Secret Scriptures Revealed: A New Introduction to the Christian Apocrypha

by Tony Burke

The Christian Apocrypha burst into the public consciousness in 2003, following the publication of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Interest in the wide assortment of texts not included in the Bible has remained strong ever since. Although much has been written and said on the subject, misunderstandings still abound.

Tony Burke's Secret Scriptures Revealed dismantles the many myths and misconceptions about the Christian Apocrypha and straightforwardly answers common questions like The book describes and explains numerous fascinating apocryphal stories, including many that are not well known. Instead of dismissing or smearing the Christian Apocrypha, Burke shows how these texts can help us better understand early Christian communities and the canonical Bible.

Genres: Religion, Christianity

170 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2013

Reviews

[Briana Grenert]

Lucid, well organized, and thought-provoking

[Brandon Hawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Secret Scriptures Revealed: A New Introduction to the Christian Apocrypha (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2013), Tony Burke offers an excellent tour for all those interested in the subject. The book presents a lucid, accessible introduction appropriate to newcomers as well as anyone looking for a big-picture approach to the subject. Burke demonstrates clear knowledge of the field–both primary texts and scholarship–moving from generalities to specifics throughout the book, and represents a balanced view of various assessments and perspectives (even regarding gnarly scholarly arguments). No doubt teachers will adopt this book into courses as a standard textbook, and it will be a valuable starting point for many taking their first forays into the study of apocrypha.

For a full review see https://brandonwhawk.net/2014/02/17/r...

[Shhhhh Ahhhhh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history of the early church and the way that the collections of stories relating to Christianity has changed over the history of their writing and dissemination.