Understanding the Bible as a Scripture in History, Culture, and Religion

Understanding the Bible as a Scripture in History, Culture, and Religion

Author: James W. Watts

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2021-04-27

Total Pages: 388

ISBN-13: 111973035X

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UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE AS A SCRIPTURE IN HISTORY, CULTURE, AND RELIGION The Bible is a popular subject of study and research, yet biblical studies gives little attention to the reason for its popularity: its religious role as a scripture. Understanding the Bible as a Scripture in History, Culture, and Religion integrates the history of the religious interpretation and ritual uses of biblical books into a survey of their rhetoric, composition, and theology in their ancient contexts. Emphasizing insights from comparative studies of different religious scriptures, it combines discussion of the Bible’s origins with its cultural history into a coherent understanding of its past and present function as a scripture. A prominent expert on biblical rhetoric and the ritualization of books, James W. Watts describes how Jews and Christians ritualize the Bible by interpreting it, by expressing it in recitations, music, art, and film, and by venerating the physical scroll and book. The first two sections of the book are organized around the Torah and the Gospels—which have been the focus of Jewish and Christian ritualization of scriptures from ancient to modern times—and treat the history of other biblical books in relation to these two central blocks of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. In addition to analyzing the semantic contents of all the Bible’s books as persuasive rhetoric, Watts describes their ritualization in the iconic and expressive dimensions in the centuries since they began to function as a scripture, as well as in their origins in ancient Judaism and Christianity. The third section on the cultural history and scriptural function of modern bibles concludes by discussing their influence today and the controversies they have fueled about history, science, race, and gender. Innovative and insightful, Understanding the Bible as a Scripture in History, Culture, and Religion is a groundbreaking introduction to the study of the Bible as a scripture, and an ideal textbook for courses in biblical studies and comparative scripture studies.


Book Synopsis Understanding the Bible as a Scripture in History, Culture, and Religion by : James W. Watts

Download or read book Understanding the Bible as a Scripture in History, Culture, and Religion written by James W. Watts and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2021-04-27 with total page 388 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE AS A SCRIPTURE IN HISTORY, CULTURE, AND RELIGION The Bible is a popular subject of study and research, yet biblical studies gives little attention to the reason for its popularity: its religious role as a scripture. Understanding the Bible as a Scripture in History, Culture, and Religion integrates the history of the religious interpretation and ritual uses of biblical books into a survey of their rhetoric, composition, and theology in their ancient contexts. Emphasizing insights from comparative studies of different religious scriptures, it combines discussion of the Bible’s origins with its cultural history into a coherent understanding of its past and present function as a scripture. A prominent expert on biblical rhetoric and the ritualization of books, James W. Watts describes how Jews and Christians ritualize the Bible by interpreting it, by expressing it in recitations, music, art, and film, and by venerating the physical scroll and book. The first two sections of the book are organized around the Torah and the Gospels—which have been the focus of Jewish and Christian ritualization of scriptures from ancient to modern times—and treat the history of other biblical books in relation to these two central blocks of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. In addition to analyzing the semantic contents of all the Bible’s books as persuasive rhetoric, Watts describes their ritualization in the iconic and expressive dimensions in the centuries since they began to function as a scripture, as well as in their origins in ancient Judaism and Christianity. The third section on the cultural history and scriptural function of modern bibles concludes by discussing their influence today and the controversies they have fueled about history, science, race, and gender. Innovative and insightful, Understanding the Bible as a Scripture in History, Culture, and Religion is a groundbreaking introduction to the study of the Bible as a scripture, and an ideal textbook for courses in biblical studies and comparative scripture studies.


Understanding the Pentateuch as a Scripture

Understanding the Pentateuch as a Scripture

Author: James W. Watts

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2017-10-23

Total Pages: 328

ISBN-13: 1405196394

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A cutting-edge scholarly review of how the Pentateuch functions as a scripture, and how it came to be ritualized in this way. Understanding the Pentateuch as a Scripture is a unique account of the first five books of the Bible, describing how Jews and Christians ritualize the Pentateuch as a scripture by interpreting it, by performing its text and contents, and by venerating the physical scroll and book. Pentateuchal studies are known for intense focus on questions of how and when the first five books of the Bible were composed, edited, and canonized as scripture. Rather than such purely historical, literary, or theological approaches, Hebrew Bible scholar James W. Watts organizes this description of the Pentateuch from the perspectives of comparative scriptures and religious studies. He describes how the Pentateuch has been used in the centuries since it began to function as a scripture in the time of Ezra, and the origins of its ritualization before that time. The book: Analyzes the semantic contents of the Pentateuch as oral rhetoric that takes the form of stories followed by lists of laws and sanctions Gives equal space to its ritualization in the iconic and performative dimensions as to its semantic interpretation Fully integrates the cultural history of the Pentateuch and Bible with its influence on Jewish and Christian ritual, and in art, music, theatre, and film Understanding the Pentateuch as a Scripture is a groundbreaking work that highlights new research data and organizes the material to focus attention on the Pentateuch’s—and Bible’s— function as a scripture.


Book Synopsis Understanding the Pentateuch as a Scripture by : James W. Watts

Download or read book Understanding the Pentateuch as a Scripture written by James W. Watts and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2017-10-23 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A cutting-edge scholarly review of how the Pentateuch functions as a scripture, and how it came to be ritualized in this way. Understanding the Pentateuch as a Scripture is a unique account of the first five books of the Bible, describing how Jews and Christians ritualize the Pentateuch as a scripture by interpreting it, by performing its text and contents, and by venerating the physical scroll and book. Pentateuchal studies are known for intense focus on questions of how and when the first five books of the Bible were composed, edited, and canonized as scripture. Rather than such purely historical, literary, or theological approaches, Hebrew Bible scholar James W. Watts organizes this description of the Pentateuch from the perspectives of comparative scriptures and religious studies. He describes how the Pentateuch has been used in the centuries since it began to function as a scripture in the time of Ezra, and the origins of its ritualization before that time. The book: Analyzes the semantic contents of the Pentateuch as oral rhetoric that takes the form of stories followed by lists of laws and sanctions Gives equal space to its ritualization in the iconic and performative dimensions as to its semantic interpretation Fully integrates the cultural history of the Pentateuch and Bible with its influence on Jewish and Christian ritual, and in art, music, theatre, and film Understanding the Pentateuch as a Scripture is a groundbreaking work that highlights new research data and organizes the material to focus attention on the Pentateuch’s—and Bible’s— function as a scripture.


Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible

Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible

Author: Wayne Grudem

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2012-05-31

Total Pages: 162

ISBN-13: 1433531658

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How do I get more out of my Bible reading? What was going on during the gap between the Old and New Testaments? How do all the books of the Bible fit together as a whole? This book answers these questions and puts clear, readable Bible study aids at your fingertips. It contains thirteen essays from some of today’s best evangelical scholars including C. John Collins, Thomas Schreiner, Gordon Wenham, and Darrell Bock, and will help you to: See the big-picture storyline of the Bible Understand the theology of the Old and New Testaments Read the different sections of Scripture effectively Know what happened between the testaments In addition to essays on each genre of the Bible, the book addresses the general Greco-Roman world and specific Jewish groups at the time of the New Testament. To aid in putting Bible passages in context, it also includes timelines of the Old and New Testaments and intertestamental events. Useful as both a general overview of the Bible and as a tool for more specific reference and training, this book will help you grow in your understanding of Scripture and your ability to apply the Bible to life.


Book Synopsis Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible by : Wayne Grudem

Download or read book Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible written by Wayne Grudem and published by Crossway. This book was released on 2012-05-31 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How do I get more out of my Bible reading? What was going on during the gap between the Old and New Testaments? How do all the books of the Bible fit together as a whole? This book answers these questions and puts clear, readable Bible study aids at your fingertips. It contains thirteen essays from some of today’s best evangelical scholars including C. John Collins, Thomas Schreiner, Gordon Wenham, and Darrell Bock, and will help you to: See the big-picture storyline of the Bible Understand the theology of the Old and New Testaments Read the different sections of Scripture effectively Know what happened between the testaments In addition to essays on each genre of the Bible, the book addresses the general Greco-Roman world and specific Jewish groups at the time of the New Testament. To aid in putting Bible passages in context, it also includes timelines of the Old and New Testaments and intertestamental events. Useful as both a general overview of the Bible and as a tool for more specific reference and training, this book will help you grow in your understanding of Scripture and your ability to apply the Bible to life.


A Quick Overview of the Bible

A Quick Overview of the Bible

Author: Douglas A. Jacoby

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Published: 2012-03-01

Total Pages: 246

ISBN-13: 0736944257

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Moses' world would hardly be recognizable today. David and Solomon, Isaiah and Nehemiah, Peter and Paul...all the biblical authors wrote to people whose mind-sets were very different from readers' today. Add to that the immensity of the Bible story...no wonder the Scriptures can be difficult to understand! Bible scholar Douglas Jacoby has taught Bible survey courses for more than 25 years, bridging the gulf between the biblical world and the twenty-first century. He uses clear, easy-to-understand language to explain the big picture of the Bible and show how each of the pieces fit together. Among the many compelling issues covered, readers will discover... the basic chronological outline of the Bible; the most important themes of the Old and New Testaments; how the Bible relates to a twenty-first-century worldview. Perfect for personal or group use, this survey removes many of the barriers that keep people from understanding and enjoying the Bible.


Book Synopsis A Quick Overview of the Bible by : Douglas A. Jacoby

Download or read book A Quick Overview of the Bible written by Douglas A. Jacoby and published by Harvest House Publishers. This book was released on 2012-03-01 with total page 246 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Moses' world would hardly be recognizable today. David and Solomon, Isaiah and Nehemiah, Peter and Paul...all the biblical authors wrote to people whose mind-sets were very different from readers' today. Add to that the immensity of the Bible story...no wonder the Scriptures can be difficult to understand! Bible scholar Douglas Jacoby has taught Bible survey courses for more than 25 years, bridging the gulf between the biblical world and the twenty-first century. He uses clear, easy-to-understand language to explain the big picture of the Bible and show how each of the pieces fit together. Among the many compelling issues covered, readers will discover... the basic chronological outline of the Bible; the most important themes of the Old and New Testaments; how the Bible relates to a twenty-first-century worldview. Perfect for personal or group use, this survey removes many of the barriers that keep people from understanding and enjoying the Bible.


A Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch

A Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch

Author: Richard S. Briggs

Publisher: Baker Books

Published: 2012-03

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 0801039126

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This useful textbook explores the theological dimensions of the Pentateuch and provides examples of critically engaged theological interpretation.


Book Synopsis A Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch by : Richard S. Briggs

Download or read book A Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch written by Richard S. Briggs and published by Baker Books. This book was released on 2012-03 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This useful textbook explores the theological dimensions of the Pentateuch and provides examples of critically engaged theological interpretation.


An Introduction to the Old Testament Pentateuch

An Introduction to the Old Testament Pentateuch

Author: Herbert . Wolf

Publisher: Moody Publishers

Published: 2007-07-01

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 9781575674421

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The Pentateuch--Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy--are the vital first books in the Bible. understanding the scope, meaning, and events of these five books is integral to understanding the whole of Scripture that follows. Old Testament expert Herbert Wolf provides layreaders and scholars alike with a strong undergirding of understanding and knowledge in this introduction that reveals both the seriousness and excitement of the Pentateuch. Readers will find Adam, Abraham, Joseph, Moses and Joshua in these pages, as well as terrible sin and glorious forgiveness, bloody sacrifices and battles, deadly betrayal and life-giving hope. Wolf first addresses the overarching themes that flow through the Pentateuch, with special attention given to Moses as author of the five books. He then addresses each book specifically, covering topics such as purpose and scope, and literary structure. He tailors additional study to each specific book. This book contributes significantly to a clear, deep understanding of the Bible's first five books.


Book Synopsis An Introduction to the Old Testament Pentateuch by : Herbert . Wolf

Download or read book An Introduction to the Old Testament Pentateuch written by Herbert . Wolf and published by Moody Publishers. This book was released on 2007-07-01 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Pentateuch--Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy--are the vital first books in the Bible. understanding the scope, meaning, and events of these five books is integral to understanding the whole of Scripture that follows. Old Testament expert Herbert Wolf provides layreaders and scholars alike with a strong undergirding of understanding and knowledge in this introduction that reveals both the seriousness and excitement of the Pentateuch. Readers will find Adam, Abraham, Joseph, Moses and Joshua in these pages, as well as terrible sin and glorious forgiveness, bloody sacrifices and battles, deadly betrayal and life-giving hope. Wolf first addresses the overarching themes that flow through the Pentateuch, with special attention given to Moses as author of the five books. He then addresses each book specifically, covering topics such as purpose and scope, and literary structure. He tailors additional study to each specific book. This book contributes significantly to a clear, deep understanding of the Bible's first five books.


The Meaning of the Pentateuch

The Meaning of the Pentateuch

Author: John H. Sailhamer

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Published: 2010-06-18

Total Pages: 634

ISBN-13: 0830878882

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Biblical Foundations Book Award The Pentateuch is the foundation for understanding the Old Testament and the Bible as a whole. Yet through the centuries it has been probed and dissected, weighed and examined, its text peeled back for its underlying history, its discourse analyzed and its words weighed. Could there be any stone in Sinai yet unturned? Surprisingly, there is. From a career of study, John Sailhamer sums up his perspective on the Pentateuch by first settling the hermeneutical question of where we should set our attention. Rather than focus on the history behind the text, Sailhamer is convinced that it is the text itself that should be our primary focus. Along the way he demonstrates that this was in fact the focus of many interpreters in the precritical era. Persuaded of the singular vision of the Pentateuch, Sailhamer searches out clues left by the author and the later editor of the Pentateuch that will disclose the meaning of this great work. By paying particular attention to the poetic seams in the text, he rediscovers a message that surprisingly brings us to the threshold of the New Testament gospel.


Book Synopsis The Meaning of the Pentateuch by : John H. Sailhamer

Download or read book The Meaning of the Pentateuch written by John H. Sailhamer and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2010-06-18 with total page 634 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Biblical Foundations Book Award The Pentateuch is the foundation for understanding the Old Testament and the Bible as a whole. Yet through the centuries it has been probed and dissected, weighed and examined, its text peeled back for its underlying history, its discourse analyzed and its words weighed. Could there be any stone in Sinai yet unturned? Surprisingly, there is. From a career of study, John Sailhamer sums up his perspective on the Pentateuch by first settling the hermeneutical question of where we should set our attention. Rather than focus on the history behind the text, Sailhamer is convinced that it is the text itself that should be our primary focus. Along the way he demonstrates that this was in fact the focus of many interpreters in the precritical era. Persuaded of the singular vision of the Pentateuch, Sailhamer searches out clues left by the author and the later editor of the Pentateuch that will disclose the meaning of this great work. By paying particular attention to the poetic seams in the text, he rediscovers a message that surprisingly brings us to the threshold of the New Testament gospel.


The Pentateuch

The Pentateuch

Author: Lloyd R. Bailey

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 1981

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13:

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Noted Old Testament scholar Lloyd R. Bailey, Sr., provides a helpful methodology for interpreting the first five books of the Bible. He analyzes the text in detail, covering such topics as the concept of Torah, the literary forms that make up the Pentateuch, and the theories concerning its authorship. He also examines the Pentateuch's different levels of meaning, the authors' original intentions, how the first audiences received these writings, and their present-day relevance. Then, by exploring six carefully selected passages from the Pentateuch, Dr. Bailey objectively and systematically guides the reader in an independent investigation of these same points.


Book Synopsis The Pentateuch by : Lloyd R. Bailey

Download or read book The Pentateuch written by Lloyd R. Bailey and published by Abingdon Press. This book was released on 1981 with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Noted Old Testament scholar Lloyd R. Bailey, Sr., provides a helpful methodology for interpreting the first five books of the Bible. He analyzes the text in detail, covering such topics as the concept of Torah, the literary forms that make up the Pentateuch, and the theories concerning its authorship. He also examines the Pentateuch's different levels of meaning, the authors' original intentions, how the first audiences received these writings, and their present-day relevance. Then, by exploring six carefully selected passages from the Pentateuch, Dr. Bailey objectively and systematically guides the reader in an independent investigation of these same points.


Introduction to the Pentateuch

Introduction to the Pentateuch

Author: R. Norman Whybray

Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing

Published: 1995-05-09

Total Pages: 158

ISBN-13: 9780802808370

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This study provides a straightforward introduction to the contents and themes of the first five books of the Bible. The author stresses the meaning of the Pentateuch in its canonical form while remaining sensitive to its literary merit, theological import, and compelling power.


Book Synopsis Introduction to the Pentateuch by : R. Norman Whybray

Download or read book Introduction to the Pentateuch written by R. Norman Whybray and published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. This book was released on 1995-05-09 with total page 158 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This study provides a straightforward introduction to the contents and themes of the first five books of the Bible. The author stresses the meaning of the Pentateuch in its canonical form while remaining sensitive to its literary merit, theological import, and compelling power.


Jesuit Post

Jesuit Post

Author: Patrick Gilger

Publisher: Orbis Books

Published: 2014-03-31

Total Pages: 315

ISBN-13: 1608334481

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Drawn from the eponymous blog essays on faith, culture, and lives of Christian discipleship by young Jesuit priests and seminarians for young adult seekers.


Book Synopsis Jesuit Post by : Patrick Gilger

Download or read book Jesuit Post written by Patrick Gilger and published by Orbis Books. This book was released on 2014-03-31 with total page 315 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Drawn from the eponymous blog essays on faith, culture, and lives of Christian discipleship by young Jesuit priests and seminarians for young adult seekers.