Bibles Bible Studies Books

Does not read well. Poorly phrased and overly annotated. Two many hands trying to write in one book. Ideas and concepts get lost. Also states opinion as fact. Got offended more than once. Not a good source. Save you money and time! Avoid!

I think that this book is wonderful! I am a student of Dr. Anthony York's and we have utilized this book in our classes. The Bible As Literature discusses the Bible in a manner that helps the reader actually read what is/was written without all the religious jargon. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is curious about "The Bible" or to anyone who thinks they "really" know what the Bible states.

It is difficult to separate the literary and religious aspects of the Bible, but the authors' focus is on the book "as literature" and in the space of 357 pages (in my copy of the 4th edition - 432 according to Amazon.com), they cover literary forms and strategies, historical and geographic settings, the major components of the Old and New Testaments and the Apocrypha and Pseudoepigrapha, and issues concerning the text and its translation. A valuable final chapter considers the religious use and interpretation of the Bible. Although the book is concise, it manages in its 18 chapters and 3 appendices to be comprehensive and is consistently readable. I find the sensible, scientific approach credible and while it frequently causes me to reflect on my religious beliefs, they are not seriously undermined by this liberal approach. I do not know of a better introduction to the Bible.

I bought this book, the 5th edition, for a graduate class and ended up reading almost all of it even though only some parts of it were assigned. I was very impressed. It is very scholarly without being dry. It is fairly short given the subject matter and reader friendly with captions and review questions. It also covers the Apocrypha.

the book i ordered was suposed to be the fourth edition. i received the second edition. be careful when you order your books online, some people might be sneaky and leave information out.
however, it did arrive quickly, and in great condition. it just wasn't what i ordered.

As someone who teaches the Bible to Catholics in various contexts, I've found this little volume a handy guide to get people introduced to the basic issues of how to understand the Pentateuch. Fretheim explains things in a balanced, clear way without too much technical jargon (as Blenkinsopp's otherwise excellent volume tends to do) for beginners. He extracts from the mountains of scholarship just enough to keep people from being fundamentalists without overwhelming them with detail.

A companion piece to his bast-selling memoir of the same title, respected NFL head coach provides a playbook to better appreciate the teachings within the New Testament.

Like any outstanding teacher - and a great coach is an excellent instructor - coach Dungy does not leave any person behind; this can supplement other study materials or can be used to introduce someone to the New Testament and then utilized for future reference.

While it can be used by one person, to involve others in studying the New Testament is obviously a way to practice the priorities of a winning life. As the saying goes, "There's no 'I' in team."

I ordered three New Women's Devotional Bibles. One was shipped to another state and two were shipped to my home. The books were sent out immediately and were received sooner than had anticipated. I was impressed with the effiency and would order again. Very easy and convenient.

I purchased this for a woman I love who has lost her way. She has just begun her journey to Christ and the daily devotionals along with the related questions are changing her life for the better. I am purchasing more for friends and family. Great Book!

This is a very nice Bible. The leather cover is a beautiful color and has a soft feel. The font size is easy to read and the different fonts used make it feel more engaging then just regular text. The devotionals are short to read but offer other verses as references, questions to think about and a quote from a well-known woman. There are numerous reading plans to choose from. My one complaint would be the silver edged pages. I find little flecks on my fingers after thumbing through the pages. Not a big deal but something I wasn't expecting to have happen.

I have been looking for a good devotional Bible and I found it in this one. If you are thinking about making a purchase for yourself, or even for a gift, don't hesitate to buy this Bible. I also bought the companion Men's Devotional Bibles for my sons, and they are very pleased as well. 5 stars from me!

The bible is beautiful, and I have not started the daily devotion yet. I was hoping for more commentary. The KJV bible I had spoiled me, as it frequently had 1/5 page at the bottom of definitions, commentarty etc. I'm giving it 4 stars as it is exactly what it says a Devotional Bible, I was just expecting something different

Dr. Archer was a true Bible scholar and a brilliant linguist, knowing 27 different languages. This is an excellent reference for a serious Bible student who wants to research the hard sayings of the Bible.

This book is written without any apologies from the perspective of an true orthodox Christian. Archer's academic credibility is impeccable and thankfully he left this book behind so a new generation could defend the biblical worldview aggressively.

Notice that the Atheist below claimed that Archer is illogical when in fact all the "reviewer" did was throw out illogical ad hominems left and right. Where was the logical argument? It wasn't there. Just a bunch of strawmen and moral judgments on the Bible and Christianity. One must wonder where one gets absolute moral judgments about the Bible being "wrong" when one doesn't believe in an absolute source of those moral judgments? I guess atheists are better at living with their errant contradictions than they are allowing scholars like Archer (Harvard educated in his BA, MA and PhD) to explain misunderstandings made by our cultural and linguistic distance from the text. O well, I guess it's just in one ear and out the other of those who want to keep their precious, licentious religion in tact.
For anyone who wants to begin to look at what are considered "discrepencies" in the Bible, this is one of the many sources that will aid you to do more than mock what you don't understand from afar.

This volume is a good addition to the Biblical expositor's reference library. But the first step is to become familiar with the Bible by actually having spent time reading and studying it. Many questions become answered once you understand the entire Bible in context. Then reference books such as this become useful in understanding cultural references, difficulties in the English translations of the original autographs, etc.

The author has an encyclopedic knowledge of Biblical languages and culture, and his book is most informative about a wide range of topics. Archer is also a trained lawyer, so can cut through the illogicality and special pleading of the arguments for "contradictions". By comparison, among those who argue for contradictions are such blatantly unqualified misotheists such as Barker, Ingersoll, McKinsey and Paine who haven't a clue about the original languages or culture, and are blatantly chronologically chauvinistic.

One important consideration in the Gospels is what the New Testament scholar N.T. (Tom) Wright pointed out, that most of the things Jesus said, he most likely said many times, and with many minor variations.

I didn't give this book five stars, because Archer is unnecessarily intimidated by old-Earth propaganda, but does believe in a global Flood that actually wipes out alleged geological evidence for age. But since this occupies only a small fraction of the book which is otherwise excellent, only a one-star deduction is warranted.

My husband wanted this book as a study aid for our Sunday School class. He already had Drane's book on the New Testament and liked it a lot and thought this one would be good too. It has been been just the thing, very readable, sticks with scripture and offers a lot of background material on the events and people of the Old Testament. He has found it very worthwhile. It came quickly, even just before Christmas, great packing and Amazon's unbeatable service.

Now completely revised, updated, and expanded from its initial publication in 1987, John Drane's Introducing The Old Testament is a highly accessible text meant for both students and general readers who wish to better understand the Biblical stories that form the core of Judeo-Christian belief. The revisions have sizeably increased the length of Introducing The Old Testament, adding the most recent scholarship, particularly as regards historical queries such as the origins of the nation of Israel. Filled with black-and-white illustrations of maps, artwork, and photographs, Introducing The Old Testament is a singularly impressive body of work and an excellent way for one to familiarize oneself with the intense discussions and debates over scripture that continue to this day. Introducing The Old Testament is very highly recommended for any personal or seminary biblical studies program or reference shelf.

This volume provided a good general overview of the Bible. It included current scholarship and did not gloss over the more challenging aspects of Biblical history. It does not however include Bibliographies at the end of the chapters and often failed to sight sources to back up every statement. This is somewhat understandable but more references would have been appreciated. It appears to be an overview written from the perspective of a believing scholar. In general, it was well worth the read and very informative.

The purpose of this book is to describe in some detail key theological words or phrases in Paul's authentic letters. In the preface Bassler writes that "[t]his collection of essays is intended to orient the interested reader of Paul to the significance of these concepts and the contours of the debates" (ix). She admits that this collection cannot be comprehensive, while also endeavoring not to oversimplify any issues, instead revealing their complexities. Apparently the publishers of this book originally intended for Bassler to write a glossary of Paul's theological vocabulary but the essays are longer than a normal glossary and the breadth of topic covered is narrow. The contents of the book are as follows:

Chapter 1 - Grace: Probing the Limits
Chapter 2 - Paul and the Jewish Law
Chapter 3 - Faith
Chapter 4 - In Christ: Mystical Reality or Mere Metaphor?
Chapter 5 - The Righteousness of God
Chapter 6 - The Future of "Israel": Who Is Israel?
Chapter 7 - "The Comes the End...": The Parousia and the Resurrection of the Dead

Bassler makes use of endnotes in Navigating and her book also includes good indices of ancient sources, modern authors, and subjects. In most of the chapters Bassler outlines the nature of problem being addressed, the sources to be perused, and the general outline of the debates said passages have engendered. At times the theological implications of one side or the other of a particular debate are explored, though not often both sides (see especially the chapter "Paul and the Jewish Law" where the traditional perspective's theological implications are largely ignored in favor of those of the New Perspective).

This is probably my biggest overall critique of the book. Bassler envisions Navigating as an introduction of key issues in Paul to educated readers of Paul and yet sometimes presents one side of an argument with much more verve than the other. At times she will offer large and devastating critiques against particular interpretations (e.g., the traditional understanding of "grace" and "Law" [5-7]), while leaving other proposals largely unchallenged or defending them vociferously against supposed objections (e.g., the newer interpretation of "grace" and "Law" [7-9]). I am not claiming that all of Navigating is one sided - not at all! I am simply saying that at a few points, even a few significant ones, Bassler's positions can be seen clearly, thus moving Navigating beyond and introduction at these points. However, how can I (or anyone else) expect an author to leave his/her convictions at the door when writing a book of any kind?

I am most interested in Bassler's chapter which deals with Paul and the Law, since that is my primary area of research interest. So it should come as no surprise that the margins of this chapter are crammed with notes! Also, since Bassler is a proponent of the New Perspective and I am not (at least not en toto), there are many places where we disagree. A few examples will suffice:

* The evidence presented by E.P. Sanders in Paul and Palestinian Judaism is not adequately critiqued (Bassler admits that some question Sanders' findings [14-15] but moves over this point rather quickly). As many people have pointed out since the publication of Sanders' important book, he forces many of the texts to fit into his matrix of covental nomism. Thus, simply referring to Sanders as proof that Second-Temple Judaism was not legalistic is not adequate anymore.
* The most basic problem with the interpretation of "works of the Law" by those who agree with the New Perspective is that the phrase contains the word "works" in it. While I believe that the portrait previously presented of Second-Temple Judaism by NT scholars was highly skewed, there is evidence of legalistic tendencies in some corners of Judaism during the period of the NT. Thus, it is plausible that Paul himself was one of these Jews (cf. Phil 3 where Paul includes in his Jewish heritage both things into which he was born and things that he himself accomplished and his phrase "my righteousness") and/or that his opponents (especially those in Galatians and Philippians) also leaned toward legalism. This is not an indictment of all of Second-Temple Judaism, instead it is merely an admission that it was not as monolithic as is often present by both sides of the debate.
* Also, the focus on the social function of Paul's understanding of "works of the Law," namely as boundary markers separating Jews and Gentiles, championed by James Dunn, is not robustly critiqued. While some of the texts may make "works of the Law" appear to function socially, not all of them do. Also, the so-called social function of the "works of the Law" may in fact simply be a result of Paul's new view of the Law since his encounter with the risen Jesus. It seems most plausible to me that the Law was relativized in comparison to knowing Christ (Phil 3.7), and this relativization is what allowed Paul to make statements like he does in Gal 3.28. Function and definition should not be confused necessarily.
* There are many other places where I think that Bassler is too sympathetic with the New Perspective and too critical of traditional interpretations, but the three examples above should serve to illustrate my point.

One could also argue that Bassler left out some "key theological concepts" in Navigating. Due to the length of the study and the nature of the book itself, this is inevitable. However, dealing in detail with some other issues would have strengthened the book some, specifically the death of Jesus, the resurrection, the church, the function of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, and sin. Their omission, however, is certainly understandable.

Up to this point, the reader of this review may be under the impression that I did not like this book. Nothing could be further from the truth! Navigating has many strengths that make it worth reading for those interested in Pauline theology (especially those looking for textbooks for a Pauline theology class at university, seminary, or even adult education classes in churches). One major strength of the book is that Bassler has written it with style and grace throughout. It is not a dense and slow read, instead, thanks to Bassler's writing prowess, the reader is allowed to move quickly through this very difficult terrain. Perhaps the best example of this was her coverage of pistis christou "faith in/of Christ" (27-32), in which she explored this complicated and entrenched debate with great dexterity. Also, one of Bassler's emphases throughout is that the reader of Paul should not read his/her situation onto that of Paul. This is a common critique of traditional interpreters of Paul, but this critique should always be held in the mind of every interpreter of the Bible. Also, Bassler's sensitivity in dealing with difficult issues is very pleasing to the reader. She addresses issues such as Paul and gender and Jewish-Christian relations with flexibility and care.

Overall I would recommend this book to any serious student of Paul, especially those who have already done some reading of secondary sources or those who will be guided through this territory in a classroom setting. The reason why I say this is that otherwise the uninitiated reader may be too easily convinced of some of the arguments here without giving a fair shake to the opposing opinions. However, Bassler still presents her readers with a very helpful look at a few key Pauline concepts. Four out of five stars!

I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure of the topic. You always hear how Job suffered. Swindoll takes the approach that Job endures. I loved the chapter on how to handle criticism with class. Just a different take on a great man of the Bible. It's long enough to cover the whole book of the Bible but short enough to keep your interest. I highly recommend this book and all the others in the Great Lives series.

We learned that trials that come our way does not mean that we are out of the will of God.
That as humans we can never know why God does whae He does.
That He allows testing for reasons we may never know until we are in heaven

Swindoll has such a gift for bringing people to life. Whether or not we beat up ourselves during severe trials, or it is left to "well-meaning" friends to take on that responsibility, this book gives encouragement and direction to our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. If you're going through a trial - or should I say WHEN you go through a trial that hurts - and hurts bad, give this book a read.

Swindoll has delivered a message of dignity not pity. He has given the reader a taste of the bitter reality which Job faced. Swindoll not only connects the reader to Job but also to modern/contemporary times and application. Swindoll comforts the reader by letting him know it's perfectly acceptable and normal to feel hurt, betrayed, frustrated, and victimized during hard-times; he offers the reader hope to hang on. This book should be required for all people who have never suffered or expierenced loss prior to offering their well-intentioned reasons, formulas, advice and "comfort". Swindoll has not only brought out the integrity and endurance of Job but also the dignity of Job in suffering. A must read for those going into (or active therein) ministry.

I have read several books by this author and he always offers phenomenal insight. God has blessed this man tremendously to spread his word. I have read almost all of the Great Lives series and Job was one of the longest ones. I had no idea it would take me forever to get through this book. As always Mr. Swindoll offers great insight but he kept repeating the same thing over and over and over. I got the point the first time! This book is a good read because of the insight provided, if you are a person who enjoys repetition this book is for you.

This may be the greatest book I have ever read about the judgment and the leadership in these last days to get us safely to the other side in these last days. It lets one see as the earth fell there was a civilization that did not fall and that this civilization would be here to help us as mankind and the earth takes the next step towards ascention. It gives detailed information on those that corrupted mankind in its inocence and how this was done. It lets us know that there will be leadership set up in the next world. Maybe one of the best things about this book is it is not written to any one type of people, it is written equally to all mankind. It covers the pre-existance in ancient times of the leadership in the next world. It explains plainly some of the metaphores used in this book and the Bible. There is good detail on the punishments and rewards of the judgment. It may be suprising to some to learn how (or who) will decide some of these judgments. It explains how evil survived the flood.

R. H. Charles Translation

This is a translation by R. H. Charles from the Ethiopic Text with a complete analysis and notes. Considered indispensable to students of both the Old and New Testaments in understanding the problems underlying the Bible prophecies.

In its present form the Book of Enoch is made up of various elements belonging to different dates and a diversity of authorship and more properly should be spoken of as "Books" of Enoch. One part belongs to the earlier Book of Noah. The following is an extract from Mr. Charles' quite long and detailed Introduction:
. . . To describe in short compass the Book of Enoch is impossible. It comes from many writers and almost as many periods. It touches upon every subject that could have arisen in the ancient schools of the prophets, but naturally it deals with these subjects in an advanced stage of developement. Nearly every religious idea appears in a variety of forms, and if these are studied in relation to their contexts and dates, we cannot fail to observe that in the age to which the Enoch literature belongs there is a movement everywhere, and nowhere dogmatic fixity and finality.And though at times the movement may be reactionary, yet the general trend is onward and upward. In fact the history of the development of the higher theology during the two centuries before the Christian era could not be written without the Book of Enoch.

From what has already been said it is clear that no unity of time, authorship, or teaching is to be looked for. Indeed, certain considerable portions of the book belonged originally not to the Enoch literature at all, but to an earlier work, i. e. the Book of Noah, which probably exhibited in some degree the syncretism of the work into which it was subsequently incorporated. This Book of Noah clearly embraced chapters 6-11, 54-55, 60, 65-69, 106-107.

. . . Conflicting views are advanced on the Messiah, the Messianic kingdom, the origin of sin, Sheol, the final judgement, the resurrection, and the nature of the future life. There is an elaborate angelology and demonology, and much space is devoted to the calender and the heavenly bodies and their movements. Babylonian influences are here manifest and in a slight degree Greek. . . .
The analysis and notes are an excellent addition to this work, enabling the reader to better understand the subject matter.
Paperback
331 pages

...E. Raymond Capt noted Christian archeologist and historian recommends this version and the Richard Laurence version by (Artisan Publishers)

This Book of Enoch needs to be in the hands of every serious Bible student as an indispensable aid in understanding the New Testament regarding the evolution of theology between 200 BC and 100 AD, and also the Old Testament concerning problem prophetical passages. The book was written by a number of Jewish writers around the second century BC, and was considered inspired Scripture in the century before Christ and up to the third century AD by such early Church Fathers, as Justin Martyr, Origen, Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian. It was eventually removed from the canon of Scripture in the fourth century and was virtually lost to Western Christendom until the early 1800s AD, when Laurence published the first English translation based upon a single Ethiopic manuscript. There are several other popular versions in print today, but the only translation worthy of serious study is the R.H. Charles edition, published in the early 1900s after twenty years of extensive research. His translation is based upon 23 Ethiopic manuscripts and all available source fragments of the time. Compared to other translations, the Charles version is quite exhaustive in the number of pages (nearly twice as many as other editions). He, alone, offers an extensive, in-depth Introduction of over 100 pages, and a comprehensive analysis and criticism of the text, plus accurate verse numbering. This is definitely the version to purchase without question! Two other important ancient books readers might want to consider are The Book of Jasher Referred to in Joshua and II Samuel (1840 edition), and The Book of Jubilees translated from the Ethiopic by Schodde, offered by Artisan Publishers.

What a helpful, insightful addition to understanding the Scriptures and theological subjects! R. H. Charles offers an excellent English translation of the Ethiopic Text. His additional notes and analysis contribute added clarity to this work. This book is another fine example of the unique, unusual biblically based books offered by Artisian Publishers.