Story, Ritual, Prophecy, Wisdom: Reading and Teaching the Bible Today

Christianity Today Book Awards - Bible and Devotional Finalist (2025)

Discover how studying the Bible can renew your church community. 
 
How do we teach the Bible in a way that makes a real difference in our students’ lives and our communities? Too often, biblical introductions treat Scripture as a mere historical artifact. Mark W. Hamilton and Samjung Kang-Hamilton combine their decades of experience in theological and religious education to devise a new way to teach Scripture that brings out its life-giving qualities. 
 
The authors show how Scripture has four modes: story, ritual, prophecy, and wisdom. With an eye toward spiritual formation, the authors explore examples of each of the four genres within the Bible and show how they address real needs in the life of the church today. They also recommend how to incorporate contemporary tools like digital media alongside art, music, and other practices to draw wisdom from Scripture. Combining multicultural sensitivity with ecumenical spirit, this guidebook is ideal for educators and pastors seeking to renew their own Christian communities through biblical education.

Mark W. Hamilton is professor of biblical studies at Abilene Christian University. For ten years, he served as an elder of the University Church of Christ, and he preaches and teaches regularly in churches. His recent other books include A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament, A Kingdom for a Stage, and Jesus King of Strangers: What the Bible Really Says about Immigration.


Samjung Kang-Hamilton teaches religious education at Abilene Christian University. Her research and teaching focus on the partnership between families and churches. She also works with children and adults in spiritual formation, especially multicultural and cross-cultural formation. She currently serves as the book review editor for the journal Restoration Quarterly.