Engaging the Christian scriptures : an introduction to the Bible /
Andrew E. Arterbury, W.H. Bellinger, Jr. and Derek S. Dodson.
- Grand Rapids, Michigan : Baker Academic, c2014.
- 276 p.: ill., maps; 24 cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Contents: pt. 1. Places to begin. Why read the Bible? -- How shall we read the Bible? -- Suggested reading. pt. 2. Pentateuch. The Old Testament world -- Primeval history -- Ancestral stories -- ical reflection : creation and covenant -- Suggested reading. pt. 3. Former and latter prophets. Historical and social contexts of the prophets -- The latter prophets -- Exile and beyond -- Theological reflection : crises of monarchy and exile -- Suggested reading. pt. 4. Writings. The context of the writings -- Theological reflection : faith and culture -- Suggested reading. pt. 5. Between the testaments. Sociohistorical developments -- Suggested reading. pt. 6. The gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. The world of the gospels -- Acts of the Apostles -- Theological reflection : unity and diversity -- Suggested reading. pt. 7. Paul and the Pauline tradition. Paul's life, ministry, and letters -- The first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians -- The letter of Paul to the Galatians -- The first letter of Paul to the Corinthians -- The letter of Paul to the Romans -- The Pauline tradition -- Theological reflection : the contours of Paul's theology -- Suggested reading. pt. 8. The general letters and Revelation. The world of early Christians -- The letter to the Hebrews -- The letter of James -- The first letter of Peter -- Theological reflection : a fitting conclusion -- Suggested reading.
This readable, affordable, and faith-friendly introduction to the Bible aids students as they engage in their first informed reading of the biblical text in an academic setting. The authors, who have significant undergraduate teaching experience, approach the Christian Scriptures from historical, literary, and theological perspectives. The book is designed for a one-semester course and is meant to be read alongside the biblical text, enabling students to become educated readers of the Bible. In the process, it introduces critical perspectives and approaches without undermining the theological claims found in the Christian Scriptures. The book includes text boxes, illustrations, maps, and suggestions for further reading.