Beginning Biblical Studies, Revised Edition
About This Book
Overview
Revisions Enhance Content and Readability for Those New to Biblical Studies
The importance of the Bible is indisputable. Not only has it significantly influenced nearly two thousand years of Western civilization, but more than two billion persons worldwide regard it as sacred scripture. Yet the Bible’s sometimes unfamiliar language and historical context, differences in interpretation, and overall lack of familiarity can hinder student understanding. Beginning Biblical Studies, Revised Edition provides a readable, comprehensive, and engaging companion for use with a Bible. The revised edition, which uses the NRSV translation, maintains the original’s considerate approach geared toward those unfamiliar with the contents or origins of the Bible, or the Bible’s major events, characters, and themes. Revisions to the original amplify the religious breadth of the material with fuller treatment of Jewish, Orthodox, and Protestant perspectives, update scholarship, and improve maps and time lines. Additions include a new appendix on archaeology and the Bible, more photographs and new sidebars, as well as expanded recommended resources. Appendices provide readers with additional material on topics such as the Hebrew calendar and important religious feasts, Israelite worship, archaeology, lectio divina, and more. Inclusive content and tone respect the diversity of readers’ beliefs and traditions.
Details
| Weight | 0.9 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.25 × 1.5 × 9.125 in |
| Format | Softcover |
| Print ISBN | 978-1-59982-424-6 |
| Pages | 236 |
| Item # | 7050 |
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Customer Reviews
“The readability is pitch-perfect. Rarely have I found a textbook author who is so consistent in communicating with entry-level students. The precision and clarity of the author’s prose should reassure any professor that students are being challenged to think, yet in a language that they can comprehend. Marielle Frigge maintains a clear recognition of and sensitivity to interfaith and ecumenical distinctions throughout. Well done!”
“An excellent introduction to the study of the Bible. Marielle Frigge presupposes nothing but conveys a great deal. No matter what the students’ backgrounds, this introductory text will speak to them all. The glossaries, maps, charts, and other visuals are very helpful. Students and readers who work through her book will have a solid foundation in modern biblical studies.”
“Expressing complex matters in an accessible way characterizes excellent teaching—and in Beginning Biblical Studies, Dr. Marielle Frigge, OSB, reveals herself as a superb teacher. Grounded in solid scholarship and written in graceful prose, her textbook informs and guides those unfamiliar with the Bible; in contrast to many textbook writers, she avoids the temptation to overwhelm her readers with data. May this outstanding book be widely used, and may its readers learn from the wisdom of its author.”
Skinner and McAlpin Professor of Practical Theology
Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York
“It suits the context of my classes. We are a religious institution with an introduction to the Bible course as a requirement for all. I appreciate the broad coverage of interpretive issues from a variety of starting points.”
About the Author
Table of Contents
Foreword
- Bible and Bibles
- How the Bible Was Formed
- Biblical Interpretation and Faith Communities
- Kinds of Literature and Kinds of Truth
- Important Biblical Terms and Concepts
- The Torah/Pentateuch
- The Creation Myth as Introduction to the Pentateuch
- Six Books of Religious History
- Prophets and Prophecy; Deuteronomistic History Continued
- The Second Temple Period
- Wisdom Tradition, Wisdom Books
- New Testament Background
- The Four Canonical Gospels
- Acts of the Apostles, Letters, and Revelation
Appendices
- Hebrew Calendar and Important Religious Feasts
- Israelite Worship
- Titles of Jesus in the New Testament
- Archaeology and the Bible
- Lectio Divina
Time Lines
- Preexilic Period
- Postexilic Period
- New Testament Period
Maps
- The Exodus Journey
- The Divided Kingdoms of Israel and Judah, ca. 922 BCE
- Mediterranean World, ca. 721–587 BCE
- Roman Empire in the First Century CE
- Palestine at the Time of Jesus
- Paul’s Journeys
Professional Reviews
“The conversational style of this fine introduction to biblical studies makes it an ideal textbook for undergraduate study. It begins with explanations of basic biblical matters such as formation of the biblical traditions and writings, types of expression and literary forms, and the relationship between the Jewish canon and the Christian scriptures. Next, sections of the biblical corpus from the Pentateuch to Revelation are discussed. Appendices explain the Hebrew calendar and important feasts, Israelite worship, archaeology, and the practice of lectio divina. Charts, illustrations, maps, time lines, and suggestions for further study add to the usefulness of this book. The author’s skill as a teacher can be seen in the way she has organized her work and presented her ideas. It is highly recommended.”
