Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Heart in Ancient Egypt and the Hebrew Bible Chapter 3: Exodus and the Hardening of the Heart Chapter 4: Idolatry and the Hardeing of the Heart in the Former Prophets Chapter 5: Idolatry and the Hardening of the Heart in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Hosea./ Chapter 6: Hardening of the Heart in the New Testament Chapter 7: Idolatry and the Hardening of the Heart in Acts Chapter 8: Idolatry and the Hardening of the Heart in Romans Chapter 9: Idolatry in Romans Chapter 10: Israel in Romans Chapter 11: Idolatry and the Hardening of the Heart in Revelation Chapter 12: Conclusion

Promotional Information

The purpose of this book is to provide a biblical, theological answer to Isaiah's question: "Why, O Lord, do you cause us to stray from your ways, and harden our heart from fearing you?"

About the Author

Edward P. Meadors is Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, and the author of Jesus the Messianic Herald of Salvation.

Reviews

...the book is about 'idolatry,' focuses on the motif of the "hardening of the heart," and approaches its topic from a 'biblical-theological" perspectives. All that has been covered by Meadors in an impressive way...Meadors's courageous survey of idolatry and the hardening of the heart in many biblical texts is quite welcome...Meadors's interesting work will challenge other approaches to idolatry and the 'hardening of the heart' motif in biblical texts...Meadors fulfills what he sees as his own objective by remaining on the biblical-theological level. It is to be hoped that Meadors's thought-provoking observations and interpretations will be received by many scholars working on the same or similar topics.
*RBL (Society of Biblical Literature), 04/2008*

Edward P. Meadors begins with the premise that God initiates all hardening, then proceeds to tackle the daunting problem of why God hardens human hearts in the Bible. Written primarily for those with an extensive background in biblical and theological jargon, this in-depth, systematic analysis of the connection between hardening and idolatry in the Bible provides a refreshing, comprehensive approach to the problem...Meador's greatest contribution to this particular theological discussion can be found in the second part of his book, where he focuses on hardening and idolatry in the New Testament. He argues that the new covenant passages of the Old Testament find concrete expression in Christ's saving work on the cross...Arguably, it is Meadors's conclusion that is the most profound portion of the book, because it compels us to look deep within ourselves, examine our own tendencies toward idolatry, confront the reality of our hardened state, and ask God for forgiveness and a reassurance of eternal life.
*Word & World, Fall 2008*

Meadors shows remarkable philological and exegetical skill in building his case. In addition, he decisively challenges the kind of influential theistic determinism found in hyper-Calvinism, according to which God wills and causes everything that happens, including evil actions. He cogently explains how such a view is incompatible with careful exegesis of relevant biblical passages. Summing up: Highly recommended. All libraries supporting work on theology, religious studies, and biblical studies.
*Choice*