An exhortation to Biblical scholarship and the exercise thereof.

The first couple of chapters of this book read less as a "little book for new Bible scholars" as much as "an appeal for Bible students to enter higher education to become Bible scholars," focusing on why it is important to study the text in depth and how learning more about the Biblical contexts and cultures can not only enhance Biblical interpretation and thus exposition but also keeps the student from engaging in various fallacies and falling for plausible sounding yet erroneous readings. On account of this the book would be of some value to the person who fancies him or herself a strong Bible student but could use the training and honing which can come from pursuing a more serious curriculum of study...but would such a one know this book is for them as well based on the title?

The last half of the book is more aligned with the title: warning students against allowing their knowledge to give them a bigger head, an (obligatory) exhortation for greater diversity and inclusivity in Biblical studies departments, and exhortation toward perseverance and faithfulness in study.

The book would have value for the potential Bible scholar or young Bible student who may be considering higher education, should consider higher education, or is beginning their pursuit of higher education.

Inspired by Helmut Thielicke’s popular publication from 1962, //A Little Exercise for Young Theologians//, IVP Academic (of InterVarsity Press) has been putting out lengthier books—still quick reads—in it’s //A Little Book for New [X]: Why and How to Study [Y]// series. Thielicke’s work is so well done in that it shouldn’t be surprising to find it being quoted in these new books. So, what’s the point in trying to replace? I’m not sure that’s necessarily the intent, though some schools and classes may decide to go that route with their book requirements and recommendations.

The latest addition to the series, //A Little Book for New Bible Scholars: Why and How to Study the Bible// by E. Randolph Richards and Joseph R. Dodson, is certainly not a replacement to Thielicke’s, but it is a welcome and helpful addition. Its helpful and encouraging contributions are often through narratives likely much more palatable and an easier introductory pull into the field for millennials than perhaps Thielicke’s language may be. It is also, as the title suggests, more specific to biblical studies than theology, a distinction students will (should) eventually learn. My only major criticism is on the awkward and uncomfortably forced chapter on equality wherein the authors encourage “female, black, Hispanic, and non-Western scholars to step up and do the hard work of biblical studies” (79). To be fair, it is a sincere and grace-filled attempt at inclusivity. As stated by one of the authors, “Sometimes white male scholars like me can be a jerk. (I may even have stated some things in this chapter in insensitive ways—forgive me.)” (87) That said, I would still recommend the book anyone interested in or considering academic Bible study.

Note: I have not yet read Kelly M. Kapic’s //A Little Book for New Theologians: Why and How to Study Theology// (2012), thus I am unable to speak to how his approach may or may not be different from Thielicke’s and what may or may not be gained from reading it in conjunction with others in this series.

*I received a temporary, unpublished digital copy for review from IVP Academic via NetGalley.

Reading this book was a delight. I read it in two days and enjoyed it a lot. The authors tell us about what it means to be a Bible scholar and other considerations we must have.

With a pleasant, serious and funny tone, the authors lead us to recognize the need to study the scriptures and to glorify God through knowledge.

The chapters of the book plus some "taste" of what you'll find:

1. Fall in love.
Knowledge without love and love without knowledge.

2. Have more stuff and less fluff
Longing and studying the Scriptures more. How?

3. Hold your horses.
Exegesis, exegesis, exegesis

4. Don't play marbles with diamonds
Bad and good exegesis?

5. Speak the local language:
Greek for me?

6. Keep the main thing in the main thing
Do not neglect your heart

7. Don't get puffed up
The danger of pride

8. Remember that Biblical studies is an equal opportunity vocation
Asians, Hispanics, Black, Women, we can be bible scholars.

9. Stay the course.
Don't give up.

If you are a student of a seminar or want to study in one, read this book will be of great benefit for your life.