Theopoetry of the Psalms

by C.J.A. Vos

Overview

In Theopoetry of the Psalms Cas J.A. Vos explores the beauty of the Psalms and examines their meaning within the context of exegesis, homiletics and poetry. By investigating the structure, literary genre, history and theology of the Psalms he traces the ways in which they continue to be relevant to contemporary readers and to modern worship. Vos scrutinizes the Psalms as a volume of poetry and a work of art; considers hermeneutical approaches and difficulties, providing not only a verse-by-verse analysis but also a contextual history; outlines a comprehensive homiletic theory for preaching the Psalms; and concludes with a study of the Psalms in liturgy. Theopoetry of the Psalms is valuable to those Biblical scholars who wish to explore the theological and exegetical interpretation of the Psalms as well as to those readers who are interested in liturgics and practical theology for preaching and worship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780567030788
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/01/2005
Pages:	432
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.86(d)

About the Author

Cas J.A. Vos is the Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria. He has published numerous books and articles and won the Andrew Murray Prize for Theology (1999). He is the President of the Societas Homiletica.

Editorial Reviews

'Vos's achievement of remaining faithful both to the ancient and modern contexts of the psalms...together with his well articulated homiletical theory, means his book is to be warmly commended to preachers and those seeking to bridge the gap between the psalms and society today.' Rebecca S. Watson, Oxford, Theology, 01/11/2006--Sanford Lakoff "Theology "

"It is possible to enter the book at any point and often take something out of it" Thomas Renz, ANVIL Vol. 23 No. 4, 2006--Sanford Lakoff "Anvil "

"C. J. A. Vos has plumbed the depths of the biblical psalms to discover their metaphoric and theological power for preaching. Prof. Vos carves out a new path in the literary forest of the psalms... What impresses one here is the breathtaking range of Vos's analysis as he moves deftly among issues of structure, literary genre, history, and theology... His discussion of the preaching situation is a delight, embracing scholarly treatments of hermeneutics and communication but also venturing into the more playful world of popular cultural icons... Vos shows how the metaphorical capacities of the psalms can shape sermons in ways that connect to the plight and need of the post-modern listener. In engaging the psalms, Prof. Vos is like the explorer of a vast underground cavern. Where others see only a familiar rock face with an uninviting cave entrance, Vos finds instead an opening into a world of beauty and splendor. He descends on ropes into the vast depths of the psalms, discovering dazzling structures and underground rivers of meaning. No preacher or worship leader who reads this volume will ever approach the psalms the same again. We are indebted to Prof. Vos for guiding us on this fascinating journey." Thomas G. Long, Candler School of Theology, Emory University Atlanta, Georgia, USA

"The publication of Theopoetry of the Psalms by C. J. A. Vos is a great gift to theology, liturgics and homiletics. We have needed this book for a long time... Professor Vos is a word artist, an ability that is a sine qua non for a good preacher... He employs these poetic and literary skills in an abundant way in this beautiful book in order to fine tune a nuanced homiletical theory... This book is his magnum opus. May you have many hours of reading pleasure." Prof. H. J. C. Pieterse, University of Pretoria, South Africa

"This study makes an invaluable contribution to the field of homiletics and liturgy." Niek Schuman, Professor Liturgical studies at the Free University Amsterdam, Netherlands

"a convincing and elaborate investigation into the meaning of the psalms... The Theopoetry of the Psalms by Cas Vos is a very impressive book containing great convincing scientific, theological, homiletical and liturgical thoughts. I am convinced that it will pave its way to international discourse around the topics of exegesis, homiletics and poetry." Prof. Dr. Albrecht Grozinger, Chair of Practical Theology, University of Basel, Switzerland

From the Publisher