The purpose of this textbook is to introduce Bible students and translators to the basic compositional structure and literary style of Hebrew poetry, especially the lyric-liturgical poetry found in the Book of Psalms. Wendland follows a "discourse analysis" approach--examining different aspects of the poetic texts as an integrated whole. His primary focus is upon the formal features of the psalms, but elements of content (key terms) and function (psalm types or genres) also receive due consideration. Dr. Wendland teaches at the Lutheran Bible Institute and Seminary in Lusaka, Zambia, and is a United Bible Societies Translation Consultant. He is the author of numerous studies on the Bantu languages of South Central Africa, biblical exegesis, and translation theory.

Written by the man Time magazine called one of the seven best preachers in America, The Good Book is a brilliant and inspiring look at the Bible today. Beginning with a bracing crash course in biblical literacy and interpretation, Gomes proceeds to rescue the Bible from those who would misuse its passages to alienate and exclude. In stirring chapters on what the Bible says to us about anti-Semitism, women, homosexuality, and race, Gomes suggests new ways to read and interpret Scripture. Finally, with compassion, humor, and refreshing originality, Gomes seeks to illuminate what the Bible has to say about suffering, joy, evil, temptation, wealth, science, mystery, and the good life. This wise book gives us the tools we need to make the Bible a dynamic, living, and transforming part of our daily lives.
-- A major national bestseller: The Good Book appeared on The New York Times, USA Today, San Francisco Chronicle, Boston Globe, and Wordstock bestseller lists.

"Brilliant and thought-provoking...a wonderful road map to a text that, if read properly, can provide solace and wisdom in troubled times". -- Boston Globe

"This fine work reflects Gomes's great intelligence, open mind, humanity, wisdom, and struggle to understand the meaning of life and God's word". -- Marian Wright Edelman, President, the Children's Defense Fund

"I am thrilled by this book...easily the best contemporaryy book on the Bible for thoughtful people...a triumph of scholarship and devotion". -- The Right Reverend Lord Runcie, 102nd Archbishop of Canterbury

To the contemporary mind, the Old Testament books of the prophets often seem obscure, sometimes even harsh or lurid. But this new book by John Eaton sets out to see the Hebrew prophets with fresh wonder. Rather than giving a one-dimensional, historical study of these inspiring figures, Eaton presents each of the Hebrew prophets in relation to his own liturgical tradition, to the religious intermediaries of other peoples, and to the great poets of all times.

"The Tabloid Bible" is a fresh and funny take on biblical literacy. Humorist Nick Page, who happens to take the Bible very seriously, captures perfectly the deadpan style of popular, sensational tabloids found in supermarket checkout lanes everywhere in his retelling of major biblical events from Genesis to Revelation.

Where Can You Find the Kind of Love You Truly Need?
Most people–even those with a deep faith–fail to really grasp the incredibly deep and passionate love God has for them. And yet so many personal problems and needs can be traced back to this misunderstanding of God. The result, as Ruth Myers points out, is “a lack of true identity–a lack of inner sureness about who we are.” Ultimately, everyone is on the same quest: to find and know the perfect love of God.

The Perfect Love opens the Scriptures to reveal one delightful discovery of God's love after another. With this study guide, you can explore those same Bible passages and make your own life-changing discoveries about God’s love. Come along on a journey that plumbs the depths of this amazing love. The treasures you’ll find as you dig into the Scriptures will leave you in awe of God’s love for you–the only love that truly satisfies.

Grace in Galatia is an innovative socio-rhetorical study of Paul's most polemical letter. Ben Witherington breaks new ground by analyzing the whole of Galatians as a deliberative discourse meant to forestall the Galatians from submitting to circumcision and the Jewish law. The commentary features the latest discussion of major problems in Pauline studies, including Paul's view of the law and the relationship between the historical data in Galatians and in Acts. Yet the narrative character of Witherington's work allows it to remain exceedingly accessible. The volume also includes sections following the major divisions of the commentary that point to the relevance of the text for believers today, making Grace in Galatia of special value to pastors and general readers as well as students and scholars.

The book of Exodus is often seen only as ancient history, largely irrelevant to most of the modern Western world. In this new commentary Godfrey Ashby writes specifically to show how this Old Testament book is of continuing significance to readers today. Ashby discusses the crucial importance of the events described in Exodus and their meaning for the Old Testament gospel, and explains why the Exodus event is central to the gospel of Jesus Christ and to the faith of believers in our own age. He also explores the relevance of Exodus for the liberation struggle now taking place throughout the third world.

What historical realities lie behind the birth of Jesus and the description of the Holy Family by the evangelists? In this book, controversial New Testament scholar Gerd Ludemann investigates all of the references to Jesus' birth and the Holy Family in the writings of the earliest church and rival Jewish sources. He discusses what the New Testament Christmas stories set out to say, reconstructs the traditions used in them, and answers the question of what really happened at Jesus' birth. Anti-Christian polemic stigmatized Jesus as a child born out of wedlock and branded his mother a sinner. The Christian myth of the virgin birth, Professor Ludemann argues, maintains the structures of stigmatization, denying the right of women to sexual and cultural self-determination. Instead of taking Mary seriously as a woman of our time and therefore also taking seriously women in our time, he says, many churches today continue to ignore the often damaging consequences of the myth of Mary for believing men and women. Gerd Luedemann is Professor of New Testament at the University of Gottingen.

Describes the intent of the series and includes suggestions for leading it.

Beginning with a brief overview of the Bible's structure and history, the authors highlight the development of the canon, point out the major events in the story of the Bible's translation into English, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the different contemporary English translations of Scripture.

Vawter's study on the Book of Ezekiel is a contribution to the International Theological Commentary, whose goal is to bring the Old Testament alive in the worldwide church. In moving beyond the usual critical-historical approach to the Bible, the series offers a distinctive theological interpretation of the Hebrew text.

Using an approach similar to that in his book "Parables from the Back Side, "popular author J. Ellsworth Kalas brings a new perspective to selected Old Testament stories by approaching them from the back side through a unique starting point, a creative retelling, a new lens, or the eyes of a minor or unsympathetic character. Chapter titles and Scripture: The Second Sin (Genesis 3:1-13); The Importance of Naming Joseph (Genesis 30:22-24); Because My Mother Told Me (Exodus 2:1-10); Moses Midlife Crisis (Exodus 2:11-22); Patron Saint of the Minority Report (Numbers 13:1-3, 25-33); Tragic Son, Tragic Father (Judges 11:1-6, 30-35); Honey in the Lion (Judges 14:5-14); Beauty and the Beast (1 Samuel 25:2-42); A Refugee at the King s Table (2 Samuel 9:1-13); In Defense of Job s Wife (Job 2:1-10); Jonah s Christmas Story (Jonah 3:1-6, 10; Matthew 12:38-42); God Is Better Than His Plans (Ruth 1:1-5; 4:13-17). Includes 12 Sessions with a study guide."

William Barclay testifies to the Bible's unique value as an inspired book and gives clear advice on the best way to read it. He tells how the biblical writings came into being and finally gained acceptance as Scripture. And he explains the significance and the status of the Apocrypha. Most important of all, William Barclay presents the Bible as a book to be read and enjoyed today - a light in the darkness of a world that has lost its way.
Barclay's original text has been edited and revised by Professor John W. Rogerson, who has also written a new introduction. Rogerson is the head of the Department of Biblical Studies at the University of Sheffield and an authority on the Old Testament. This is a required text for "Lay Speakers Lead Bible Study: Advanced Course." (Abingdon Press, 1997)
Table of Contents:
Foreward by Ronnie Barclay Prayers for Bible Study Introduction by John Rogerson The Making of the Old Testament The Making of the New Testament The Apocrypha How to Study the Bible The Inspired Book Aids to Reading Maps Index

189 pages

Rice's commentary on I Kings is part of the International Theological Commentary which has as its goal bringing the Old Testament alive in the worldwide church and moving beyond the usual critical-historical approach to the Bible. It is particularly sensitive to issues of special concern to those who live outside the "Christian" West.

Janzen stresses the theological themes permeating Genesis 12-50 as calling for theological reflection and religious response, and shows how the story of Israel's ancestors has continuing significance for all humankind.

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.""--2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) Everyone who studies and teaches the Bible has a responsibility to accurately interpret and communicate God's message. Understanding the principles of sound interpretation, therefore, is of vital importance. Pastors, Bible teachers, and anyone who studies the Scriptures will appreciate the helpful guidance of this collection of scholarship. Rightly Divided" brings together the insights of twenty-one experienced Bible scholars in the field of hermeneutics, providing a basic overview of hermeneutics and also addressing specific issues of interpretation. Included are chapters by: Darrell L. Bock--"Evangelicals and the Use of the Old Testament in the New" G. B. Caird--"Ambiguity in the Bible" Norman Geisler--"The Relation of Purpose and Meaning in Interpreting Scripture" Walter C. Kaiser Jr.--"Issues in Contemporary Hermeneutics" I. Howard Marshall--"The Holy Spirit and the Interpretation of Scripture" J. Robertson McQuilken--"Identifying the Audience God Intended" Bernard Ramm--"The Devotional and Practical Use of the Bible" Roy B. Zuck--"The What and Why of Bible Interpretation"

Casey offers fascinating insights into how the prayerful experience of lectio divina can be sustained and invigorated by the techniques of sacred reading--techniques distilled from the author's deep acquaintance with the Bible and the ancient books of Western spirituality.

Ancient Yahwistic Poetry is a particularly tempting field of study. In this small body of literature are preserved the oldest and most creative expressions of Israel's faith. this study of ancient Yahwistic poetry by Frank Moore Cross Jr. and David Noel Freedman untangles some of the serious textual difficulties and linguistic obscurities that have been a challenge to students of the Hebrew Bible for many generations.

Oskar Skarsaune gives us a new look into the development of the early church and its practice by showing us the evidence of interaction between the early Christians and rabbinic Judaism. He offers numerous fascinating episodes and glimpses into this untold story.