Understanding the Bible in 90 Minutes

by Joel McDurmon

Would you like to learn what the Bible is all about, but find the book itself a little daunting, way too long, or you have no idea where to start? Then Understanding the Bible in 90 Minutes is written just for you. This book is designed to explain the basics of how the Bible is put together, what each of its parts contains, how they fit together as a whole, and what it all means.Whether you are looking from the outside-in, wanting to learn what the key text of the Christian faith is all about, or whether you are on the inside wanting to learn the basics of what the Bible says and means, this book will serve your needs perfectly. It will equally serve interested people of all faith backgrounds, no faith, or new converts. It can also work for basic Sunday Schools and other Christian educational settings.For Christians, “the Bible” is “the Book.” It is the book of all books, the most important book there is. Most who read it seriously find it at once challenging and comforting, transcendent and accessible, imposing and intimate, frightening and safe, demanding and giving, life-changing and life-reaffirming. You will certainly not regret the time you devote to learning about it. This book will help you understand the overall picture of the whole Bible, in its parts and as a whole, as efficiently as possible. The average reader should be able to read it all in only about 90 minutes.

Genres: Christian, Audiobook

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2020

About the author

Joel McDurmon, Ph.D. in Theology from Pretoria University, is the Director of Research for American Vision. He has authored seven books and also serves as a lecturer and regular contributor to the American Vision website. He joined American Vision's staff in the June of 2008. Joel and his wife and four sons live in Dallas, Georgia.

Reviews

[Suzannah Rowntree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this brief overview of the Bible, which is perfect for anyone who just wants a straight-shooting summary of the foundational text of Christianity. McDurmon largely sticks to mainline interpretations, noting helpfully and fairly some major differences of opinion on things like Genesis and Revelation. It was a nice refresher for me on some of the larger themes at play, but I think the book will be most helpful to people who are largely unfamiliar with the Bible and would like to learn more, whether they are believers or not.

In fact this might be the first book I would give to anyone wishing to learn the basics about Christianity in a brief time. Christianity's foundational text communicates not in terms of a systematic theology but in terms of stories, poems, histories, prophecies, and letters. This summary introduces you to the main themes of all of them. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to buy a couple of loaner copies for myself and some friends.

[Cody Justice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid introduction to the canonical layout and some major themes of Scripture, and it includes some helpful application at the end. I was concerned it would attempt to be a mediating position between liberal and conservative theology based on the introduction, but that wasn't the case. Instead, it was basic Christian orthodoxy. I listened to this audibly as a stand-alone podcast. The narrator was excellent.

[History7teacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little survey of the Bible suitable for a beginner or a refresher. It really is succinct enough to be read in 90 minutes. I just listened to it! The author is insightful in his overviews, while hitting important topics and teaching. You wont have to agree with his conclusions to benefits from survey. Highly recommended!

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine jog through the Bible. You'll certainly run past many great views and attractions, but the goal is to get out and back quickly. Mcdurmon divides the Bible into short sections and summarizes each of those with a couple major highlights.

[Gabe Mira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of Scripture and helpful even if you’ve read the entire Bible.

Additionally, this was an audio book found at the link below and the person reading it made listening to this easy.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

[Dustin Ranem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good read, I can't recommend it enough 👏🏼👏🏼 It's short and sweet and succinct. It creates a great overall picture of how Scripture is all interconnected. Every new Christian would benefit from reading this, but so would everyone else!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one surpassed my expectations. Whether you are a non-believer, new or lifelong Christian, this jewel of a little book serves up a Goldilocks portion of discussion about each section of the Bible to aid in understanding but not bog down. Theologically sound and humbly expressed.

[Josiah Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to the bible. I hope to get multiple copies for my church