Rövid leírás:

With no prior Biblical knowledge required, the volume offers a framework of understanding for those studying Western literature, art, historical events, or for those just wanting to improve their general knowledge.

Hosszú leírás:

The influence of the Bible in Western culture is immeasurable, but these days few of us know much about it. Presenting concise and accessible introductions to the Bible's most important characters, stories and themes, this text encourages better understanding, study and analysis of the Christian element in Western culture.

With no prior biblical knowledge required, this clearly presented volume delivers a framework of understanding for those studying Western literature, art, historical events, or for those simply wanting to improve their general knowledge.

Filling a gap in the market for an introductory text of this kind, this genuinely multi-disciplinary book provides:

* edited extracts from the Bible
* explanations of the context and beliefs of each passage
* links to related biblical texts
* examples of related key works of art and literature
* brief biographies of key figures
* a comprehensive glossary defining specialist terms
* chronology
* suggested further reading.

Enabling readers to encounter key Bible stories directly, the book also provides useful background information on issues of content, context and influence. Easy to use and follow, it is the essential guide for those wishing to find out more about the Bible and its impact on the world around us.

'The Bible in Western Culture will help a Christian beginner or a non-Christian researcher to understand the Bible's main stories, points and characters ... a good companion for students.' ? Methodist Recorder

'A welcome addition to the growing numbers of religious primers now available to a lay readership ... An ideal introduction to the Old and New Testament alike ... An indispensible reference point: a concise and practical text relevant to humanities courses with a biblical element.' ? Journal of Ecclesiastical History

'Compiled for the growing number of people with absolutely no previous knowledge of the Bible, [this] little book will no doubt serve its intended readership.' ? International Review of Biblical Studies

Tartalomjegyzék:

Acknowledgements.  Abbreviations.  Introduction.  Part 1: The Old Testament.  Introduction  1. In the Beginning  2. The History of Israel  3. Poetry and Wisdom Literature  4. The Prophets.  Part 2: The New Testament.  Introduction  5. The Birth and Childhood of Jesus  6. The Ministry and Teaching of Jesus  7. The Death and Resurrection of Jesus  8. The Early Church  9. The Book of Revelation.  Reference Section.  The Books of the Bible.  Timeline.  A-Z of Names and Terms.  Further Reading