New Testament Theology: Extending the Table

Synopsis: New Testament theology ought to be both descriptive and constructive-this is the argument of New Testament Theology: Extending the Table. According to Isaak New Testament theology is descriptive in that it deals with the accounts that people narrate of their experience with Yahweh the God of Israel in the light of Easter. It is constructive in that it joins the diverse testimonies of the New Testament writers into a textured and thick space within which contemporary followers of Jesus continue to be shaped by the ancient yet living Spirit of God. Isaaks approach is historical thematic and theological in orientation. It explores the conversation taking place around the table where the writers of the NT share their guiding vision of Gods saving work among them and their passion for the Christian church engaged in Gods mission. The differing perspectives of the New Testament authors are held together without reduction forming a deep and rich space within which ongoing community reflection and praxis can take place. Endorsements: Isaaks model is an invigorating invitation to an ongoing conversation about Gods activity in the world. We sit at a table with the NT writers figures throughout history and our own contemporaries. This is an intense rewarding and necessary discussion. Isaak is an adept moderator as we join others at the table. --Greg A. Camp Director of Biblical and Religious Studies Fresno Pacific University Isaaks approach of listening to a biblical conversation is particularly accessible and engaging and brings the NT writers texts to life in a unique way. It addresses the realities of contemporary questions with a firm grip on the biblical text and orthodoxy. It also allows the text to function authoritatively while calling for the dynamics of the community hermeneutic valued in the Anabaptist movement. --David Wiebe Executive Director Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches Jon Isaaks New Testament Theology is a fine introduction to the thought of the writings of the New Testament and to the larger themes that run through these writings. The book helpfully points out the diversity and unity of theology within the New Testament. Isaak offers a rich menu at the table. Some readers will be enriched by it others may suffer indigestion. --John Toews Professor Emeritus of New Testament Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary With scintillating style Jon Isaak sets forth a rigorously descriptive and constructive New Testament Theology from an Anabaptist-evangelical Christian perspective. Using Cairds metaphor of a conference table Isaak listens sensitively to the various historical-theological witnesses represented in the writings of the NT. Insightful diagrams tables and exercises focus the issues engaging the participants in conference table talk. I heartily recommend this fresh approach for classroom group study and personal enrichment. --V. George Shillington Professor Emeritus of Biblical and Theological Studies Canadian Mennonite University Finally a robust New Testament theology that remains accessible to the non-specialist. Isaak offers a way forward in this sometimes-beleaguered discipline eschewing narrow polemics and engaging polarizing topics both conversationally and respectfully. He remains self-aware of his theological and critical perspectives but acknowledges there are other valid receptions and interpretive frameworks an approach welcome in the context of theologically diverse classrooms. --Michael J. Gilmour Associate Professor of New Testament Providence College (Canada) Author Biography: Jon M. Isaak has served the Mennonite Brethren Church as missionary and professor since 1987. In Fresno California he has taught New Testament Studies at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary and Fresno Pacific University. He is author of God Is One and God Is Fair: Studies in Pauls Letter to the Romans (2006).