Psalm Basics for Catholics
Seeing Salvation History in a New Way
by John Bergsma
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Pub Date 16 Mar 2018 | Archive Date 16 May 2018
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Description
“I cannot even imagine a better introduction to the psalms than this book. John Bergsma has made the psalms more understandable, more singable, and even more lovable than before.”
Mike Aquilina
Author of A History of the Church in 100 Objects
In his third back-to-basics look at the Bible, popular theology professor and bestselling Catholic author and speaker John Bergsma highlights the presence of Jesus in the psalms and helps us understand their meaning in light of the story of salvation. Bergsma employs the same conversational style and simple illustrations found in Bible Basics for Catholics and New Testament Basics for Catholics to help bridge the gap between the world of contemporary Catholics and the ancient world of the Bible.
In Psalm Basics for Catholics, John Bergsma introduces us to King David, the story of Israel, and the salvation of the Jewish people through the coming of Jesus.
For more than two thousand years, Christians have sung, chanted, and prayed the psalms, a practice of worship inherited from our Jewish ancestors in faith. Whether prayed during Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, or in personal reflection, these ancient hymns continue to be a guiding light for Catholics. Yet rarely do we step back and look at how the psalms fit into the story of salvation revealed in the Bible the way Bergsma does here.
Bergsma also addresses common questions about the psalms, including
Do the psalms really predict Jesus?What do we make of the so-called curse psalms?Why do we pray the psalms in the Liturgy of the Hours?How do I read and pray the psalms?Bergsma’s insightful, practical examination of the psalms helps Catholics see how their promise is fulfilled in Christ.
Features & Benefits
Bible Basics for Catholics and New Testament Basics for Catholics have sold more than 80,000 copies combined.Bergsma is a popular, award-winning theology teacher at the Franciscan University of Steubenville who has an active speaking schedule.A Note From the Publisher
In addition to teaching scripture at Franciscan, Bergsma is a frequent guest on Relevant Radio’s Drew Mariani Show and Sacred Heart Radio’s Son Rise Morning Show. He speaks regularly at conferences and parishes nationwide. Bergsma has written for numerous academic and popular publications, including Bible Basics for Catholics, New Testament Basics for Catholics, and A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: Old Testament. He and his wife, Dawn, live with their children in Steubenville, Ohio.
Advance Praise
“I cannot even imagine a better introduction to the psalms than this book. John Bergsma has made the psalms more understandable, more singable, and even more lovable than before.”
Mike Aquilina
Author of A History of the Church in 100 Objects
“In this easy-to-read but extremely informative introduction to the psalms, John Bergsma takes you on a guided tour of the book that the Catechism calls ‘the masterwork of prayer.’ If you really want to learn how to pray with the heart and mind of Christ, then Psalm Basics for Catholics is for you.”
Brant Pitre
Professor of Sacred Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary
Author of The Case for Jesus
“The faithful have both embraced and wrestled with the psalms for centuries. There is something comforting about them, yet when read together as a whole, the Psalter can seem overwhelming and confusing. Bergsma makes this daunting book imminently accessible. From background to authorship to content, Psalm Basics for Catholics provides the tools that everyday Catholics need to grasp these ancient texts.”
Scott Powell
Director of the Aquinas Institute for Catholic Thought
“Just as the psalms are said to be the Old Testament’s ‘masterwork of prayer,’ Dr. Bergsma offers us a masterwork of the psalms.”
Sonja Corbitt
Author of Unleashed
Praise for the Bible Basics Series
“You will come to see the Bible in a whole new light, and find yourself reading it—with greater wisdom and insight—for the rest of your life.”
Scott Hahn
Author of The Creed
“Packed with nuggets of wisdom, Bergsma gives the reader a feast by offering timeless insights to get the most out of your Bible. Catechists, parents, and teachers can use it for their own personal edification and unpack the New Testament within their own families. New Testament Basics for Catholics will hold a prominent and permanent place upon my bookshelf. Rare is the book that can take something so deep and make it simple enough for a beginner to understand. This is the work of a master teacher.”
Mark Hart
Author of Behold the Mystery
“A brilliant book done in a brilliant way. New Testament Basics for Catholics is an easy way to understand the big picture of the New Testament. A must for anyone wanting to learn more about Jesus and the early Church.”
Kevin Cotter
FOCUS
“A splendid book, and acutely necessary. Every time an evangelical tries to use the Bible to attack the Church, we now have a good, accessible volume with which to respond.”
Michael Coren
Author of Why Catholics Are Right
“Even though this is a basic, non-intimidating overview of the Bible, the author is not afraid to deepen our appreciation of scripture by occasionally introducing some important technical terms and Hebrew and Greek words, always explaining them thoroughly and understandably.”
National Catholic Register
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781594717932 |
| PRICE | US$15.95 (USD) |
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