The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry Into the Old Testament

by Sandra L. Richter

Book Overview

Does your knowledge of the Old Testament feel like a grab bag of people, books, events and ideas? How many times have you resolved to really understand the OT? To finally make sense of it?

Perhaps you are suffering from what Sandra Richter calls the "dysfunctional closet syndrome." If so, she has a solution. Like a home-organizing expert, she comes in and helps you straighten up your cluttered closet. Gives you hangers for facts. A timeline...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830825770
• ISBN13: 9780830825776
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Length: 263 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Awesome book!!

as a bible major, practically everything i learned in my courses is all in this one little book. It should be required reading for all Christian Schools...

The Old Testament actually makes sense now!

I attended Sandy Richter's seminar last spring. She is an amazing speaker, an intelligent and knowledgeable person, and a beautiful spirit. She presented the Old Testament like no one else, teaching about the history and society of that time and helping everyone see the recurring themes of love, mercy, grace, and redemption that existed long before Jesus came to earth to redeem his people. The Old Testament is no longer as daunting as it was before I took her seminar and read her book.

Enjoy this book

I love this book. It is organized around a metaphor of cleaning a closet. It makes the entire Old Testament clear and orients the reader in time, geography, culture, redemption, and relevance to today. I was given a copy, read it, and then went out and bought a handful to send off to friends. Unlike some books by scholars, it does not diminish one's faith--neither does it "dumb down" the scripture. Dr. Richter's book is a gift to all those who struggle with the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Old Testament. May God bless her and all who read this magnificent book. J. Matthew Sleeth M.D.

Incredible Historical Insight and Theological Clarity

As a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge, in history, I am both impressed and appreciative of Sandra Richter's (PhD Harvard) amazing ability to bring together theological insight, with historical contexts of the Ancient Near East. To be sure, your purchase of this book will not be a disappointment and could revolutionize your understanding of both the Old Testament and God's heilgeschichte. While this book would certainly be great to have as a seasoned student or teacher of the Bible, it is a certain must for students who are new to the Bible!

Outstanding and Accessible

This book captures over 20 years of study and teaching experience. The author's Harvard PhD and technical publications assure the reader of her expertise. A veteran of the classroom, pulpit, and popular conference venues, she understands the importance of communicating clearly and powerfully. The book almost effortlessly integrates the history of the ancient Near East, archaeological data, literary observations, a survey of the content of the OT, and an explicitly Christian interpretation that sees the OT in relationship to the NT without suppressing its distinctive witness. All of this is presented in a style that is engaging but not chatty, personal but not excessively autobiographical. This book would be an ideal text or collateral reading for an OT introduction at the college or seminary level. A serious church group wanting a meaty study of the Old Testament would find this volume an ideal resource. Anyone eager for a strategic grasp of this challenging portion of scripture will appreciate Dr. Richter's fine book.