F.F.Bruce: A Life
The Definitive Biography of a New Testament Scholar
by Tim Grass
Paperback
Price: £14.99
Publisher:Paternoster Press imprint of Authentic Media
Published:April 2011
ISBN:978-1-842-27737-9
GoodBookStall Review:
F.F Bruce (1910-1990) was a well known evangelical scholar of the 20th century. He worked in academia, spending 20 years at Manchester University as professor of Biblical Criticism and Exegesis. During his lifetime he had over 80 books and numerous articles published and lectured all over the world.
Amongst evangelicals Bruce is a controversial figure because of his approach to the study of the Bible. He did not start by assuming that what he was reading was inerrant, rather he kept an open mind. This led him to adopt some liberal positions including doubting that Isaiah and Daniel were the authors of the books named after them and that the pastoral letters were not penned by Paul.
This biography is well researched and well written. It is a serious and in-depth look at Mr. Bruce the man, the Christian and the academic. Written with a detached style, the author is not afraid to highlight his weaknesses as well as his strengths. Mr. Grass also writes with great clarity when explaining the various theological issues involved.
The author leaves his evaluation of Bruce’s life until the last chapter. For this reviewer, this is the least satisfying part of the book: I would have liked some discussion on the effect that Bruce’s beliefs had on his students and on the wider church. That said this is an engaging and interesting read.
Reviewer: Alan Hill (27/10/11)
F.F Bruce (1910-1990) was a well known evangelical scholar of the 20th century. He worked in academia, spending 20 years at Manchester University as professor of Biblical Criticism and Exegesis. During his lifetime he had over 80 books and numerous articles published and lectured all over the world.
Amongst evangelicals Bruce is a controversial figure because of his approach to the study of the Bible. He did not start by assuming that what he was reading was inerrant, rather he kept an open mind. This led him to adopt some liberal positions including doubting that Isaiah and Daniel were the authors of the books named after them and that the pastoral letters were not penned by Paul.
This biography is well researched and well written. It is a serious and in-depth look at Mr. Bruce the man, the Christian and the academic. Written with a detached style, the author is not afraid to highlight his weaknesses as well as his strengths. Mr. Grass also writes with great clarity when explaining the various theological issues involved.
The author leaves his evaluation of Bruce’s life until the last chapter. For this reviewer, this is the least satisfying part of the book: I would have liked some discussion on the effect that Bruce’s beliefs had on his students and on the wider church. That said this is an engaging and interesting read.
Reviewer: Alan Hill (27/10/11)
