Bibles Bible Studies Books

This is a great book, very readable and scholarly. There exists one problem though: this book has practically nothing to add to what is written, just as clearly and just as easily accessible, in the old testament.

I read this book seeking to find a modern perspective on the old testament narrative, which would include all the findings of modern archeology and other sciences. What I found is that modern scholarship has precious little to add to what is already set down in the bible because the OT remains, with very few and mostly modest exceptions, our only source for this period. This is not the fault of the authors, of course, who are very noteworthy scholars. A few bits of history are scattered throughout the book which are not obvious from a reading of the bible, but the vast majority is just summary and interpretation (not usually very revealing) of the OT.

It goes without saying that if you are interested in the history of this period and have not read the bible, open the good book to Genesis 1 and start reading.

J. Maxwell Miller and John H. Hayes' A History of Ancient Israel and Judah provides a solid introduction to the methods and problems of studying the development of the kingdoms that came to be known as Israel and Judah. The book deals with events from the time of Israel's origins (the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages) to the work of Ezra and Nehemiah (the fifth and fourth centuries BCE). On the whole, A History is more cautious with the biblical texts than other histories of ancient Israel, such as John Bright's A History of Israel. Miller and Hayes spend less time offering guesses about the more speculative aspects of Israel's history, such as the patriarchs and exodus, and concentrate their efforts on the later period (tenth to fifth centuries BCE) for which conclusions are more certain. From its beginning, this study is very much set within the geographical, political, economic, and religious context of the ancient Near East and Egypt as a whole. Perhaps the most attractive feature of this work is the inclusion of both photographs and fairly complete translations of extra-biblical documents pertinent to various stages of Israel's history. A History is divided into chronological segments, and the authors proceed by summarizing the biblical texts germane to the time period, critically examining these accounts along with extra-biblical and archaeological evidence, and then drawing conclusions. If the book has a major weakness, it is the absence of either footnotes or endnotes, but the authors provide a sizable topical bibliography at the conclusion of the book, and overall, A History of Ancient Israel and Judah is sound, readable scholarship.

Wow, this book is a nearly worthless except for that at least the authors acknowledge that the Bible probably contains historical events. It's amazing how seemingly wise men put out garbage like this. An example of the utter stupidity for example is that one of the authors claims that Samuel didn't really do all the things that were claimed of him because he was described as doing different things. Why does he think that? But he thinks Samuel couldn't have been both a prophet and "king-maker" he says. Uh... CUZ? Kinda stands to reason that if a person is a prophet then yeah, they are more likely to have the standing to king someone, not if there are just some ordinary guy. Instead he claims that Samuel was probably a cult leader. LOL.

No wait they are right, God doesn't have the ability to make someone a prophet plus allow them to have any other significant roles like kinging someone one time because it's just too hard for the creator and sustainer of the universe to get someone to be someone great and do something amazing. Not.

This is preschooler dribble hoping for lobster and wine elbow rubbing with other God-haters. Jesus is worth more than paper money, a few hundred lobsters, and a cellar full of wine you will never finish off.

It's true that the OT is often the only source for the early history of Israel and Judah, but Miller and Hayes tactfully duck the question of the historicity of the many legendary early events, and begin where they can start to tie the OT account to external and archaeological sources. I found this book to be a good introduction to the topic and a useful reference to have on the shelf.

Hello all,
I enjoy using Amazon and the books I receive from them are typically in really good shape!! I'm glad this site is available because it does save me a lot of money when I am buying my books for school.
-Danielle

The St. Mary's Press College Study Bible offers the New American Bible translation of Scripture treasured by our Conference of Catholic Bishops. The articles and support materials offer sound scholarship that supports the faith development and educational goals of students from Catholic, Ecumenical Christian Denominations and Inter-Religious heritages. I have used the SMP College Study Bible in parish, senior high school and university teaching. My students and I find it an excellence text. The use of BCE and CE rather than BC and AD to identify historical eras, is essential. Students need to recognize language that is in virtually all their college textbooks in the humanities. As a person of faith, I find that the designation of BCE and CE can equally mean Before the Christian Era and the Christian Era.
Respectfully,
Dr. Sheila O'Connell-Roussell,
Marylhust University Faculty Scripture and Pastoral Ministry

The college years are years of questioning and searching and seeking understanding to the deeper meaning of one's life. The College Study Bible from Saint Mary's Press is an excellent resource for these deep questions of faith, offering supportive and definitive articles, maps, illustrations, charts, art and photos to enhance the learning process. Young adults will find this Bible an important companion to their learning and relevent to their lives today. Still in doubt? Read the introduction by college students Brigitte Fischer and Carolyn Olson to catch a bit of their excitement about this new Bible...and then go and get your own!
Barbara Murray, D.Min.
Facilitator, Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation, University of Dayton

Wow finally a Bible written to a college/High School student user friendly, wait a minuite, in the introduction of the text, in several places we see the use of the term BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era) what happened to BC and AD a term that has been in use for over oh I don't know hundreds of years, is this some kind of way to water down Catholic Christianity, some kind of way to be politically correct? This totally discouraged me about this Bible in the wrong hands this could cause confussion with people, I wish they (the publishers) would call it what it is. BC/AD

This bible is a treasure for the serious student. It gathers in one place much information required for unbiased scripture study. It has proven to be invaluable in my exegetical research, containing a scholastically-accepted scripture translation, as well as extensive notation to aide in understanding of the text. It is augmented with many maps and charts, as well as explanatory essays that aid in viewing the scriptures in light of the social and historical world in which they were composed and had early use. I have also found it valuable for my own personal spiritual use in interpretation of scripture. I would recommend it to students at high school level or above, as well as anyone seriously examining the meaning of bible scripture.

I ordered the book to research for a paper in my Master's Program. I loved it and have loaned it out several times already. It is illustrated beautifully and written well. I am so glad I purchased it.

After reading the reviews here, I purchased this as a gift foy my lovely 19-year-old granddaughter. When I received it, I decided to read it first to see what it says, and I found it was not as wonderful as I expected from the previous reviews. I have not yet given it to Emily, but I look forward to hearing what she thinks of it.

I read "The Story of Ruth" about a year after I read "Scarred by Struggle," which is also by Dr.Chittister. Both books offer inspriation for dealing with difficulties based on a biblical story. The difference between the type of advice they offer, is that "The Story of Ruth," contends more with the daily struggles that confront us in our lives, whereas "Scarred by Struggle" offers advice more suitable to a particular setback, such as an end of a relationship, or loss of job.

Dr. Chittister makes an interesting comment about the story of Ruth, in that though there is no blatant theophany in this book, one can not doubt that God is somehow present. For most of us, this will be our experience in life. God is present to us and speaks to us more often through the actions of others, than a Monty Python-type voice hailing from the sky. Likewise, we are called to do our best to try to create God's kingdom on this earth, by using our abilities and resources to help others and ourselves. Essentailly the story of Ruth is the story of women, who do all they can to help themselves, despite the fact that they are at a disadvantage by lacking male family members, and one of them (Ruth) is a foreigner and the other (Naomi) essentially is a stranger in her homeland, as she had lived outside it for so long. Despite the odds, they maintain their faith in the future, and eventually their welfare not only vastly improves, but they become the ancestors of David.

This is a great gift for girls who are reaching adolescence age. Or perhaps for any woman who is feelign a bit run down by life. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the message is optimistic. It is book that encourages hope in life, no matter how daunting one's station in life may appear to be, and reinforces the adage attributed to Augustine of Hippo that to be successful one must work as if every thing depended on one's self, but pray as if every thing depended on God.

Disappointing! Gosh, this book was just not up to some of the previous books written by Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB. It would be better if she wrote less but higher quality books. We know she is capable of doing greater things.

The reflections on Ruth focused too much on activist social justice issues, and not what other women might actually think or feel. It was like the author is in a vacuum, and not able to even place herself in to the role of Ruth or her mother-in-law. After reading a few pages, I started to flip forward looking for the good part; faster and faster until I reached the end.

Even the art work didn't save this book. The art was simple and one dimensional - childish. Great art can save a moderate book. When the art is stunning, rich in detail and content, the reader is able to "read" the art. And, drink it in with the eyes. A well written icon can tell a fabulous story! Alas, this was not to be that kind of book.

Jam packed with wisdom and insight for all people. A must read for all women and one that you will read many times. Sure wish I had this guide when I was a young woman. Plan to use as a discussion book for a spirituality group. A fabulous book to give as a gift.

The first time I read this book it was as if my Catholic brain could not absorb the detail. I re-read it and similarly I have very limited memory of reading it at all. The third time was the charm, it all started to click in to place, it was as if my brain had to be jump started. I am now reading it again, 4th time, and hope that I glean even more. I like the way the material is presented by the Author as well, his insights into early Christian/Jewish, or vice versa, traditions are interesting as well. All in all this book is worth the re-read!

In all this debate about Mary Magdelene (and now Judas), one all-important fact seems to elude us "enlightened" moderns: the Church Fathers, who established the official canon at the Council on Nicaea, lived nearly 1600 years closer to the time of Christ than we do. That means that the apostolic Traditions, which they strove to follow, were much fresher in memory; in other words: there were only 400 years of transmission of those traditions. 1600 years later, along come the moderns, suddenly boasting that now we know what REALLY happened with Christ and His followers! This is the height of pride. The Church Fathers were not dreaming or pleasing their own ideological fancies, as most moderns are in these matters; they were striving to strictly adhere to the truths and sacred memories that were passed down to them, in an unbroken line of apostolic succession. Think of that before dismissing their decisions about rejecting certain texts.

Enlightening and very well written. Confirms what I always felt was Mary's status in relation to Jesus.

One of the happy outcomes of The Da Vinci Code phenomenon is a wider awareness of the "Gnostic Gospels". Publishers have not been slow to respond, but this precious volume towers above the crowded scene along with its companion titles in the series: the Gospels of Thomas and Philip. The French admire and understand these long-lost Scriptures and Leloup uniquely combines mystical insight with scholarly wisdom. The big problem is that other most editors and commentators "leave the track" because they are one or the other. Your best guide is qualified in both fields! Take this book to your heart.

It's disheartening that the first 6 pages and pages 11--14 of Mary Magdalene's gospel are missing. It would've been a gemütlich experience to read those missing passages considering the inquiries that were raised.
On page seven of the gospel the inquiries asked were "What is matter? Will it last forever?" It seems that Jesus (in the tradition of Aristotle) and his apostles were engaging in a dialogue about physics. Could Jesus have been an academic in philosophy? It seems to delineate in that direction and Jean-Yves Le Loup's interpretation of the gospel may indeed hold the argument apposite.
It isn't at all surprising to note that the Catholic Church won't endear this document since it (along with the Gospel of Philip) shows unequivocally that Jesus wasn't a virgin, that he had passion for a woman (Mary Magdalene) who also had intimacies toward him. (How salacious of them!)..........{I'm being cynical so don't be offended.}
Furthermore, most religious individuals who are indoctrinated by the lies of the Church still believe that Mary was a prostitute even though the Bible doesn't indicate this. "Mary's identity as a prostitute stems from Homily 33 of Pope Gregory I, delivered in the year 591[AD], in which he declared that she and the unnamed woman [prostitute] in Luke 7 are, in fact, one and the same, and that the faithful should hold Mary as the penitent whore." Pope Gregory's comments were and still are abhorrent, but what is even more despicable is the fact that it wasn't until 1969 that "the Catholic Church officially repeal[ed] Gregory's labeling of Mary as a whore, thereby admitting their error--though the image of Mary Magdalene as the penitent whore has remained in the public teachings of all Christian denominations. Like a small erratum buried in the back page of a newspaper, the Church's correction goes unnoticed, while the initial and incorrect article continues to influence readers [believers,]" said Le Loup.
Anyway, what ever happened to love, respect and forgiveness? Isn't that what Jesus was being pedagogical about?
Religion has never been about love because religion is really a euphemism for government, and governments since the beginning of time have always been malevolent!
And this gospel, plus many others (such as the Gospel of Thomas) demonstrate that fact. If religion were really about love then why would the Church be so adamant about hiding the fact that Jesus had a companion? It's something you should really think long and hard about especially after reading this book.
Ponder on this thought; in chapter seven Peter asked Jesus: "Since you have become the interpreter of the elements and the events of the world, tell us; what is the sin of the world?" Jesus then answered by stating, "There is no sin."
Now, just think about that for a moment "There is no sin." This quote from Jesus is what the Religious institutions don't want you to read because then you'll begin to ascertain what the meaning of life really is.
Jesus then went on to say; "It is you who make sin exist, when you act according to the habits of your corrupted nature," as religious leaders and governments do all the time. They are corrupt and give into their proclivities for empire, which is something we should never ascribe to. Jesus also said; "This is why you become sick, and why you die, it is the result of your actions; what you do takes you further away. Those who have ears let them hear!"
The arguments that Jesus and Mary Magdalene raise are simplistic, yet uncanny. What is even more amazing is the leadership role that Mary takes after Jesus' death. She becomes the teacher and leads the Apostles on their godly mission.
Insofar as Le Loup's commentary, it is very intricate yet deep. Le Loup searches for a deeper meaning by using philosophical arguments to make his case. He meticulously uses the gospels in the Bible and makes comparisons to Mary Magdalene's gospel in hopes of showing a correlation between them; that there isn't any contradiction.
In my opinion, Le Loup successfully validates the authenticity of the Gospel Of Mary Magdalene, and that we should all take a profound glimpse into our Four Dimensions of Humanity, which he thoroughly explains in his commentaries.
In some aspects Le Loup's commentary reads like a new-age self help book, which makes it an A+ dissertation because personal spirituality is always healthy, whether you are an atheists, or a religious person it doesn't matter just getting in-touch with your positive self for the good of all mankind is worthwhile. Le Loup effectively demonstrates that this is what Jesus was ascribing to achieve.

I'm a pastoral studies student and this book has been a jewel for all my related classes. If I have to read something in the Bible I read the section in the cliff notes book 1st then i grab the bible and read it.

It helps a lot to put what I'm reading in the Bible into perspective. The author has some excellent commentaries.

Wow, I really have to say--this is one Cliffs Notes that I can appreciate. It actually has a purpose. This is the perfect book for those of us who are forced by parents and sunday school teachers to read the Bible on penalty of everlasting suffering and torment. I wish this was available when I was growing up...it is the perfect tool to decieve those that would try to force us to read the incomphrensible gibberish that is the Bible. And frankly rounding out at just under 100 pages, I can say that this is about as much of the Bible that I can bear. Easy to read and understand and without the mind-altering, brainwashing side affects. A+, highly recommended!!!

I was a good bit confused when I saw that Cliffs Notes had published a Notes on, of all things, the Bible. I mean, coming from someone who reads their Bible often, I never thought someone would need a copy of the Notes to understand the Bible.

That being said, I found the Notes interesting, to say the least, but not really saying anything I didn't already know. For those of y'all out there who are having trouble understanding some particular Bible passages, I would recommend this to you... but make sure you've actually read the passage first. You might have learned something- you just didn't know it.

Huge wealth of Biblical knowledge! Excellent resource. It goes through a survey of each book of the Bible and then gives a treatise on each major doctrine of the Bible. Many charts and lists are given for those interested in Biblical facts and detailed knowledge. This is not a commentary but a great tool to use in basic, comprehensive, Bible study. My husband has given this as a Christmas present to a pastor, who later told him how much he appreciated it. Six of our older children have studied through the book and a seventh is doing so now. Different views of hard subjects are presented with a conclusion by the author on why he takes the position he takes. Very well done. My husband has used it for years, as he has been in full time ministry for 30 years. God bless your reading and Biblical study.

As an Elder and a mininster of the Word of God, I truly appreciate the amazing amount of information that Dr. Willmington has put within this book. Is is straightforward and covers many different topics. I would recommend this work for any serious student of the Word or Pastor.

Elder Jacob

Mr. Harold L. Willmington is very informed of scripture and presents it in a concise manner not only to a "newbie" born-again Christian, but the seasoned believer as well. I had gotten this for study in the Faith Bible Institute study course I was taking in '06 and find it an invaluable tool to further the study of the Bible. The layout is user friendly and the presentation of the material was spot on and Mr. Willmington should be commended for his exhaustive research to put together such a tool to help others examine and discover unseen truths in God's Word. It is recommended that one have a KJV Bible as this book refers heavily to that and the user-friendly one I read is: Life Application Study Bible KJV, Large Print

You WILL NOT be disappointed in Willmington's Guide to the Bible!
Take care and God Bless...

I was so excited to receive this book, more importantly it has blessed me tremendously. I am a pastor of a church and I can't tell you what a valuable resource this has been to my ministry, my preaching and my personal walk and understanding of God's word. Thank you very much. I have so many other people getting ready to purchase this book because I wont let them borrow mine.

This is a must have book for everyone interested in deeper but concise bible study. I referred 2 pastor friends and they all bought it. Though i may not agree with some of the writers theological position, i am sold on the quality of it's contents and structure. This is a must have book. No doubt. Great book for the price.

I love this Bible because the text is very readable and it doesn't stress my eyes too much. Because of this large text.. it's really huge and thick and heavy.. so it's uncomfortable reading it lying down(but obviously it's not a good idea to read it lying down).. I still like it.. lot's of explanations and extra notes.

NIV Large Print Reference BibleRecieved this book in perfect condition much sooner than expected. More than satisfied with transaction Thank you AMAZON.COM.

I finally found a study Bible that has helped me so much in reading the Bible. I loved it so much i have sent out 3 books to family. Now we have an online Bible study group. I would Highly recommend this Bible to everyone.

If anyone is serious about Bible study, get this Bible. I was worried because I anticipated a very large and unmanageable bible. It turns out, that the size is actually smaller than other full-size bibles. It is thick, but one gladly lives with that minor inconvenience in exchange for the wealth of information. If any of you out there is bilingual, I'd suggest the "Vida Plena" NIV Spanish Study Bible (also by Zondervan, unfortunately, this one has a very small print). One study Bible complements the other, for "Vida Plena" has around 80 articles that are priceless!, but its concordance is actually a reference in alphabetical order by theme/word, while the English version has a reference and a concordance by theme/word but no articles: the informaation contained in those articles has been spread out throughout the notes and sometimes you are referred from one "note" to another "note". I have two other English versions so called "study bibles"... They cannot compare to this one. I absolutely love it, and if I could, I'd give it a 10 stars rating.

I love this Bible! I have a number of other Bibles that are very nice, but this one is fast becoming my favorite. I enjoy have the wealth of study aids at my disposal and how they make the Bible come alive. Best of the Best!

This is a wonderful study. Ms. Arthur encourages you to dig deeper in Bible and to get as much out of it as God leads. I started this study in a time in my life where I needed the blessings and encouragement she helps you find. It help me put my life into perspective and ahowed me things that i needed to change and how what I do, and how I do things effects others.

great book for people who want to really get into the Bible. Really helps you to "disect" the Word and see how it applies to you individually! Recommend it highly!

This is a great book for new people particularly young children and teenagers. I didn't know it could still be purchased. I'm glad I found it. Thanks.

The Baltimore Catechism is especially useful for children and those who are new to the faith. It is very easy to understand and is presented in a question and answer format. Not only that but it is orthodox (meaning correct in doctrine). While old, it is still a gold standard in the realm of catechisms.

The Baltimore Catechism was first issued in 1885 as an American Catholic Catechism and was used extensively from 1885 until the 1960s, when (unfortunately) American Catholics moved away from using catechisms. With the advent of the amazing Catechism of the Catholic Church (ISBN: 0385508190), and the brand new Compendium of the Catechism (ISBN: 1574557203), fewer and fewer people are using the Baltimore Catechism. While I love both the new Catechism and the Compendium, I believe that the Baltimore catechism still has an important place.

The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2 is an edition of the Baltimore Catechism intended for older children, but I have used it frequently as an adult. It is arranged in a useful question and answer format, and the answers are classically Catholic. There is no fudging in any way; the Baltimore Catechism clearly and concisely explains what Catholics believe. While the theology of the Baltimore Catechism is essentially the same as post-Vatican II Catholic Theology, some Catholic discipline has changed since it was written, so it is always helpful to compare what is written with current canon law. At the end of each section are questions and scripture readings related to what was discussed. At the very end of the book is a glossary, excerpts from the Mass, an essay on "why I am a Catholic," the Stations of the Cross, the Rosary, and photos of the Holy Land. These make the Baltimore Catechism a helpful Catholic reference.

There may be a few potential drawbacks to this book. First, the photos look like they are straight out of another (past) era. While I like them now, when I was a sixth grader, I would have thought they were silly. I know this is superficial, but unfortunately, teens and pre-teens often put a big emphasis on these sorts of things. Second, the biblical names used in the Baltimore Catechism come from the Vulgate / Douay-Rheims translations of the Bible. While I have copies of both translations, most kids and adults these days are not familiar with them. For instance, we refer to Noah, not Noe. Of course, these are minor drawbacks only.

Overall, I highly recommend the Baltimore Catechism. While the recent official catechisms are excellent, and should be the foundation of Catholic catechesis, there is still a place for the Baltimore catechism. When I have children, I am going to make sure they are raised on the Baltimore Catechism as well as the official ones. Also, I think that adults, especially those in the RCIA program, could use to hear the clear and concise answers the Baltimore Catechism provides.

Excellent text for personal study. Brief, succient, and broad based. Quickest way to get a grounding in basic Catholicism. Readable at Junior High level and up. Good for Home schooling.

I was given a copy of this by my RCIA sponsor. What a wonderful book. While aimed at adolescents, it conveys the truths of God in a uncomplicated and friendly way. No mumbo-jumbo. No modernist equivocation or hand-wringing. Just the truth.

Now that it has been a year since I came into the Catholic church, I find that what I remember about this book are the pictures. The pictures in the context of what they are trying to teach. A boy calling to friend that he is going to confession. The ship with the sails of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. That is how I remember these. The images, and the memories they produce, are priceless and will have ETERNAL benefits!

You are not too old, too well read or too well catechized NOT to open this up and read it from time to time.