A Teacher's Guide to Understanding the Scriptures

From differences over which translation is best to disagreements about what the Scriptures say about women in ministry, homosexuality, and creation, the Bible continues to be at the center of debate for many Christians.In this enlightening book Samuel Powell introduces a Christian doctrine of Scripture that sweeps away much of the controversy. By giving special attention to the authority, revelation, and inspiration of the Bible, Dr. Powell provides a concise, but scholarly, understanding of the Scriptures that is historically well-grounded and theologically sound.Written from a Wesleyan perspective, this book is an indispensable resource for pastors, teachers, and small-group leaders. Equipped with a bibliography for further study, it is an ideal teaching tool and a valuable reference for anyone wanting to know more about the nature and purpose of the Bible.ReviewsThis clearly written and clearly articulated writing will prove both timely and invaluable for anyone who takes scripture seriously in the local church. The result of reading this text should prepare church leaders, teachers, and members to read the word of God, the Bible, expecting scripture will reveal the true Word of God, Jesus Christ. -Dean G. Blevins, Ph.D, Director, Master of Arts in Christian Formation and Discipleship, Nazarene Theological SeminaryIn a carefully crafted work on the doctrine of Scripture, Sam Powell invites readers to think about the Bible as a divine and human book, the Word of God and the word written by human beings in ancient cultures. This engaging book will no doubt become an important teaching tool and lively conversation starter in the days ahead. -Kenneth J. Collins, Ph.D, Professor of Historical Theology and Wesley Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary

Samuel M. Powell is professor of philosophy and religion and dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry at Point Loma Nazarene University. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in religion from Claremont Graduate University. He is an editor, author, and ordained deacon in the Church of the Nazarene. He also serves on the editorial committee of Kingswood Press and as secretary-treasurer of the Wesleyan Theological Society. From 1999 to 2001, he participated in the John Templeton Foundation Oxford Seminars on Science and Christianity. In 2005, he received the Wesleyan Theological Society's Smith-Wynkoop award for his book, Participating in God: Creation and Trinity. He and his wife, Terrie, live in Santee, California, and have two children and two grandchildren.