| Summary: | The relationship between the two Testaments of the Christian Bible is a fundamental problem in biblical studies. As well as many exegetical studies of particular aspects, there are numerous more general works which present solutions to the problem as a whole. It is the concern of this thesis to undertake a much-needed analytical and critical study of these modern solutions. Preliminary research led to the isolation of eight distinct, though not all mutually exclusive, major solutions. A basic requirement for understanding these is to consider their biblical and historical background, and this is outlined in Part One. The solutions are then subjected to detailed analysis, criticism and comparison. In Part Two the 'Old Testament' solutions of van Ruler and Miskotte are considered, appreciated and rejected because the undue priority they give to the Old Testament, though creating a certain incisiveness, leads to an inadequate appreciation of the New Testament's contribution to the relationship. In Part Three the 'New Testament'. solutions of Bultmann and Baumgartel are likewise reluctantly rejected. It is argued that a satisfactory solution will take the evidence as it stands - two Testaments in one Bible - and refuse to presuppose that either Testament is more important than the other. Four such 'biblical' solutions are considered in Part Four, which thus constitutes the most important part of the work: Vischer's frequently misunderstood Christological solution is rehabilitated; a new approach to typology is developed and used to illuminate the relationship between the Testaments; the popular 'salvation history' solution, especially as presented by von Rad and his associates, is surveyed and accepted, with some reservations; and the study is completed by a discussion of the important though less often mentioned idea of tension between continuity and discontinuity.
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