Engaging the Christian Scriptures

“This new introduction to the Bible is brilliant in clarity and thoroughly engaging. Never before have I read a textbook that is as scholarly, concise, imaginatively written, and artistically laid out as this one. For teachers and students alike, this volume is a ‘pearl of great price.’”—Carol J. Dempsey, professor of theology (biblical studies), University of Portland, Oregon

“This team of scholars has put together an excellent text for a course covering both Old and New Testaments. Their summaries of the biblical books give a flavor for each book’s contents and the world that influenced the biblical writers. Of particular importance to students is the careful treatment of sometimes controversial materials as the authors demonstrate a moderate and thoughtful consideration of different viewpoints.”—Victor H. Matthews, dean of the College of Humanities and Public Affairs and professor of religious studies, Missouri State University

“Engaging the Christian Scriptures is an outstanding resource for guiding the beginning student to become an informed reader of Scripture. The authors present both the content of Scripture and the critical issues of interpretation in a way that is accessible and fair, providing students with the information necessary to form their own judgments. The book satisfies the need for an introductory textbook on the entire Bible that will engage student interest and provide resources for further study.”—James Thompson, scholar in residence, Graduate School of Theology, Abilene Christian University

“The challenge of introducing first-year college students to the academic study of the Bible can be overwhelming. Attending to the vast array of scholarly issues can drown out the primary purpose of the scriptures: to inspire, encourage, and direct people of faith. In their fine introduction, Engaging the Christian Scriptures, Arterbury, Bellinger, and Dodson center on the major critical questions about the Bible in order to help the student base a theological interpretation of the Scriptures on a historical and literary reading of the text. A very helpful introductory textbook—clear and concise—that covers all the important topics of biblical studies for a confessional academic context.”—Rodney Reeves, dean and Redford Professor of Biblical Studies, Southwest Baptist University

“In a world where teachers of biblical studies can no longer assume a general level of biblical literacy, even among students with connections to the church, the temptation is to pile up information in order to erase the deficit. In Engaging the Christian Scriptures a group of seasoned theological educators avoids this pitfall and offers an elegant entry point into the academic study of the Bible. An introduction to the Bible course for undergraduate students needs to rest on three legs: the biblical text, the classroom experience, and a succinct written guide that students can use for preparation and review. Engaging the Christian Scriptures offers the third component of this vital combination in a way that consistently points into the classroom and into the text of the Bible.”—Mark McEntire, professor of religion, College of Theology and Christian Ministry, Belmont University