A clear guide to modern biblical criticism

Given the extraordinary richness and range of contemporary theology, questions about the authority and inspiration of the Bible tend to garner ever increasing variety, complexity and controversy. Among those challenges include the questions posed by biblical criticism to the enterprise of Christian theology, and the place of scripture in the life of the contemporary church. Employing a range of conversation partners, this book will provide an up-to-date survey of the diverse ways in which contemporary theologians use the Bible 'to think with'. The volume enables students to compare different approaches to the reading of scripture. It also explores the ways in which the theological interpretation of scripture can be both a critical and a spiritual exercise.

An introduction to one of the core methods of approaching biblical texts.

Integrating the newest methods and theories of biblical studies, this third edition contains over 800 terms, phrases, names, explanations of common abbreviations, notes on major methodologies and exegetical basics, biographical sketches of key figures in the history of research, analytical outlines of fundamental critical problems, a list of bibliographic tools, plus an invaluable "Diagram of Biblical Interpretation."

The author of the world wide best-seller, Small Is Beautiful, now tackles the subject of Man, the World, and the Meaning of Living. Schumacher writes about man's relation to the world. man has obligations -- to other men, to the earth, to progress and technology, but most importantly himself. If man can fulfill these obligations, then and only then can he enjoy a real relationship with the world, then and only then can he know the meaning of living. Schumacher says we need maps: a "map of knowledge" and a "map of living." The concern of the mapmaker--in this instance, Schumacher--is to find for everything it's proper place. Things out of place tend to get lost; they become invisible and there proper places end to be filled by other things that ought not be there at all and therefore serve to mislead. A Guide for the Perplexed teaches us to be our own map makers. This constantly surprising, always stimulating book will be welcomed by a large audience, including the many new fans who believe strongly in what Schumacher has to say.