Beginning Biblical Studies, Revised Edition

The importance of the Bible is indisputable. Not only has it significantly influenced nearly two thousand years of Western civilization, but more than two billion persons worldwide regard it as sacred scripture. Yet, the Bible’s sometimes unfamiliar language and historical context, differences in interpretation, and overall lack of familiarity can hinder student understanding.  Beginning Biblical Studies, Revised Edition provides a readable, comprehensive, and engaging companion for use with a Bible. The revised edition, which uses the NSRV translation, maintains the original’s considerate approach geared toward those unfamiliar with the contents or origins of the Bible, or the Bible’s major events, characters, and themes. Revisions to the original amplify the religious breadth of the material with fuller treatment of Jewish, Orthodox, and Protestant perspectives, update scholarship, and improve maps and time lines. Additions include a new appendix on archaeology and the Bible, more photographs and new sidebars, as well as expanded recommended resources. . Appendices provide readers with additional material on topics such as the Hebrew calendar and important religious feasts, Israelite worship, archaeology, lectio divina, and more. Inclusive content and tone respect the diversity of readers’ beliefs and traditions.