Reader's Digest Abc's of the Bible; Intriguing Questions and Answers About the Greatest Book Ever Written

A collection of more than four hundred questions and answers sheds light on the teachings of the Bible, and discusses patriarchs, prophets, judges, kings, apostles, disciples, and more

YA-- Colorful illustrations on every page, boxed information, and short subsections will entice readers to pursue the people, terms, and happenings of the world of the Judeo-Christian Bible. Although the title implies an alphabetic arrangement, this inviting resource is actually arranged by eight broad topics that include worship, heroes, everyday life, and the Messiah. The question-and-answer format probes the meaning of the events, feelings, and judgments, and divides the chapters into manageable subsections. Margin citations to the Biblical chapter and verse alongside the answers enable readers to further document their research. The illustrations include reproductions of paintings by the old masters, stained glass from cathedrals, and pictures of the Holy Land. The art works are not entered in the index, which does include people, places, and key phrases. This very readable reference is an easy one for YAs to use. --Claudia Moore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This compendium, organized in a Q&A format, addresses questions regarding the Bible. Within broad chapter headings like "The Worship of God" and "Everyday Life," questions such as "What is a firmament?" and "Who is Satan?" are discussed. Some, perhaps, have seldom been posed (e.g., "What is a chariot city?"). Others can be answered just as easily in the Bible itself (e.g., "How did Noah learn that the flood was over?"). These, and the topical rather than historical arrangement, limit the book's appeal. Still, its thoroughly researched text and (generally) balanced treatment of many ideas is useful. This accessible reference tool would make a valuable addition to any library without a recent Bible dictionary or encyclopedia.
-W. Alan Froggatt, Bridgewater, Ct.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.