Designed for those readers who have had little or no exposure to the academic study of the Bible, this volume is a journey into "three worlds" found in the Bible. An Introduction to the Bible explores the literary world(s) of the Biblical text, the historical world out of which the Bible emerged, and the contemporary world in which we read and try to understand the Bible.

Drawing on their vast teaching experience, the authors examine the contemporary relevance and impact of the Bible through questions at the end of each chapter. In addition, the book features a full chapter on Jewish life and literature between the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and the New Testament, including the Deuterocanon, and demonstrates the continuing role of the Bible in religion, politics, art, literature, and music.

New to this edition:

• NEW--an annotated list of movies and documentary films related to the Bible, including information on how to obtain them for classroom use.
• NEW--discussion of recent controversies over interpretation of the Bible by modern artists and the growing influence of the Bible in American popular culture, including television.
• NEW--commentary on the role of the Bible in the recent flurry of speculation on the possible relationship between the beginning of a new millennium and the end of history.
• NEW--suggested readings from the Bible and discussion questions related to such contemporary ethical issues as homosexuality.
• NEW--inclusion of internet sites for biblical research in an updated and expanded annotated bibliography.
• UPDATED--discussion of recent developments in biblical scholarship on topics such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, archaeology and the Bible, Noah's flood, and the historical Jesus.

• NEW - Recent developments in biblical scholarship—e.g., the Dead Sea Scrolls, archaeology and the Bible, Noah's flood, and the historical Jesus.

  • Keeps instructors and students on the cutting edge of research. Ex.___

• NEW - Refined discussion of “truth” in biblical texts (Ch. 1).

  • Enables students to appreciate complexities of biblical interpretation. Ex.___

• NEW - Updated treatment of various methods of studying the Bible (Ch. 2)—Reflects the most recent developments in expanded discussions, for example, of feminist analysis, deconstruction, and the use of archaeology.

  • Enhances the easy-to-grasp framework for biblical study employed in the text with the most current methodologies. Ex.___

• NEW - Clarifying comments and insights throughout based on contemporary research—e.g., the recent work of the controversial “Jesus Seminar” on the life and sayings of Jesus (Ch. 11); a discussion of the role of the Bible in the modern environmental crisis and the concern about the future of Native American and other indigenous cultures (Ch. 16).

  • Engages students with controversies of which they may not be aware. Ex.___

• NEW - Updated analysis of the role of the Bible in contemporary American culture—e.g., discusses recent controversies over interpretation of the Bible by modern artists, and the growing influence of the Bible in American popular culture, including television.

  • Stimulates students' awareness of the ways in which the Bible is influencing their lives. Ex.___

• NEW - The Bible and the millennium—Includes commentary on the role of the Bible in the recent speculation on the possible relationship between the beginning of a new millennium and the end of history.

  • Provides material for interesting class discussions. Ex.___

• NEW - Contemporary ethical issues—Includes suggested readings from the Bible and discussion questions related to contemporary ethical issues, such as homosexuality.

  • Shows the relevance of religious thought for vexing moral issues. Ex.___

• NEW - Revised chapter-ending questions—Designed to stimulate discussion and reflection on the contemporary world of the Bible. More closely links these questions to suggested readings from the Bible.

  • Helps instructors decide which sections of the Bible to assign for students to read. Ex.___

• NEW - An annotated list of movies and documentary films related to the Bible—Includes information on how to obtain them for classroom use.

  • Enriches opportunities for classroom presentations and student research and study. Ex.___

• NEW - Updated Annotated Bibliography—Includes Internet sites related to biblical research.

  • Assists instructors with course preparation and prompts students with new sources for further research and study. Ex.___

• The “three worlds” (literary, historical, contemporary) approach to studying the Bible.

  • Provides instructors with a helpful framework for organizing the course, drawing on the most recent trends in biblical scholarship. Gives students a clear, easy-to-grasp framework for studying the Bible. Introductory students especially benefit from an approach that keeps the historical and literary worlds separate. Ex.___

• Greater use of recent research in Jewish studies than is common in introductory texts—Particularly in the treatment of postexilic Israel and the New Testament period.

  • Broadens students' understanding and appreciation of biblical scholarship. Ex.___

• Accessible language.

  • Avoids academic jargon that confuses and frustrates students. Ex.___

• Maps, charts, illustrations, and tables.

  • Maps help students visualize the lands and sites to which the Bible refers; charts show major periods, events, leaders, types of literature, etc. Ex.___

• Questions for discussion and reflection—At the end of each chapter.

  • Encourages thoughtful reflection and discussion on some of the most important and provocative questions on the relation of the Bible to contemporary concerns. Ex.___

• Annotated Bibliography—With suggestions for further study, including books and journals, Internet sites, and movies and films.

  • Helps students in preparing research papers and further studying the Bible. Ex.___

• Glossary.

  • Helps students identify key terms and review for examinations. Ex.___

• Chapter summaries.

  • Provides students with a convenient study and review resource. Ex.___