Introduction to Biblical Studies

by Steve Moyise

This book offers an ideal introduction to the complex field of modern biblical studies. In nine short chapters, readers are introduced to questions of inspiration, canon and authority. This is followed by chapters on historical approaches to the Bible, such as source, form and redaction criticism. Comparisons with other literature, such as ancient flood stories or Egyptian psalms help to set the context for this, as well as an analysis of purpose of each of the four Gospels. The historical approaches conclude with a discussion of the text of the Bible, asking such questions as, How did we get the Bible? and, Why do modern versions of the Bible differ among themselves? In the second section, the book considers a number of approaches which seek to explain why people interpret the Bible in such different ways. Beginning with literary criticism, the book considers how texts 'speak' to readers and influence their attitudes, emotions and behaviour. This is followed by liberation and feminist approaches, which consider how gender, ethnicity and social location affect what people regard as important and hence how they interpret the Bible. The book concludes with a variety of theological approaches used by those who consider the Bible to be sacred scripture.

Genres: Theology, Faith, Biblical Studies

152 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 2004

About the author

Steve Moyise (PhD, University of Birmingham) is professor of New Testament at the University of Chichester in Chichester, England. He is the author of Paul and Scripture and Jesus and Scripture. His other books include The Old Testament in the Book of Revelation, The Old Testament in the New, and Evoking Scripture: Seeing the Old Testament in the New.

Reviews

[Andy Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful and clear introduction

[Rachel Ciampoli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really helpful introduction. As I am a complete newcomer to Biblical Studies this helped provide some exposure form multiple perspectives and help get the wheels in my own mind spinning. It's challenged me to start becoming more aware of my own personal approach toward scripture and how we can most usefully engage with it.

[John Kunnathu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good introduction.

[Brian Zhang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenging, concise, comprehensive, and with very well-selected case studies for each chapter. I learned a lot.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good introductory book.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best, most comprehensive introduction to biblical studies I have read. It is up to date and comprehensive. The author manages to maintain a respectful balance between viewpoints and methods, whilst stating his own opinions clearly. I have this book on loan from somebody, but I think I will probably buy it when I can. Not only is it very easy to read and thorough, it also points the reader towards further reading at the end of each chapter. Only four stars because I would have liked a mention of queer liberation theology, or issues in human sexuality beyond just issues between 'the sexes'. Altogether an excellent overview though and one I would recommend to Christian and non-Christian alike.

[Joshua Bloor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good and amazing introduction to Biblical studies. Basic, simple, and not hard to understand. It does a great job covering the different interpretations and approaches to scripture. It also does a great job of getting the perfect balance between treating scripture as the word of God but also allowing it to facilitate in contemporary culture, and dealing specifically well with issues such as feminism and patriarchal structures.

The books strong points are the way it deals specifically with the two creation stories in Genesis, as well as the way it deals with difficult passages in the Bible, specifically the old Testament passages where God seems to advocate violence.

[Jason Bmcf · Rating 5 out of 5]

First eye-opening book to re-construct my faith...read around 2008-2009