Synopses & Reviews
As in the widely popular earlier editions, the latest revision of this comprehensive and systematic text approaches the Bible from a literary/historical perspective, studying it as a body of writing produced by real people who intended to convey messages to actual audiences. Avoiding assessments of the Bible's truth or authority, the authors maintain a rigorously objective tone as they discuss such major issues as the forms and strategies of biblical writing, its actual historical and physical settings, the process of canon formation, and the nature of biblical genres including prophecy, apocalypse, and gospel.
The fifth edition features a new coauthor, David Citino; a new chapter by contributor Nicola Denzey on the essential yet often overlooked role of women in the Bible; and a new appendix on modern approaches to the Bible. It also incorporates new maps, a timeline, updated bibliographies, and revised material throughout. This objective, easy-to-use, and exciting presentation of the Bible is indispensable to students and accessible to general readers.
Review
"The Bible as Literature is quite broad in its approach and unique in its scope. I haven't found the same breadth in other recent introductions to the Bible as literature. [It is] concise but thorough, an excellent introduction."--Annalisa Azzoni, Vanderbilt University
"The text directly addresses fundamental concepts essential to a scholarly approach to the Bible as literature. My students are quite interested in the study of the Bible as literature, and they think of this study as essential to their lives and beliefs. By using this text, I can be a much better and more credible teacher for them."--Bené Scanlon Cox, Middle Tennessee State University
Table of Contents
To the Reader
I. The Bible as Literature
II. Literary Forms and Strategies in the Bible
III. Ancient Near Eastern Literature and the Bible
IV. The Bible and History
V. The Physical Setting of the Bible
VI. The Formation of the Canon
VII. The Composition of the Pentateuch
VIII. The Prophetic Writings
IX. The Wisdom Literature
X. The Apocalyptic Literature
XI. Judiasm in the Intertestamental Period
XII. The Hellenistic Background of the New Testament
XIII. Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha: The Outside Books
XIV. The Gospels
XV. Acts and the Letters
XVI. The Text of the Bible
XVII. Translating the Bible
XVIII. The Religious Use and Interpretation of the Bible
Appendix 1. The Name of Israel's God
Appendix 2. Writing in Biblical Times
Appendix 3. Palestine in the Intertestamental Period
Review Questions
Glossary of Literary Terms
Index