An Introduction To The Bible: a Journey into Three Worlds

Widely acknowledged as the best one-volume introduction to the Bible, this popular book explores the literary, historical, and contemporary worlds of the Bible, and is ideal for those who have had little or no previous exposure to the subject. Drawing on the most recent trends in biblical scholarship, the authors introduce readers to the dynamics of each of these worlds and the methods scholars have developed to study them, and encourage learners to engage in lively discussions of the contemporary significance of the Bible. For readers of the Bible who are seeking a more meaningful and insightful understanding of it.

Designed for readers who have had limited or no exposure to the academic study of the Bible, An Introduction to the Bible: A Journey into Three Worlds explores the literary, historical, and contemporary "worlds" of the Bible. These include 1) the Biblical text itself (literary world); 2) the contexts in which the Bible was originally written and interpreted (historical world); and 3) the many ways in which the Bible continues to influence people in the twenty-first century (contemporary world). Christian Hauer and William Young's distinctive approach has led students for almost twenty years to appreciate the richness of meaning and interpretation in the history of Biblical scholarship. The text features a full chapter on Jewish life and literature between 200 B.C.E. and 100 C.E., including a discussion of books of the Deuterocanon (Apocrypha), and demonstrates the continuing role of the Bible in religion, politics, art, literature, and music.

• Thoroughly revised and updated introductory chapters, including content on archaeology (e.g., the James ossuary) and recent scholarship (e.g., the historical Jesus discussions).
• Each chapter now concludes with a new section: The Contemporary World: Case Studies, which expands and enriches students' appreciation of contemporary issues related to the Bible.
• Chapter 16 is expanded to explore the Bible's meaning and significance in environmental issues, popular culture, indigenous cultures, Islam and other religions, as well as politics, religion, art, music, and literature.