Engaging the Christian Scriptures

An Introduction to the Bible

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Pub Date 30 Mar 2021 | Archive Date 30 May 2021

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Description

This readable, faith-friendly, one-semester textbook aids students as they engage in their first reading of the biblical text in an academic setting. The authors, who have significant undergraduate teaching experience, approach the Christian Scriptures from historical, literary, and theological perspectives. Text boxes, illustrations, maps, and suggestions for further reading are included. This new edition incorporates professor and student feedback, adds a glossary, has been revised throughout, and is supplemented by updated and expanded web-based pedagogical resources.

This readable, faith-friendly, one-semester textbook aids students as they engage in their first reading of the biblical text in an academic setting. The authors, who have significant undergraduate...


Advance Praise

“From cultural and geographical backdrops, to literary and rhetorical features, to canonical and theological connections, Engaging the Christian Scriptures immerses students in the Bible, introducing tools necessary for reading Scripture well. After setting the stage with ‘Places to Begin,’ the chapters address relevant textual content, interpretation, and theological implications. Helpful charts and illustrations throughout distill complex concepts, and suggestions for further reading offer supplements for students who want to dig deeper. Finally, the glossary compiles terms introduced in boldface within the textbook, providing quick access to concise explanations. From beginning to end, the authors carefully facilitate student learning and exploration. Informative and accessible, this textbook is an excellent companion for study of the Christian Scriptures.”—Kathy Maxwell, chair of biblical and theological studies, Palm Beach Atlantic University 

Engaging the Christian Scriptures navigates well the challenges of beginning academic study of the Bible. It introduces the Bible’s foreignness without making it inaccessible, critical approaches without allowing them to steal the spotlight from the Bible itself, the distinct witness of the Hebrew Bible without minimizing the New Testament’s claims to continuity with it, the Bible as an object of study without silencing its personal address, and debate about its meaning without making it impenetrable. The second edition builds on these strengths. The electronic resources included with the book aid teacher and student alike in following the clear path the authors have blazed through this pedagogical thicket. Rarely have I received such praise from my students for a textbook choice; but it is Arterbury, Bellinger, and Dodson who deserve the credit for producing an accessible and, yes, ‘engaging’ introduction to the Bible.”—Will Kynes, associate professor of biblical studies, Samford University 

“This readable and accessible introduction to the Bible is a breath of fresh air for faculty and students tackling the seemingly insurmountable task of learning about the entire Christian Bible in a single semester. A helpful guide designed to be read alongside the Bible rather than instead of it, Engaging the Christian Scriptures is a friendly and thoughtful introduction not only to the biblical text but to its composition, historical contexts, literary elements, and theological possibilities. This revised edition boasts expanded materials on the biblical writings and contexts, as well as updated suggested readings and a complete glossary to guide readers. This textbook will continue to be a valuable resource in a variety of classrooms, introducing students to the Bible and inspiring them to dig more deeply into its contexts and to interpret it in theologically responsible ways.”—Alicia D. Myers, associate professor of New Testament and Greek, Campbell University Divinity School

“From cultural and geographical backdrops, to literary and rhetorical features, to canonical and theological connections, Engaging the Christian Scriptures immerses students in the Bible...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781540962256
PRICE US$34.99 (USD)
PAGES 336

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Featured Reviews

Baker Books offers a Biblical introduction that focuses more on the scripture’s setting and history than the individual books. It covers the books in by type (i.e. history, writings. Prophesy, etc.), particularly as it moves through the Old Testament. The authors spend more time on individual books within the NT canon. The coverage is broad, giving minimal explanation for the positions taken when discussing issues which are still open for debate. For example, when discussing the origin of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, the authors write:

"We are uncertain of the exact dates or location of Paul’s imprisonment, though many scholars theorize that Paul corresponded with the Philippians while jailed in Ephesus between 56 and 58 CE. This theory accounts for the numerous trips that Epaphroditus and the Philippians made while providing assistance to Paul (2:19–30), given that a journey from Philippi to Ephesus would take significantly less time than journeys from either Rome or Caesarea, where we know Paul spent time in prison (Acts 23–25; 28)."

The inclusion of a Scripture Index and a General Index should add value to the work though these indexes seemed to be missing from the Advanced Readers Copy I received from the publisher.

The book is a good Biblical introduction for a lay audience or an undergraduate course in Biblical Introduction. I would have a difficult time recommending it for a seminary or graduate level course. It has a place in the church library though I think there are better choices for the pastor’s personal library. For this reason I give the book 4 stars.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

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