The Old Testament Basis of Christian Apologetics

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Much has been written on apologetics of the Old Testament canon and historicity, investigating the Old Testament as an object of apologetics. However, this study is the first comprehensive investigation focusing on apologetics within the Old Testament--i.e., the Old Testament theological foundations of the discipline of Christian apologetics-- investigating apologetics as an object of the Old Testament. Taking seriously the biblical texts at its outset, the study presents a biblically based scheme of five types of apologetic strategy: narrative apologetics, prophetic apologetics, wisdom apologetics, "citatory" apologetics as antithetic proclamation, and exemplary apologetics. It focuses on the many explicit confrontations in dialogues, disputes, quotes, and responses, in both prose and poetical form, which are accompanied by an indirect dispute, taking substantial space within the historical parts of the Hebrew Bible. These theological themes are derived from the Old Testament itself, not adapted from the New Testament. This book serves to fill the gap of a proper biblical-theological foundation of the academic field of apologetics. It is a new challenge for all apologists who wish to take seriously the biblical theological foundation of their discipline. With its sole focus on the Hebrew Bible, this study speaks to Jewish scholars as well. It enriches the current discussion on Jewish apologetics, its beginnings and first developments. "With its large theological framework and unique strategy this book can be recommended to students, pastors, and scholars interested in Old Testament theology, faith, and foreign religions. This is a solid biblical investigation on the boundary of the two disciplines, Hebrew studies and apologetics, enriching the discussion between Christian and Jewish scholars." --Walter Hilbrands, Dean and Associate Professor of Old Testament, Freie Theologische Hochschule Giessen "Dr. Riecker opens the door to a very fruitful area of inquiry as he illuminates the theological foundations of apologetics within the Old Testament. Starting with Genesis 1, he uncovers the broad diversity of direct and indirect strategies that are employed to answer critical accusations against the existence and character of God. This book is a must-read for serious students of the discipline of biblical apologetics." --Stephen Tecklenberg, President, Eagle's Nest Ministries Siegbert Riecker teaches the Old Testament and systematic theology at Bibelschule Kirchberg in Germany and Evangelische Theologische Faculteit Leuven in Belgium. He is author of Ein Priestervolk fur alle Volker (A Priestly Nation for all Nations, 2007) and Mission im Alten Testament (Missions in the Old Testament, 2008). He lives with his wife and four children in Hohenlohe, Germany.