Theology, Old Testament, Prophets 

The Twentieth Century Encyclopedia of Catholicism 

Who were the prophets? What was their significance in the time when they lived and what is it to the Christian today?

In this volume, Joseph Dheilly provides a broad introduction to the many prophets. He analyzes each of the major ones in terms of historical context, personal history, literary significance and theological importance.

Part I deals with the prophetical writings as literature, illustrating the striking beauty and variation of these books.

Part II is a psychological investigation of prophecy. The author points out that, "His [the prophet's] body . . . experiences the effects of the divine invasion; 'enthusiasm,' the taking possession by God, may produce ecstasy, though in itself this phenomenon is not supernatural but simply psychological. And responding totally in this way, the prophet sometimes expresses himself as if there were a kind of confusion between his own person and God; his own individuality seems almost interchangeable with the divine."

In Part III, the theological significance to Christianity of the major prophets is deftly and clearly analyzed.

The substance of this volume is of great importance to the Christian seeking understanding of the men through whom God spoke.

Joseph Dheilly was born in Dompietter en Santerre, France, in 1904. He holds degrees in literature, Oriental languages and theology. He is, at present, a professor of ancient history and exegesis at the Institut Catholique de Paris. He is the author of Histoire du Peuple de Dieu, A la Trace de Dieu, L'Histoire du Salut and Histoire, Sainte. He lives in Paris.

Rachel Attwater translated The Prophets from the French.

This is Volume 66 under section VI: The Word of God.

Taken from the inside flaps.