I’m so glad to see a level headed Protestant review of Dr. Hahn’s book. I’ve been a fan of Scott for nearly 5 years. He opened the covenant relationship between God and man more than anyone I know. He really has a great handle on it. I look forward to reading this book. Scott is one of several leading the way to great reform in the Catholic church for which we can be thankful. He’s a profound believer and writer.
Thank you Scott for adding another Scott to look at on your blog.

Richard: you mean thank-you “Wuntie Scot” for adding another “Tootie Scott” to look at.

Scot, Good idea for a book notes addition to Jesus Creed, although part of me goes ‘Oh no, another book I should read. And how does Scot find the time?’
[Nice photo Trinity College Dublin's library btw. The Book of Kells used to sit in a glass case in the middle. Now downstairs in a special exhibition]

So Scot, do you think Brian McLaren and N.T. Wright get it wrong with their emphasis on empire in the New Testament context?

Ya caught me Mike. I forgot to drop my “T” when I switched to the double “T’s”. It’s like my last name. I can’t tell you how many letters to Mr. Olsen addressed to Mr. Olesson, Olessen, Ohlssen, Ohlesson, Olson etc etc.
And Patrick..I’ve asked myself the same question. How can Sco(tt) read so many books. Then I got the answer. He’s paid to read. Now if only I can land a job like that. (It helps to be a PERfessor too. or is that Purrfessor for a guy who is a cool cat)

John M, I think both overemphasize a theme. There is no doubt that if Jesus is Lord, Caesar is not. To read that into all instances, or many or most instances of the word “Lord,” is to read into the text too much. The only times Paul mentions Rome he says positive things. The anti-imperial theme does come up in Acts 17.
The new book by Seyoon Kim, not to mention John Barclay’s lecture response to Tom, put a test to the anti-imperial readings of folks like Dick Horsley and others … and I also think there’s more than a little anti-Bush in all of this … I could go on.

In the publishers recomendation for the book they says: “This thoughtful and passionate study should help break down the walls between Christianity and other religious traditions.”
How is that articulated in the book? I am a little surprised if this is a correct description of LT Johnson’s view (and then even of your recommendation of it )..

Thanks Scot. As in most things, blance and nuance are needful. I won’t say more becuase I will be in over my head!

Thanks, Scot. This is an excellent idea and I look forward to future posts like this.