Beyond Greek Philosophy: Reevaluating the Old Testament

In this episode of Anabaptist Theological Perspectives, Jerry Eicher explores the provocative ideas presented by Professor Brent Strawn from Duke Divinity School during a recent lecture series. The focus is on Strawn's proposal to read the Old Testament as poetry rather than as narrative, offering a fresh take on dealing with its inherent complexities. Join us as we delve into Strawn's argument, contrasting it with historical approaches that have relied heavily on Greek philosophy to reconcile challenging passages. We examine the broader implications of abandoning the traditional narrative approach and embracing a poetic lens, alongside the critique of enduring Greek philosophical influences in Christian theology. Eicher also reflects on the implications of such modern interpretations for the authority of scripture and the possible erosion of classical understanding within the academic realm. The discussion extends to the influence of figures like C.S. Lewis and Edward Fudge in reshaping current theological thought, questioning what comes next for Christian doctrine without the underpinnings of Greek philosophy and inviting consideration of how to navigate this brave, new intellectual landscape.