Discover how the Old Testament shapes today’s faith and thought through careful, accessible interpretation.
This edition presents a clear, reader-friendly survey of the Bible as literature and as a living influence. It explains how scholars approach ancient texts, how the canon formed, and why modern readers can find guidance and challenge within these ancient writings.
- A concise introduction to literary interpretation and how it applies to the Old Testament
- An overview of how ancient books became sacred scripture through historical and theological work
- Discussion of the relationship between old beliefs, modern culture, and religious practice
- Practical context for readers exploring faith, study, and the role of scripture today
Ideal for readers seeking a thoughtful, accessible guide to biblical literature and its relevance in contemporary life.
John Rice has taught at the University of Washington, Colby College, the University of Houston, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Alabama, and the University of Pittsburgh. His writings include Mozart on the Stage, Antonio Salieri and Viennese Opera, and Empress Marie Therese and Music at the Viennese Court, 1792-1807. He is the recipient of the American Musicological Society's Otto Kinkeldey Prize and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Philosophical Society.