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Very good introduction

Customer Rating:

This was one of two textbooks for my seminary New Testament Introduction course. The book's writing is fluid, succinct and easy to follow. Dr. Fiensy is the Director of Graduate Programs of Kentucky Christian University. As with introductions of this type, the book does not cover the theology of the New Testament as much as the overall issues with each book, such as authorship, dating, purpose and audience. Granted, much theology is discussed in this, it is not the focus of this book. Dr. Fiensy begins with a discussion of the Intertestamental period beginning with the Ptolemies and working through the Herodian rulers. He does not get into significant detail, but gives resources for one to follow up on with further study. From there, Fiensy discusses the synoptic problem and and applicable biblical criticism. His writing shows the benefits and the overreaching aspects of these criticisms. Then, each book is taken individually, discussing the authorship issues covering the significant views, dating, historical/social/political aspects influencing th writing, audience, purpose and general themes. The last, 12th, chapter gives a brief introduction of canonical studies. Three indices round out the book: an index of non-Scriptural resources, a subject index and an index of Scripture. The writing hails from a conservative evangelical focus, but deals evenly with different views. The text is a good beginning point for study, but other sources must be used for more in depth investigation. This is a superb introductory text to the subject, and is a worthy and reliable resource.

A Great Research Tool	Customer Rating:
This is a "must have" for anyone studying the New Testament. Dr. Fiensy provides the reader with background information that is very useful in studying the books of the New Testament. Unlike other scholars, Fiensy writes on a level for the "average" reader to understand. This has been a very helpful resource for my studies.