Synopses & Reviews
The Cambridge Companion to the Bible is unique in that it provides, in a single volume, in-depth information about the changing historical, social and cultural contexts in which the biblical writers and their original readers lived. The authors of the Companion were chosen for their internationally recognised expertise in their respective fields: the history and literature of Israel; post-biblical Judaism; biblical archaeology; and the origins and early literature of Christianity. The Companion deals not only with the canonical writings, but also with the apocryphal works produced by Jewish and Christian writers. The historical setting for the entire range of these biblical writings is depicted and analysed in this volume, with abundant illustrations and maps to assist the reader in visualising the world of the Bible.
Review
"What a splendid and rich mine of information compactly and elegantly set out. A real boon to those eager to read the Bible knowledgeably." The Most Reverend Desmond M. Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town"Truly wonderful book. Clear, concise, illuminating. It will be useful for all of those of us who preach every week, and for the educated person who wants to learn more about sacred scriptures without being overwelmed by academic detail. Everyone should have a copy." Father Andrew M. Greeley, The University of Chicago and the University of Arizona"The Bible, the greatest of all books, is half-closed to those who cannot identify the innumerable names and places which are central to almost every chapter.The Cambridge Companion to the Bible answers this need in a learned, and very accessible, way. It is indispensable to the general reader and to the student." Arthur Hertzberg, Professor Emeritus of Religion, Dartmouth College and author of Judaism: An Anthology of the Key Spiritual Writings of the Jewish Tradition"This is an excellent single-volume resource for serious students of the Bible, useful in both formal academic and nonacademic settings." Steve Schroeder, Booklist"...a useful reference, thorough and authoritative....It is indispensable to the general reader and to the student." John W. Rogerson, www.worldtrade.com"Superbly indexed, the book makes excellent use of maps, illustrations, color plates, and offset boxes for definitions and special descriptions....Highly recommended for any academic library." P.K. Moser, Choice"The companion provides a good if not wholly objective, view of the biblical world." William H. Krieger, Religious Studies Review"The wealth of extremely well-organized information will make this an outstanding biblical source for years to come." American Libraries"Amid the large selection of biblical reference sources available, this one stands out from the rest. Its highly respected authors combine recent archaeological, historical, and sociological studies to produce an encyclopedic overview of the Bible and its evolution. The cultural contexts of Jewish and Christian biblical writings are explored, including the history, language, and beliefs of the writers and their intended audience. Abundant charts and illustrations help readers grasp important concepts and themes. The wealth of extremely well-organized information will make this an outstanding biblical source for years to come." American Libraries (The magazine of the American Library Association)"...of value to scholars who may wish current reviews of topics outside their areas of specialization. This book would be of enormous value in the reference collection of universities, colleges, seminaries, and public libraries....has many advantages for foundational surveys in graduate schools and seminars." The Catholic Biblical Quarterly
Synopsis
In-depth information about changing historical, social and cultural contexts in which biblical writers and readers lived.
Synopsis
A comprehensive survey of the changing contexts in which the biblical writers and their original readers thought and lived. The historical setting for the entire range of biblical writings is depicted and analysed in this volume, with abundant illustrations and maps to assist the reader in visualising the world of the Bible.
Table of Contents
Introduction Howard Clark Kee; 1. Why the Bible is important; 2. How to use this book; 3. The identity and destiny of God's people; Bibliographical essay; Part I. The Old Testament World Eric M. Myers and John W. Rogerson: 1. The world of the ancestors; 2. The world of Israel's historians; 3. The world of Israel's prophets; 4. The world of Israel's worship; 5. The world of Israel's sages and poets; 6. The world of apocalyptic; Bibliographical essay; Part II. Jewish Responses to Greco-Roman Culture, 332 BCE to 200 CE Anthony J. Saldarini: 1. Judaism encounters the Hellenistic world; 2. Antiochus IV and the Maccabean crisis in Palestine; 3. Roman invasion and Jewish response; 4. Herod; 5. Herod's heirs; 6. The world of Jesus; 7. Mid-first-century crises; 8. The Jewish world after the fall of Jerusalem; Bibliographical essay; Part III. The Formation of the Christian Community Howard Clark Kee: 1. Jesus and the new Covenant people; 2. Paul: the Jesus movement launched in the Roman world; 3. Christianity responds to formative Judaism; 4. Christianity responds to Roman culture; 5. Conceptual and organisational diversity in the church; 6. Christianity seeks to unify faith and practice; Bibliographical essay; Index.