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.

From Genesis to Revelation – all you need to understand the Old and New Testaments For centuries, the Bible has served as a moral compass and a source of God’s word. Packed with stories of mystery, intrigue, and inspiration, the Bible is also valued as sacred literature. Unfortunately, disjointed narratives, confusing language, and an innumerable cast of characters can make reading the Bible a challenge for many people. The Everything® Bible Book is a lucid and richly detailed guide to the history, literature, stories, parables, and personalities of both the Old and New Testaments. From Genesis to Revelations, Abraham to Paul, this book covers the various theories on the origins of the Bible, compares the different editions, and describes in detail the Bible’s culture and times. This highly accessible book also includes information on: All the books of the Bible and their content The various translations and versions Interpretations of the Bible through the ages Comparisons of the gospels A book-by-book reading plan Filled with easy-to-follow information and fascinating historical perspective, The Everything® Bible Book is the perfect resource for anyone who wants to unravel and understand the complex mysteries of the Good Book but is intimidated by the prospect.

Includes compact disc (cd) with lesson plans, study guides, readings, and other ready-to-print handouts.

An illustrated history of the Bible provides detailed coverage of the Old and New Testaments, from the patriarchs to the epistles of Paul, and includes timelines and informational sidebars.

From Genesis . . . "In the beginning, God created everything out of nothing." What do all the Bible stories actually mean? Will the Bible be too boring for me? Why is the Bible so long? Have you ever asked--or been too embarrassed to ask--any of these questions? This young reader's edition of The Whole Bible Story will help you understand what the stories in the Bible are actually all about and how every single one of them fits together to tell one big story about God and his love for people--including you! Along with the story of the Bible in words you can easily understand, in every chapter you will find great bonus material like exciting illustrations, fun facts and trivia about the Bible stories, simple lists of important characters and places, and easy-to-follow ways to apply the themes to your own life. After reading The Whole Bible Story, you will understand what's so exciting about the Bible and why God's Word matters to you! . . . to Revelation "God has all of history-- past, present, future-- in his hands."

With wit, wisdom, and an extraordinary talent for turning dry, difficult reading into colorful and realistic accounts, the creator of the bestselling Don't Know Much About®, series now brings the world of the Old and New testaments to life as no one else can in the bestseller Don't Know Much About® The Bible. Relying on new research and improved translations, Davis uncovers some amazing questions and contradictions about what the Bible really says. Jericho's walls may have tumbled down because the city lies on a fault line. Moses never parted the Red Sea. There was a Jesus, but he wasn't born on Christmas and he probably wasn't an only child. Davis brings readers up-to-date on findings gleaned from the Dead Sea Scrolls and Gnostic Gospels that prompt serious scholars to ask such serious questions as: Who wrote the Bible? Did Jesus say everything we were taught he did? Did he say more? By examining the Bible historically, Davis entertains and amazes, provides a much better understanding of the subject, and offers much more fun learning about it.

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