The Complete Bible Handbook: An Illustrated Companion

by John Bowker

An accessible, inspirational guide that embraces the whole of the Judeo-Christian tradition. The most important book in Western history, the Bible has had a profound influence on the religious, intellectual, and cultural life of societies throughout the world. The Complete Bible Handbook draws on the latest scholarship to form the most comprehensive and accessible guide to the Bible ever published. Every book of the Bible is outlined and explained, with the focus on key figures, events and teachings. Led by the respected scholar John Bowker, pioneer in the study of religions, The Complete Bible Handbook is an authoritative and inspirational guide written by a multidenominational team of experts that embraces both Jewish and Christian faiths. The commentaries are supported by more than 500 color illustrations, often casting new light on Bible stories. Location photographs and maps show biblical sites as they are today, and many important works of religious art are beautifully reproduced.

Genres: Religion, Christianity, Reference, Nonfiction, Theology

544 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[J. Ewbank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thick book about the Bible and is written for the layman to understand. The scholar may want to keep it handy for reference, as well because there is some good, solid information in the book.

Laymen should enjoy all of the work and effort it takes in order to cover the books of the Bible, discussing who wrote the book if we know, where that person was and what was going on around the time of the writing of the book.

This is a book well worth keeping.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

[John Matthew IV · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great guide to the Bible. This will be a book I shall reference often going forward.

p. 84: Caustic -- proper action to be taken in specific cases. Apodeictic -- prescribe or proscribe particular actions
p. 87: Lex Talionis, the law of retaliation: "Show no pity, life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot" (Deut 19:21, Exod. 21:3-25, Lev. 24:20)
p. 88: Rules of War, Deut. 20, 21:10-14, forbid undue brutality against a besieged city, urge ecological awareness while a siege is taking place, and put certain limits on the treatment of prisoners.
p. 128: A theological view of history
p. 129: 1 Kings 14:19 & Jer. 35:6ff
p. 141: Syncretism
p. 151: Paraleipomena (literally, "things omitted")
p. 235: 635 commandments reduced to 11 (Ps 15:2-5)
p. 282: Amidah or "Standing Prayer"
p. 301: Other Gospels
p. 332: Matthew 5:17ff, Mark 10:19ff, Luke 10:26ff
p. 375: State of singleness (1 Corinthians 7)
p. 396: Paul "Apostle to the Gentiles"
p. 397: Top 4 Letters: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians and Philemon
p. 410: Romans is the most important letter written by Paul
p. 418: Seven Sacraments or Ceremonies
1) Baptism
2) Confirmation
3) Lord's Supper
4) Penance
5) Extreme Unction
6) Ordination
7) Marriage
p. 440: Romans 8:21
p. 447: 1 Timothy 4:3 & 1 Timothy 6: 1-2

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who never read past Exodus in the Old Testament, I'm finding this book an incredibly accessible, engaging, page-turning introduction to the Bible. I'm learning so much about the history/culture/mythology tied to the Bible... great text!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive guide to all 67 books of the Bible. Detailed and informative with excellent pictures to boot. Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less of DK.