(HT: Al Mohler)
If you want an introduction to the study of textual criticism--and at this unique point in the cultural discussion, it seems important that we all get caught up to speed--Paul D. Wegner's new book looks like an excellent investment: A Student's Guide to Textual Criticism of the Bible: Its History, Methods and Results.
The publisher, InterVarsity Press, writes: "In plain language and with ample illustration, Paul D. Wegner gives you an overview of the history and methods, aims and results of textual criticism. In the process you will gain an appreciation for the vast work that has been accomplished in preserving the text of Scripture and find a renewed confidence in its reliability."
Here are two endorsements by two of the world's leading OT scholars:
"Here, at last, is a well-written, succinctly stated, wisely selected history and wonderfully illustrated textual criticism guide that covers both testaments in one volume. Where others have often made this science sound arcane and obtuse, Paul Wegner has skillfully described textual criticism in plain but ample and interesting ways. I highly recommend it to all serious Bible students, but especially to seminary faculty who must juggle book budgets and who up to now have had to order a separate text in this area for each testament."
"No introductory textbook to textual criticism of the Bible measures up to A Student's Guide to Textual Criticism of the Bible. It uniquely combines Old Testament and New Testament textual criticism into one handy, delightfully illustrated volume. Paul Wegner writes for students, successfully guiding them through the text's long and complex journey by his clear style, objectivity and arresting photographs. General readers of the Bible will appreciate this introduction to the textual notes in their Bibles."
Students may also want to keep an eye on the Evangelical Textual Criticism Blog, with contributions by a number of excellent evangelical scholars.
