About The Bible

The Bible offers a thorough examination of the Scriptures, with a focus on key subjects, literary tradition, and historical meaning. This Bible includes in-text maps, graphs, tables, and supplemental translation essays to help readers understand the content. The incorporation of the Apocrypha is argued to be significant because it establishes the historical meaning of the Bible, which is critical when considering textual authenticity. The issue of interpretation is dealt with in-depth in the book with consideration being given to the interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, the interpretation of Jewish Scriptures by the New Testament, and the evolution of biblical interpretation over the years to the modern day. It brings forth an academic aspect to biblical interpretation which is illustrated by the comprehensive introduction to each section of the Bible. The consideration of varieties of biblical criticism throughout the Bible ensures that alternative perspectives are reviewed in detail and explained as extensively as possible. The inclusion of a timeline of major events in the ancient Near East gives a different perspective to the Bible.

Kline, Meredith G. The Structure of Biblical Authority. 2nd ed. Eugene: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 1997.

Kline’s book provides an examination of the doctrine of the Word based on the central question: “What is the Bible?” The author analyzes the origin of biblical canon through the consideration of ancient and modern canon theories to gain a better understanding of the subject. Klein argues that despite its importance in understanding the evolution of the Bible, the Old Testament has been neglected when it comes to a study of its history with many scholars concentrating on New Testament Scriptures. As such, the Old Testament is analyzed in detail particularly in respect to law, history, prophecy, praise, and wisdom exuded throughout the Covenant. The author discusses the relevance of the Christian Old Testament canon to both Roman Catholics and Protestants illustrating an unlikely convergence between to ideologies that differ in several aspects. The book is a response to critical versions of the formation of the Old Testament canon. The study of the history of the Old Testament canon, as Kline argues, is necessary before studying the present. Kline also considers collateral such as the dynastic covenant, the intrusion and the Decalogue, and the Old Testament origins of the Gospel genre.

Martin, Dale B. Pedagogy of the Bible: An Analysis and Proposal. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2008.

The book is the result of the author’s evaluation of the curriculum from ten seminaries that represented a broad spectrum of the interpretation of Christianity. The book is, therefore, an attempt to change the approach in biblical studies. The insistence that people rather than the text create the meaning forms the context of the book. The book evaluates postmodern biblical interpretation by famous historical figures such as Origen, Augustine, Bede, Bernard of Clairvaux, and Thomas Aquinas. The argument by Martin is that despite the importance of historical criticism, it should not be the sole model for biblical interpretation. Historical criticism is argued out as negative since students are not taught to think critically about textuality and interpretation with the result being much compartmentalization. The proposal is that narrative criticism would be a more critical approach since it would make it possible for individuals to understand genres and contextualize the message of the Scriptures. A model that would incorporate aspects of both narrative and historical criticism would enhance the understanding and interpretation of the word of God. The author explains that the introduction of theories of interpretation and textuality should be incorporated with theology and practical disciplines for better end results.

Sumney, Jerry L. The Bible: An Introduction. 2nd ed. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2014.

Sumney provides an introductory analysis of the Bible including a guide to interpreting the Scriptures. The book explores the process of the compilation of the Bible by appreciating the contribution of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. Sumney also evaluates the transmission of the Bible from the times of the earliest collectors to now citing different translation strategies as the reason why translations may differ in some aspects. The King James Version which is regarded by most as the “real” is put to scrutiny particularly regarding translation strategies that were employed. The book analyzes the books of the Bible based on their various categories. The analysis of the Deuteronomic books is concluded with a chapter on the interpretations of National Disasters. Obedience of God’s Covenant is seen as a major determinant of what happens to the people of Israel. Sumney analyzes the prophetic tradition of Israel which was a great influence in shaping the relationship between God and the people. The book addresses the various points of view regarding the Gospels and evaluates their composition and nature in detail. Sumney argues that the differences in the Gospels illustrate how different cultures tried to understand Jesus and his role in the World. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the early church and the apocalyptic vision of John in the book of Revelation.

Tidell, Josiah Blake. The Bible Book by Book. 2nd ed. Waco: Baylor University Press, 1916.

Tidell’s book provides an overview of the context of the Bible and the meaning of some controversial aspects of the Bible. Tidell reviews proof of the reliability of the Scriptures citing aspects such as the formation and unity of the Bible, the preservation of the Bible, historical accuracy, scientific accuracy, prophetic accuracy, and spiritual character. The book also reviews the various names of God that are used in the Bible in addition to reviewing sacred officers and sacred occasions according to the Scriptures. The evaluation of the sacred institutions of worship and the seven great covenants is an illustration of the depths to which the book goes in a bid to enhance the understanding of the Bible. Tidell also covers the various dispensations in the Bible and the seven ages of the Bible: Adamic, Noachian, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, Ezraitic, and Christian. The book goes on to analyze every book of the Bible on the basis of its purpose, the importance of the book to science, its religious importance, and an analysis of lessons learned from the book. Tidell also includes study and discussion questions at the end of every book analysis.