It is always wonderful to read a book that stresses the work of the Holy Spirit behind scripture and history - but that is essentially devotional writing. Actually many of my evangelical colleagues would say that's the only sort of theology we need, but it doesn't take much reflection to see the limitations of such an approach. How can we answer the world's questions (as indeed we can and must, with flying colours!) if we do not grapple with the questions that arise naturally when scripture is read with an open mind by anyone with a basic grasp of human history?

I find no evidence that Fr. Boadt disagrees radically with an orthodox position on the inspiration of scripture - rather I tend to assume that he takes it for granted. However, he has set out to write a book not about Christian pneumatology but about the historical and cultural roots of the Hebrew scriptures. That task has been undertaken by many writers ranging from Christian fundamentalists to blatant atheists. I do not think any of them can have done so with more intelligence, sensitivity, honesty and grace than Fr. Boadt.

If you really want a more conservative introduction that covers similar ground, try John Drane's excellent "Introduction to the Old Testament". I have worked extensively with both books as a trainee Anglican lay Reader; both are strongly recommended, and Drane is actually a little more up to date in terms of the latest scholarly fashions (new edition soon please, Fr. Boadt). However, the evangelical Drane writes little more dogmatically than the catholic Boadt - and fittingly so as both books are intended primarily as introductions to scholarly thought. In fact of the two books I found Boadt more helpful on several counts: Easier to read, more engrossing, better prose, better structure and generally more informative.

Indeed, because Boadt writes from a very open viewpoint, you can bring your own theological preferences to your reading of it. Some of the monochrome illustrations are a little mediocre, but whatever your angle you are likely to find this book interesting, informative and spiritually uplifting (unless of course you simply want a book that tells you what you want to hear). The key tests of a book like this should not be "is it correct on every page?", but "does it ultimately glorify God?" and "is it likely to help me to understand and explain my own faith more effectively?" On both counts, Boadt's book is a valuable resource.