Abba Isn't Daddy and Other Biblical Surprises

Fr. William L. Burton, O.F.M., doesn’t want you to be intimidated by studying the Bible. In fact, as a scripture scholar, he believes reading God’s Word is not only educational but also fun and entertaining. “The Bible is filled with surprises!” he says.

In Abba Isn’t Daddy and Other Biblical Surprises, Burton answers a number of fascinating questions that help you become more familiar with the Bible and your Catholic faith.

Have you ever wondered whether “Christ” is Jesus’ last name?

Did you know that when Jesus called God “Abba” he didn’t really mean the familiar “Daddy” as you may have been taught?

Could the Our Father have originally been a Jewish prayer?

Burton answers these questions and many others in Abba Isn’t Daddy and Other Biblical Surprises: What Catholics Really Need to Know about Scripture Study. The book will satisfy your curiosity about biblical subjects you’ve heard of and passages you’ve wondered about but never really pondered deeply nor understood.

Burton, a renowned scripture, introduces you to basic principles of scripture study and aids in your exploration of intriguing questions about the life of Jesus.

In part 1, Burton examines the history of the Bible, tools for scripture study, and the importance of archaeological, cultural, and linguistic discoveries for understanding the Bible. He also offers a fascinating explanation of how the geography of Israel played a crucial role in the Bible’s content and development.

In part 2, Burton addresses interesting questions related to the origin and meaning of topics in the New Testament.

Abba Isn’t Daddy and Other Biblical Surprises is a perfect resource to encourage you to learn the principles of scripture study and undertake a deeper reading of the Bible.

Rev. William L. Burton, O.F.M., is a scripture scholar. He also serves as a provincial councilor for the Franciscan Province of the Sacred Heart. He was a member of the board of trustees of the Catholic Theological Union and served stints as vice president for mission and ministry, vice president of academic affairs, and a professor at Quincy University. Burton also was director of academic formation for the diaconate program in the Diocese of Springfield and a visiting professor at DePaul University. A regular speaker at the Los Angeles Religious Education Conference and other venues, Burton also has been involved in numerous parish Bible study programs and scripture-based retreats in the United States, Canada, and Rome. He has also served as a frequent pilgrimage guide through the Holy Land, Greece, and Turkey.

“Fr. Burton takes delight in unpacking scripture and making it relevant and approachable. Abba Isn’t Daddy and Other Biblical Surprises describes the basic tools of Catholic Scripture study—then puts them to work on some surprising common misconceptions about the Bible.”
Sarah Christmyer
Author, codeveloper, and founding editor of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible Study

“The Bible is the most important thing a Christian can read. But relying on assumptions about the Bible, or attempting to interpret it for oneself, is the kind of dangerous game that has splintered and politicized Christianity over the centuries. Fr. Burton dispels common myths and misconceptions about scripture while holding it in the highest regard, and shows why Christians should read and study the Bible while also relying on the wisdom of magisterial scholarship to understand what it means. Offering his own thoughts and questions in continuity with time-tested scholarly interpretations, Fr. Burton encourages readers to think of the Bible as more than some display item on a bookshelf, but rather as a key to understanding the ongoing drama of God’s love for his people.”
Matt Swaim
Communications coordinator for the Coming Home Network
Cohost of the Son Rise Morning Show

“If you love how scripture can surprise and bewilder you all at the same time, you need to read Fr. William Burton’s book. Burton is gifted in his ability to ‘translate’ passages that may confuse and open new ways for our understanding and wonder. This book will be an asset for individuals who want to deepen their relationship with God’s Word, for adult faith-sharing groups as well as group Bible study. Burton’s scholarship and humor make the Bible come alive and connect with Jesus’ disciples today calling them to avoid trying to tame the scriptures and instead enjoy the surprises God has in store.”
Catherine Sims
Associate Director of the Institute for Lay Formation
University of Saint Mary of the Lake

”It is no surprise that Fr. William Burton can enlighten and entertain even the most knowledgeable Bible scholars. Beginning with his introduction that we are the beloved of God, he creates a desire to study, reflect, question, and further understand our own Church history. Reading Burton’s words was a long-awaited and joyous voyage I had been meaning to endeavor. I suggest that everyone go and do likewise.”
Jan C. Pedroza
Religious Education Congress program coordinator and early childhood faith formation coordinator
Archdiocese of Los Angeles

“Fr. William Burton writes clearly, authoritatively, and lovingly. Insight-generating examples flow through his text. Teachers, students, and lay study groups will enjoy and learn much from this marvelous work.”
Fr. Robert J. Karris, O.F.M.
Professor emeritus at St. Bonaventure University
Former president of the Catholic Biblical Association of America

“Abba Isn’t Daddy and Other Biblical Surprises offers a clear understanding of contemporary biblical scholarship for thoughtful and interested Catholics who want to learn more about the Bible, but don’t have the time to study Greek and Hebrew. Thoroughly grounded in Church documents, it offers new and surprising insights on familiar Bible passages that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of God’s holy Word.”
Mary Elizabeth Sperry
Author of Bible Top Tens and Scripture in the Parish

“Fr. Burton offers lovely gems in each chapter of this scripture mine, and by the end he has flipped over an ordinary lump of stone to uncover an enormous glittering jewel that you get to keep!”
Sonja Corbitt
Host of Bible Study Evangelista and author of Unleashed and Fearless