I am very grateful at CPH continuing to produce additional volumes (over the original 55 vols) so that we can read more of Luther in English - and these are good translations! When you have a collection of works like these - and you also take into consideration that they were not included in the original collection - it is not surprising that we encounter gems, those that are more mediocre and some that are “difficult”. The inclusion of Luther’s translation of several of Aesop’s fables was the highlight for me. The most difficult was “On the Shem Hamphorash”. Luther is always difficult to read when his anger takes too strong a hold, and especially when that anger is directed at the Jews. I think intro for this item was superbly done and very helpful for modern audiences. If you can make it through the “harsh” passages, you do discover quite a fascinating discussion on genealogies and in particular comparing Matthew’s and Luke’s genealogy of Jesus. You also get to see how Luther argues that the brothers of Jesus were his first cousins. As in previous volumes, the introduction to each item (and to the volume itself) are very informative and useful. I learn so much from them! For those who are interested in Luther and/or the Reformation this is a good volume to have - probably not a good place to start ;-)

Having been listening to Chad Bird and reading his articles and books, I was looking forward to reading this earlier autobiographical work. Like how the “heroes” in Genesis are portrayed, Chad pulls no punches when it comes to looking at the dark places he went - and like the aforementioned, he too discovered that our God descends into the depths we find ourselves - not once but repeatedly. Luther in the first of his 95 Theses talks about a life of repentance, and this book does a fine job of describing this. I read this after having read the author’s “Limping with God” (a look at the life of Jacob, and seeing all that Genesis has to say) is in many ways a worthy sequel to this fine book. So I would recommend reading this book prior to that one. However, they are independent enough that this is not essential :) While this has an autobiographical nature, it also has some well thought out theology. Plus I was very pleased to see quite a useful Reading List (Biography) included! I highly recommend this book for those of us involved in pastoral care, as well as to those who feel they’ve messed up so bad that they can never come back to church, let alone back to God. Though of course this is a fine book for all fellow Christians to read :)