Kittel's Theological Dictionary of the New Testament

Abstract

Frederic E. Blume critically reviews the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT), edited by Gerhard Kittel and later Gerhard Friedrich, highlighting its scholarly depth and theological presuppositions. While praising its linguistic and historical insights, Blume warns readers of its liberal-critical stance, shaped by German university theology and methods such as Formgeschichte, Religionsgeschichte, and Heilsgeschichte. He contrasts these approaches with confessional Lutheran orthodoxy, emphasizing verbal inspiration and the authority of Scripture. Blume acknowledges the Dictionary’s value for informed readers but cautions against uncritical use, noting its frequent assumptions of pseudonymity, editorial fabrication, and community-generated traditions. He commends contributors like Albrecht Oepke for resisting some critical trends, yet underscores the need for discernment. Ultimately, Blume affirms the TDNT as a rich resource when used with theological clarity and confessional conviction. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)