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Book Review: Walking God's Earth: The Environment and Catholic Faith

157 onomy is described as a “constitution for guiding Israel’s relationship with God” that echoes the ancient Near Eastern treaty (pp. 141–43). The judges’ narratives are identified as a downward spiral of disobedience (p. 189). The chronology of Edwin Thiele is used to date the divided monarchy (p. 224). Ironically, minimal attention is given to several significant kings (e.g., Josiah). Both Jonah and Joel lived during the pre-exilic period (pp. 294–95, 299). The story of Job, like that of Jonah, contains history, not metaphor/symbolism. The books of Proverbs and Song of Solomon are the works of Solomon. Ironically, both the books of Ecclesiastes and Daniel are possibly the works of other people/editors (pp. 382, 408). As stated above, the authors of the book desire to introduce readers to a unique approach to the Old Testament. The authors are successful in some areas and unsuccessful in others. Focusing on the meta-narratives (i.e., the overarching themes) in the Old Testament and making thematic connections to the New Testament will certainly aid Christian readers. The numerous charts are an invaluable resource for laity and professionals alike. As a professor, I am constantly encouraging my students to summarize the biblical books into concise, single sentences. The writers of the book provide readers with this exact concept in “Appendix 4.” The book is unsuccessful because of the writers’ avoidance of the history of Israelite religion and theology(ies) of the Hebrew Bible. Many Old Testament scholars would argue the authors of the Old Testament cared greatly about Israel’s religion in light of her surrounding neighbors (e.g., Yhwh versus Egyptian gods in Exodus 7–11). Thus, many scholars in the larger field of Old Testament studies—including some evangelicals—will find this volume unsuitable for an introductory course at the collegiate/ seminary level. A second shortcoming is the constant explication toward the sovereignty of God (i.e., a classic tenet of systematic theology) when analyzing difficult texts (e.g., the hardening of the Pharaoh’s heart and understanding the demise of Job). The last glaring omission is a scriptural index. There are literally hundreds of biblical references, many of which are from the New Testament. A scriptural index would greatly heighten the value of the work. Overall, the writers do provide readers with some helpful intertextual connections between the testaments. Caution, however, must be given about reading the New Testament into the Old. In the end, the eye of the beholder will determine the overall success of the book. Personally, I feel that the title of the book is somewhat misleading since it provides only one of many portraits of what the authors of the Old Testament possibly cared about. Jeffrey G. Audirsch Shorter University Rome, GA 30165