Brevard S. Childs' "Biblical Theology in Crisis" is a significant work that critiques the "Biblical Theology Movement" and proposes a "canonical approach" to biblical interpretation. Here's a summary of its key points:

• Critique of the Biblical Theology Movement:
  • Childs analyzes the rise and fall of the Biblical Theology Movement, which was prominent in the mid-20th century.
  • He identifies the movement's strengths, such as its emphasis on the theological dimensions of the Bible and its relevance to modern life.
  • However, he also points out its weaknesses, including its failure to adequately address the issue of the canon of Scripture.
  • He describes the "collapse" of this movement, and the reasons for that collapse.
• The Canonical Approach:
  • Childs proposes a new approach to biblical theology that focuses on the canonical form of the Bible.
  • This approach emphasizes the final form of the biblical text as it has been received by the church.
  • He argues that the canon provides the appropriate context for interpreting Scripture.
  • He wanted to move biblical studies away from purely historical critical methods, and towards theological interpretations of the final form of the biblical texts.
• Emphasis on the Canon:
  • A central theme of the book is the importance of the biblical canon as a normative body of tradition.
  • Childs believes that the canon is the context in which God's revelation is encountered.
  • He wanted to re-establish the importance of the churches use of the bible, and the bible as the churches canon.
• Impact:
  • "Biblical Theology in Crisis" had a profound impact on biblical studies, particularly in the development of canonical criticism.
  • Childs' work has influenced generations of biblical scholars and theologians.

In essence, the book is a critical assessment of a major theological movement and a proposal for a new way of interpreting the Bible within the context of the church's canon.