Reading the Bible: A Study Guide

by Timothy R. Carmody

Introductions to reading the Bible are almost as old as the scriptures themselves, but most of the recently published introductory biblical textbooks focus exclusively on either the Old or the New Testament. In contrast, READING THE BIBLE takes the unusual approach of serving as an introduction to the Bible as a whole, helping the reader understand the Bible as a single entity. In a practical, engaging manner, this book provides a survey of the entire Bible, its sections, its books, and its social, religious, and historical contexts. Then it also serves as a primer in the methodologies of biblical interpretation. And last, it is a workbook, giving examples of how to use the background knowledge from the survey and methodological training to examine in some depth a few selected texts. Drawing on his longtime teaching experience, the author shows readers how to approach the biblical text in a direct, fulfilling and honest manner in order to better understand and interpret it. And he demonstrates that by examining the Bible's historical background, its literary features, and the interpretive possibilities for the text, READING THE BIBLE is the ideal introduction to modern biblical scholarship †

Genres: Theology

336 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2004

Reviews

[Susan Becraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

I read this book in preparation for participation in the Read the Bible In a Year challenge. Timothy Carmody wrote a thorough, understandable and fascinating account of the Bible. It was an invaluable help to me as I tackled the challenge, which I successfully completed. Reading the Bible not only provided me with historical context and the evolution of the Bible as a living document, it answered many of my longstanding questions. I also used it as a research tool during my project.

The Bible is the most complex book I have ever read. Countless scholars have studied and translated the book for centuries. With Timothy Carmody's book as a preparatory tool, I found what I hoped for in the Bible. I recommend this book to everyone attempting to understand the Bible.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Text for a five week online course covering the New Testament. Awesome book.

[Freeda Lobo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the approach in reading the biblical text, as mentioned by Carmody. Very educative, indeed!