The Bible A History

A literary history of our most influential book of all time, by an Oxford scholar and Anglican priest In our culture, the Bible is monolithic: It is a collection of books that has been unchanged and unchallenged since the earliest days of the Christian church. The idea of the Bible as "Holy Scripture," a non-negotiable authority straight from God, has prevailed in Western society for some time. And while it provides a firm foundation for centuries of Christian teaching, it denies the depth, variety, and richness of this fascinating text. In A History of the Bible, John Barton argues that the Bible is not a prescription to a complete, fixed religious system, but rather a product of a long and intriguing process, which has inspired Judaism and Christianity, but still does not describe the whole of either religion. Barton shows how the Bible is indeed an important source of religious insight for Jews and Christians alike, yet argues that it must be read in its historical context--from its beginnings in myth and folklore to its many interpretations throughout the centuries. It is a book full of narratives, laws, proverbs, prophecies, poems, and letters, each with their own character and origin stories. Barton explains how and by whom these disparate pieces were written, how they were canonized (and which ones weren't), and how they were assembled, disseminated, and interpreted around the world--and, importantly, to what effect. Ultimately, A History of the Bible argues that a thorough understanding of the history and context of its writing encourages religious communities to move away from the Bible's literal wording--which is impossible to determine--and focus instead on the broader meanings of scripture.

The Bible: The Basics is an accessible and engaging introduction to the Bible as both a sacred text, central to the faith of millions, and a classic work of Western literature, containing a tapestry of genres, voices, perspectives and images. This guide skilfully addresses both aspects of the Bible’s character by exploring: the rich variety of literary forms, from poetry to prophecy and epistles to apocalypses the historical, geographic and social context of the Bible contemporary attitudes to the Bible held by believers and non-believers the status of biblical interpretation today The second edition has been updated throughout and includes: maps and detailed suggestions for further reading. This is an ideal starting point for people of any faith or none who are studying the Bible in any setting or simply want to know more about the best-selling book of all time.

Interpretations of the Bible abound . . . so what should you believe? What’s the real story behind the book that’s sold more copies than any other publication in history? Is the Bible a reliable historical document . . . or just the greatest story ever told? Written by acclaimed Bible historian Jeffery Donley, The Everything History of the Bible Book answers these questions and more. A one-stop resource for everything you need to know about the truth behind the Bible, this fascinating book addresses the following issues: The reliability of divine inspiration The forgotten gospels and their omission from the Bible Existence of documented historical support for Biblical events Accepted, disputed, and completely rejected Testaments De-coding Da Vinci The Shroud of Turin And much, much more! With The Everything History of the Bible Book as your guide, you’ll learn all about the legends, myths, and historical events that inspired the Bible. You’ll come to understand its amazing impact on the past, the present, and the future of mankind. Most important, you’ll find out what it can mean to you - and your world.

The Bible As History by Werner Keller, will take you on a breathtaking journey to the heart of Holy Scripture as it pieces together one of the most stunning spiritual puzzles in the history of mankind.

What was happening outside Bible lands during the time of the patriarchs, Jewish kingdoms, the prophets, Jesus' ministry, and the early church? Find out with The Bible in World History. This pocket-sized, fully illustrated reference breaks biblical and early church history into eight major time periods--from "Creation to the Tower of Babel" through "Anno Domini," the years from Jesus' birth to about AD 330--and shows what was happening in other parts of the world during those times. With references to Chinese, Indian, African, and Mayan cultures, among others, The Bible in World History will help you see how history and scripture intersect.

Here are 6,000 years and 20 feet of time lines in one beautiful hard-bound cover book! From Adam to modern times, this easy-to-understand Bible study tool will help you compare Bible and world history. Read it like a book, or pull out the 20-foot time line and post it on the wall. This gorgeous time line is printed on heavy chart paper, and can read like a book, or slipped out of its binding and posted in a hallway or large room. The first 10 feet show a Bible Time Line filled with colorful photos and illustration that compares Scriptural events with world history and Middle East history. Shows hundreds of facts; includes dates of kings, prophets, battles, and key events. The next 10 feet show a time line of Church History also filled with color photos and illustrations that begins with the life of Jesus and continues to the present day. Includes brief explanations of more than 300 key people and events that all Christians should know. Emphasis on world missions, the expansion of Christianity, and Bible translation in other languages. Rose Publishing Product Code: 346X

This survey of archaeological discoveries in Bible lands includes testimonies and interviews from leading archaeologists and exciting pictures featuring the latest finds made in the lands of the Bible