The term "Justification" has become a hot button in today's evangelical movements. The concepts of imputed righteousness, the atonement, regeneration, and sanctification were once firm foundations on which Protestant theology stood. The "discovery" of the New Perspective (NPP) by Sanders, Stendahl, Dunn, and Co. (and more recently Wright - with his brilliant, engaging, and accessible writing style) has brought a new understanding to the forefront of biblical scholarship, threatening traditonal understandings of these doctrines. This has especially gained traction within the Reformed community and has been highly influential in the emergent church movement.
This book is worth reading for the two chapters on the NPP alone. In these two chapters, Phillip Eveson gives an even handed summary of the NPP as espoused by N.T. Wright (Chapter 9) and raises six problems with the NPP and seven corresponding dangers (Chapter 10).
Eveson is fair, and gives credit where credit is due. The NPP has made some valid criques, however Eveson states his position succinctly when he says, "In their effort to correct a false view of Judaism they have moved to far in the opposite direction."
The rest of the book is really wrapped around these two chapters, providing a standard, but well stated teaching on Justification (both Biblical and Historical) and some practical application for today.
My only critique is that Eveson may have been a little to hard on fellow evangelicals who have attempted to establish ecumenical ties.
The book is an excellent and accessible read about an issue that has greatly impacted today's church. If you need a quick overview on the NPP, this is the book for you.
