Product Description

The God of Second Isaiah, the "Holy One of Israel," is increasingly foreign to modern Anglicans, who are often uncomfortable with the uncanny, fiery side of God. Unfortunately, this may leave Anglicans frustrated both with God's "non-rational" ways and with morality-centered Christianity.

The new research behind this book reveals Second Isaiah as priestly temple literature, expert at the Holy and its coming dawn on earth. Second Isaiah highlights priestly themes and quotes the temple texts to help readers approach that which is utterly mysterious. To study this material is to rediscover the overwhelming, absolute worth of God.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #74035 in Books
• Published on: 2008-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Review
"This is precisely the kind of biblical scholarship the church needs: integrating fresh research with profound spiritual and theological insight. With an eye to the saints, ancient and modern, Stephen Cook shows how Isaiah calls us to surrender ourselves, with courageous humility, and thus find ourselves, with dizzying joy." -- Ellen F. Davis, Professor of Bible and Practical Theology, Duke Divinity School

About the Author
Stephen L. Cook is Catherine N. McBurney Professor of Old Testament Language and Literature at Virginia Theological Seminary. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

Customer Reviews

A heartfelt introduction and invitation to 2 Isaiah
This is no stuffy academic work, rather an invitation into deeper relationship with God via the book of the Prophet Isaiah. Dr. Cook combines his love of biblical study with the profound desire to experience, love, and worship with awe the God who speaks through prophets such as Isaiah. Whether you seek an introduction to the second half of the Book of Isaiah, or insight into how God calls us into relationship, you cannot go wrong with this book. Dr. Cook's insight and joy shine through in this accessible commentary. Rediscover reverence and servanthood in a new light, through the lens of biblical exegesis and theology. This is a must read for anyone seeking a deeper relationship with God and God's presence in Holy Scripture.

Accessible, authoritative, and a joy to read
Dr. Cook opens Isaiah to his readers in a way that is not only grounded in excellent scholarship, but also spiritually rich. Dr. Cook's style is not stuffy in the way some academic writings can be, not at all! While being informative about the context, content, and Christian interpretations of Isaiah, this book opens the poetry of Isaiah in a genuinely reverent, even loving way. Isaiah is thus woven into the very fabric of Christianity, enlivening our understanding of both the Bible and of Jesus as well. This book is a joy to read. I've savored every page. Recommended for anyone, from academics to the casually interested reader.

Excellent!
If you are interested specifically in Anglican scholarship, you might want to check out this new study series called Conversations With Scripture, which is published by the Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars. Good short but insightful little Bible studies - academic but aimed at nonscholars. These are the leading scholars of The Episcopal Church and The Anglican Communion: Marcus Borg, Stephen Cook, Kevin Wilson, Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, etc. Each edition is succinct (125-150 pages), but packed with cultural background information, speculation about authorship and historical setting, and remarkable insights on the religious meaning and application of the text. Great tool for Bible classes at church! I don't own stock in Morehouse Publishing, but the Episcopal Church does. It occurs to me that buying these books is a great way to support our church and its best scholars. By the way, there is no longer any thing distinctive about Anglican scholarship. These little commentaries are totally suitable for Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, etc.

Highly recommended!!