An Introduction to the Bible: A Journey Into Three Worlds

Ideal for those who have had little or no previous exposure to an academic study of the Bible, this popular volume explores the literary, historical, and contemporary worlds of the Bible, drawing on the most recent trends in biblical scholarship. The book is not meant to be a substitute for reading the Bible, but rather enables readers to more meaningfully explore the Bible themselves. Includes maps to help readers visualize the lands and sites to which the Bible refers; and charts that show major periods, events, leaders, types of literature, etc. The Three Worlds of the Bible: An Orientation. Preparing for the Journey: An Orientation to the Methods of Biblical Study. Origins: The Book of Genesis. Covenant: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The Nation Israel: Joshua, Judges, First and Second Samuel, First and Second Kings (The Former Prophets). Covenant Advocates: The Prophets of Ancient Israel (The Latter Prophets). Israel's Sacred Songs: Psalms, Song of Songs, and Lamentations (The Writings I). The Way of Wisdom: Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes (The Writings II). The Rest of the Writings: Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Ruth, Esther, and Daniel. Jewish Life and Literature (200 B.C.E.-100 C.E.). The Proclaimer: Jesus of Nazareth. The Proclaimer Becomes the Proclaimed: Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John. The Birth of Christianity: The Acts of the Apostles. Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles: The Letters of Paul. The Growing Church: The Pastoral and General Epistles, Hebrews, and the Revelation to John. For anyone interested in the Bible.

Designed for those readers who have had little or no exposure to the academic study of the Bible, this volume is a journey into "three worlds" found in the Bible. An Introduction to the Bible explores the literary world(s) of the Biblical text, the historical world out of which the Bible emerged, and the contemporary world in which we read and try to understand the Bible.

Drawing on their vast teaching experience, the authors examine the contemporary relevance and impact of the Bible through questions at the end of each chapter. In addition, the book features a full chapter on Jewish life and literature between the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and the New Testament, including the Deuterocanon, and demonstrates the continuing role of the Bible in religion, politics, art, literature, and music.

New to this edition:

• NEW—an annotated list of movies and documentary films related to the Bible, including information on how to obtain them for classroom use.
• NEW—discussion of recent controversies over interpretation of the Bible by modern artists and the growing influence of the Bible in American popular culture, including television.
• NEW—commentary on the role of the Bible in the recent flurry of speculation on the possible relationship between the beginning of a new millennium and the end of history.
• NEW—suggested readings from the Bible and discussion questions related to such contemporary ethical issues as homosexuality.
• NEW—inclusion of internet sites for biblical research in an updated and expanded annotated bibliography.
• UPDATED—discussion of recent developments in biblical scholarship on topics such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, archaeology and the Bible, Noah's flood, and the historical Jesus.