The Bible for Everyday Life

Twenty-nine respected biblical scholars take a fresh approach to biblical study, getting readers started by describing the setting of the books of the Bible and showing how the different books link up with each other. A number of excellent study features help show how the Bible's teachings are relevant for today.

Convinced that the Bible needs to be more relevant for contemporary culture, Archbishop of Canterbury Carey and a team of assembled scholars set out to provide an accessible guide to reading and understanding it. Each chapter of their book focuses on one biblical book; and individual scholars provide overview, outline and commentary on selected scripture units as an introduction to the message of the Bible for everyday life. For example, according to the overview of the Gospel of Mark, the message of Mark for everyday life concerns the way of discipleship. In addition, the volume contains a helpful appendix of key Christian beliefs, from the Ascension to worship, and their biblical origins. While the limited amount of space given to each biblical text often results in one-dimensionality, the readings do whet the appetite for a more complete meal from the biblical banquet.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Anglican Christians will recognize the editor of this guide as the Archbishop of Canterbury. In addition, over half of the contributors are from the British Isles. There is, however, no Anglican slant. As its name implies, this book aims to help the ordinary reader understand the Bible and apply it to everyday life. It does so not by providing a verse-by-verse commentary but rather by giving an introduction to each biblical book in its setting and an explanation of the book's major divisions. As a contemporary commentary, it takes advantage of recent scholarship and applies the biblical message to today's world. Of special note is the last section, which devotes about a page and a half to each of 48 key biblical beliefs, such as the Ascension, baptism, ministry, prayer, and worship. Recommended for religion collections.?John Moryl, Yeshiva University Libs., New York
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.