The Letters of David W. Gooding
Answering Questions Related to the Christian Faith
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About the Book
This collection of more than two hundred letters from David Gooding’s many years of correspondence helps to convey something of the man that he was, but its greater value is in the lasting ability of these letters to communicate the wisdom, power and comfort of the Word of God, which shaped both the man and the lives of those with whom he shared himself.
From the Foreword
The care evidenced in every letter in this book reveals a Christian who not only took seriously the questions he had been asked, but also a believer who desired to share the richness and depth of his learning for the spiritual benefit of his enquirers. The result is a rich treasure house of spiritual insight and balanced scholarly analysis. In his response to the subject of one of the letters, David Gooding says, ‘I do not ask these questions in any spirit of hostile criticism but because I want to take your scholarship seriously. But even more importantly, I want to take you seriously.’ In this we see scholarly critique, genuine pastoral care and thoughtfulness combined in equal measure. In the course of an answer to another he says: ‘I do not claim to understand everything said in the Bible about our Lord, but I start by believing everything it says, and where I do not understand what it means I pray for further light.’ In such correspondence there is warm recognition that Christians can wrestle with eternal truth, and that this can be done graciously, recognising in each other their love for the Lord Jesus.’
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What People Are Saying
Dr David Gooding was that exceedingly rare person who combined these three traits: intellectual genius, solid trustworthiness in the Holy Scriptures and unfeigned godliness. I would take seriously all he has written.
– Dr R. T. Kendall, Minister of Westminster Chapel (1977-2002).
I have absolutely no doubt that The Letters of David W Gooding will be found on the bookshelves of serious students of the Bible and widely read by Christians who wish to understand their faith more deeply. I owe Prof Gooding a huge debt. Even though he has entered into his eternal reward, David Gooding will continue to influence and instruct thousands of Christian leaders
– Philip McCormack, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Spurgeon’s College, London
These answers to questions show David Gooding to have been a careful, scholarly and extremely lucid Bible teacher of the best sort—one who conducts the reader into the text. Reading him is a stimulus to raise our game in our own interpretation and teaching of the Word of God.
– Dr Tim Grass, Senior Research Fellow, Spurgeon's College, London, author of Brethren and their Buildings
Often when I sense that I am weary and in need of some spiritual nourishment, I dip into the writings of David Gooding. This is because I know he was both a careful biblical scholar and a godly follower of Christ. This is what I have been doing with this book. I am refreshed.
– Ajith Fernando, Teaching Director, Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka
This is a rich and absorbing collection of questions and answers related to apologetics, interpretation of difficult passages, and controversial matters that cannot be avoided. David Gooding’s answers are given with courage, clarity and unfailing courtesy.
– Ronnie Cairns, Bible teacher and missionary to Japan
I wrote to David Gooding, questioning unanswered prayer following my wife’s sudden death. His reply was typical of the many letters in this new collection: compassionate, humble, yet direct and always pointing to Jesus.
– Andrew Williamson, Solicitor and student of God’s Word, Cambridge, England
David Gooding’s letters are characterized by warmth, humility and Christian love. His responses are a masterclass in clarity of thought and expression. In everything, Professor Gooding pointed towards Christ, while encouraging readers to examine Scripture for themselves.
Euan Dodds, Minister, Kilmallie and Ardnamurchan Free Church at Free Church of Scotland
These written answers to questions are a testimony to his generosity with his time and knowledge. I pray that many, especially preachers of the Word, will find benefit in the wider distribution of the teaching of this faithful servant of Jesus.
David Clements, Minister, Cullybackey Methodist Church, Northern Ireland
Having enjoyed David Gooding’s ministry at conferences, visits in his home in Belfast, and in our home here and in the Congo in Africa, I wholeheartedly recommend The Letters of David W. Gooding.
Rex Trogden, Bible teacher and missionary to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
About David W. Gooding
David W. Gooding (1925–2019) was Professor Emeritus of Old Testament Greek at Queen’s University, Belfast and a Member of the Royal Irish Academy. He taught the Bible internationally and lectured on its relevance to philosophy and world religions.
He published scholarly studies on the Septuagint and Old Testament narratives, as well as expositions of Luke, John 13–17, Acts, Hebrews and the New Testament’s Use of the Old Testament.
His expositions of Scripture are enhanced by what F. F. Bruce once called David Gooding’s ‘rare combination of gifts: spiritual insight, classical learning and literary appreciation’. Yet his insights into the wisdom and love of God owe at least as much to his deep desire to know the Saviour he had trusted in his youth and whose word he has found, throughout his intellectual and personal life, to be true. His work continues to influence the public teaching and private ministries of men and women throughout the world, some well–known and many more unknown.