Calvary University

 Faculty of Ministry

An Introduction
    to the Bible

Edition 6

Christian E. Hauer
0-13-118966-2
Paperback
432 pages
2005

Brief Description

For one-term, freshman/sophomore-level courses in Introduction to the Bible, Introduction to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Introduction to the New Testament, The Bible as Literature, and Introduction to Religion.

Widely acknowledged as the best one-volume introduction to the Bible, this popular text explores the literary, historical, and contemporary worlds of the Bible, and is ideal for those who have had little or no previous exposure to the subject. Drawing on the most recent trends in biblical scholarship, the authors introduce students to the dynamics of each of these worlds and the methods scholars have developed to study them, and encourage students to engage in lively discussions of the contemporary significance of the Bible. The text is not meant to be a substitute for reading the Bible, but rather enables instructors and students to explore the Bible more meaningfully themselves.

Features

• The “three worlds” literary, historical, contemporary approach to studying the Bible.
  Provides instructors with a helpful framework for organizing the course, drawing on the most recent trends in biblical scholarship. Gives students a clear, easy-to-grasp framework for studying the Bible. Introductory students especially benefit from an approach that keeps the historical and literary worlds separate.
• Greater use of recent research in Jewish studies than is common in introductory texts—Particularly in the treatment of postexilic Israel and the New Testament period.
  Broadens students' understanding and appreciation of biblical scholarship.
• Recent developments in biblical scholarship—e.g., the Dead Sea Scrolls, archaeology and the Bible, Noah's flood, and the historical Jesus.
  Keeps instructors and students on the cutting edge of research.
• Refined discussion of “truth” in biblical texts Ch. 1.
  Enables students to appreciate complexities of biblical interpretation.
• Up-to-date treatment of various methods of studying the Bible Ch. 2—Reflects the most recent developments in expanded discussions, for example, of feminist analysis, deconstruction, and the use of archaeology.
  Enhances the easy-to-grasp framework for biblical study employed in the text with the most current methodologies.
• Clarifying comments and insights throughout based on contemporary research—e.g., the recent work of the controversial “Jesus Seminar” on the life and sayings of Jesus Ch. 11; a discussion of the role of the Bible in the modern environmental crisis and the concern about the future of Native American and other indigenous cultures Ch. 16.
  Engages students with controversies of which they may not be aware.
• Analysis of the role of the Bible in contemporary American culture—e.g., discusses recent controversies over interpretation of the Bible by modern artists, and the growing influence of the Bible in American popular culture, including television.
  Stimulates students' awareness of the ways in which the Bible is influencing their lives.
• The Bible and the millennium—Includes commentary on the role of the Bible in the recent speculation on the possible relationship between the beginning of a new millennium and the end of history.
  Provides material for interesting class discussions.
• Contemporary ethical issues—Includes suggested readings from the Bible and discussion questions related to contemporary ethical issues, such as homosexuality.
  Shows the relevance of religious thought for vexing moral issues.
• Questions for discussion and reflection—At the end of each chapter.
  Encourages thoughtful reflection and discussion on some of the most important and provocative questions on the relation of the Bible to contemporary concerns.
• Chapter summaries.
  Provides students with a convenient study and review resource.
• Maps, charts, illustrations, and tables.
  Maps help students visualize the lands and sites to which the Bible refers; charts show major periods, events, leaders, types of literature, etc.
• Accessible language.
  Avoids academic jargon that confuses and frustrates students.
• Glossary.
  Helps students identify key terms and review for examinations.
• Case studies—Many reflecting questions raised by students in an introductory course on the Bible.
  Provides for realistic and engaging reflection and discussion on how the Bible is understood in the twenty-first century.
• Revised last chapter on the Bible in the contemporary world—Retains discussion of the increasing role of the Bible in American popular culture.
  Presents students with reflections on the interpretation of the Bible in a post-9/11 era, and a discussion of the interpretation of the Bible in contemporary Islam and other religions.
• Updated annotated Bibliography—Includes Internet sites related to biblical research.
  Assists instructors with course preparation and prompts students with new sources for further research and study.
• An annotated list of movies and documentary films related to the Bible—Includes information on how to obtain them for classroom use.
  Enriches opportunities for classroom presentations and student research and study.

Contents

I. INTRODUCTION.

1. The Three Worlds of the Bible: An Orientation.
2. Preparing for the Journey: An Orientation to the Methods of biblical Study.

II. THE TORAH.

3. Origins: The Book of Genesis.
4. Covenant: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

III. PROPHETS.

5. The Nation Israel: Joshua, Judges, First and Second Samuel, First and Second Kings The Former Prophets.
6. Covenant Advocates: The Prophets of Ancient Israel The Latter Prophets.

IV. THE WRITINGS.

7. Israel's Sacred Songs: Psalms, Song of Songs, and Lamentations The Writings I.
8. The Way of Wisdom: Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes The Writings II.
9. The Rest of the Writings: Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Ruth, Esther, and Daniel.

V. AFTER THE TANAK.

10. Jewish Life and Literature 200 B.C.E.-100 C.E..

VI. THE GOSPELS.

11. The Proclaimer: Jesus of Nazareth.
12. The Proclaimer Becomes the Proclaimed: Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John.

VII. THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES.

13. The Birth of Christianity: The Acts of the Apostles.

VIII. LETTERS.

14. Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles: The Letters of Paul.
15. The Growing Church: The Pastoral and General Epistles, Hebrews, and the Revelation to John.

IX. CONCLUSION.

16. Journey On!
Glossary.
Annotated Bibliography.
Index.

Copyright © Calvary University, 1998   All rights reserved.
Virtual Learning Centre for Accredited Christian Higher Education