The House of the Lord

“I read this book with joy. In the mid-twentieth century, Catholic scholars of the stature of Yves Congar and Jean Deanielou regularly produced historically informed biblical theology of the highest caliber. Catholic biblical theology explored Scripture’s divine provision of historical-typological streams, through which the unity of the story of salvation comes into view. But biblical theology rapidly faded away after the Council, and this greatly weakened the ability of Catholic priests and laity to tell Scripture’s story. Thus, for the new evangelization, I can’t think of anything more important than the retrieval of Catholic biblical theology that Professor Smith accomplishes in this exciting and extraordinary book. A must-read for all seminarians and students of Scripture!” – Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary

“Biblical theology is experiencing a new wave that is finally putting the temple back where it belongs – at the front and center of our thinking. Now riding on the top of this wave comes Steven Smith and his newly released biblical theology that is at once scholarly and accessible. Protestant and Orthodox readers, no less than Catholics, will glean countless insights from its pages.” – Nicholas Perrin, Franklin S. Dyrness Chair of Biblical Studies and dean of Wharton Graduate School

“Author Steven Smith brings readers on a focused tour of the temple in both the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating throughout the centrality of this theme. His book will help readers come to a deeper understanding of God’s Word and of the importance of sacrifice and priesthood in God’s plan of salvation. Accessible and clear, The House of the Lord is recommended especially for those readers for whom the Old Testament can seem to be a closed book.” – Stephen Ryan, OP, Dominican House of Studies