Welcoming readers into the world, culture, history, and literature of the library of Judaism, this volume provides a solid and rich overview of the content of each book, including its historical background. Attractively formatted as a museum or library tour, the book gives readers a sense of the plurality and richness of the on-going traditions of the biblical faith communities and shows how the three Abrahamic world religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have all used the Old Testament. The library tour begins with the layout, an historical and critical overview of the books, prophets and writings and a provides look at the faith-communities that use the Bible. For Bible novices and Bible experts alike interested in a comprehensive tour of its Books.
"I cannot say enough good things about this textbook. I have been looking for several years for a textbook like this one-one that is accessible, up-to-date, and forward looking without being trite or trendy. The author is "student savvy": he knows about their preconceptions, he knows what they will say about reading the biblical texts, and he knows the ways they will resist learning something new about the Bible. But with a sunny attitude throughout, he addresses their resistance directly and uses his considerable rhetorical skills to persuade them to give these materials yet another look. Best of all, the textbook has a way of opening lines of inquiry for each biblical book rather than foreclosing discussions with heavy-handed interpretations. Students will likely never rave about any textbook on the Hebrew Bible, but will have no problem engaging this one."
-David W. Daily, University of the Ozarks
"The author's creativity consistently engages the reader and should prove a valuable tool in encouraging undergraduate students to further study."
-Robin J. DeWitt Knauth, Lycoming College
"This is one of the more approachable and accessible textbooks that I have seen on the Bible...The posters, study rooms, and other included materials are all well-done and appropriate. In short, the book in detail is well thought through, well organized, accessibly written and provides a good range of resources and 'sidebar material'"
-Peter J. Haas, Case Western Reserve University
"The content, as well as the presentation, is the best I've seen for an undergraduate intro textbook."
-Kang Na, Westminster College
