Paul Rhodes Eddy

A must read for Christians on transgender issues

This book is incredibly helpful in mapping out the history, some biological/medical matters, and theological approaches to transgender questions. The introduction to the book, which frames and summaries this inta-Christian debate is worth the price alone. The authors representing the four positions are respectful towards one another, and present their positions well. The critiques offered by the interlocutors at the end of each chapter are show more fair, and avoid strawman arguments. I came away with a deeper recognition for the complexity of the issues related to transgenderism, both theologically (my field) and medically (not my field). Whatever one's position, this is not a matter to be quickly decided; careful thought is required. While I will leave it to the readers to decide for themselves which position they find most convincing, I will say that Strachan's position was probably weakened by his strong complementarian position, which tended to make him appear a bit tone deaf to the larger matters. This will make some of his possibly strong points less likely to be heard in the contemporary discussion. Overall, highly recommended book. show less

Gregory A. Boyd and Paul Rhodes Eddy co-authored "Lord or Legend?" for “critically minded laypeople” in hopes that their research would “provide a solid intellectual foundation” to their faith, and they are true to their mission. The book’s content is very academic in nature, covering two specific areas of study: 1) earliest religious beliefs and mythology and 2) the historical reliability of the Gospels in the Bible. This book was a challenging piece for me, and I consider myself show more to be a voracious and eclectic reader. Not only were the authors intellectual experts in their field—ancient historical veracity— but their vocabulary sprang from a veritable dictionary tucked away in each mind. More than once, I found myself re-reading a sentence to grasp its message.

Due to my Christian upbringing, I have seldom had cause to consider some of the arguments touted by naturalists, so Boyd and Eddy’s work was a trip into uncharted territory for me. Indeed, some of the opposing positions and interpretations of Jesus’ story were absolutely fascinating! For example, Boyd and Eddy tackle “The Discrepancies within and between the Gospels” with surprising integrity, bringing to light apparent contradictions I never knew existed.

The authors also weave a fascinating thread of Jewish history and religious customs throughout their analysis of the "Lord or Legend?" debate. And since their use of the historical-critical method closely studies topics such as oral tradition, textual reconstruction, and literary corroboration, the peppered anecdotes and authors’ personal insights help ease the cerebral focus of the text.

Because Boyd and Eddy so convincingly refute, or at least reasonably explain away, nearly every legend theorists’ argument, I was almost relieved to read their concession that the "Testimonium Flavianum" we have today is, in all probability, a reconstructed version of Josephus’s original. The authors had previously, however, established that Josephus, the single most important Jewish historian in ancient times, indisputably acknowledged Jesus’ very existence. So the slight allowance for the Christian interpolation in the "Testimonium Flavianum" does little to alleviate the authors’ unashamed (and valid!) bias.

"Lord or Legend?" is an invaluable volume for readers seeking intellectual, compelling arguments for and against the historical veracity of the Jesus story. Boyd and Eddy gave me a greater appreciation and understanding of the struggle some have for accepting Jesus as God, while deepening my own beliefs for accepting Jesus for Who He said He is. As they so eloquently put it, “No story could be imagined in which a lover sacrificed more for a beloved who deserved it less.” show less

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). When Paul wrote these words he seemed confident he had made himself clear. But for centuries the Pauline doctrine of justification has been a classic point of interpretation and debate in Christian exegesis and theology. And while in recent decades there have been moments of hopeful convergence among the various traditions of the Western church, the fine print often show more reveals more facets and distinctions than ever before.

This volume focuses on five views of justification and calls on representative proponents to set forth their case and then respond to each other. The five views are:

Traditional Reformed (Michael S. Horton)
Progressive Reformed (Michael F. Bird)
New Perspective (James D. G. Dunn)
Deification, or Theosis (Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen)
Roman Catholic (Gerald O’Collins and Oliver Rafferty)
In addition, editors James Beilby, Paul R. Eddy, and Steven E. Enderlein provide an extensive introduction to the issues informing this important debate. This distinguished forum of biblical interpreters and theologians offers a lively and informative engagement with the biblical, historical and contemporary understandings of justification. Justification: Five Views is not only a fascinating probe into Paul’s meaning, it’s also a case book in theological method.

Logos Bible Software dramatically improves the value of Justification: Five Views by enabling you to find what you’re looking for with unparalleled speed and precision. The Logos edition is fully searchable and easily accessible. Scripture passages link directly to your preferred English translation and to the original language texts, and important theological concepts link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of resources in your digital library. show less

I tend to approach my theology the same way that I approach my politics—both areas require thought that don't fall well into one camp or another. This book is an interesting look into varied theological beliefs shared by Christ followers from various backgrounds.

The summaries are quite simplistic due to space allowed but they do generate thought. Most evangelicals will find the theological strand they follow and get an opportunity to read about, scoff at, and dismiss theological show more viewpoints of the less enlightened.

It is a perfect book for those that want to broaden their understanding of their fellow believers, and also, for those looking to further alienate themselves from their redeemed siblings. show less