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Reading Backwards: An Inner-Biblical Interpretation of The Bible

that ‘the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead indwells us’ (p. 53). In turn, these communities of the Spirit, were ‘new, just communities’, contrasting with the oppression and hierarchies of Roman society, and challenging us to live out justice in our own present day (p. 74-77). Notably, Burnett prefers to translate dikaiosuné as ‘justice’ rather than ‘righteousness’ (p. 73-74). He contends that Paul wants Christ-followers themselves to become the justice of God in the world (2 Corinthians 5:21), in their calling to become God’s image. This orientation towards God’s kingdom takes place through the spirit (p. 75-6), is profoundly connected with peace (p. 80), and should influence our practices towards the poor (p. 98). In contrast to the ‘hyperindividualism’ of present times (p. 124), by coming together in love ‘we truly can be the body of Christ at work in the world’ (p. 131). This is primarily a popular book, but Burnett states that Paul wrote thirteen letters to be found within the New Testament (p. 11). This would not be accepted by many contemporary academics. Additionally, the recurring theme of Christian exceptionalism, in terms of both morality and ethical practice, raised some question marks in this reviewer’s mind. Generally, the author discusses subject-matter long-associated with Paul, although he does see Paul’s world as having ‘fallen in thrall to sinister cosmic powers, which oppose God’s purposes’, including ‘Sin’ (p. 61). Bridging academia and the practice of Christian life, this is a type of book that it would be wonderful to encounter more often. It is extremely wellwritten, by a lucid and candid author who is clearly deeply immersed in both the relevant scholarship and in the path of following Christ. It is an accomplished overview, but is also highly thought-provoking. As such, it is a very valuable contribution, and is potentially of considerable practical use.