'An Artistic Approach to New Testament Literature' is a textbook for secondary schools and would also serve well in a undergraduate course. Historical criticism informs the background commentary. Biblical texts are described according to the formal art elements of form, line, colour, and texture. Other artistic terms such as perspective and focal point are used to characterize biblical passages. Thought-provoking questions and art projects are provided for exploration in the foreground or in the world in front of the text. This book is a bridge between church and academy. If church leaders or teachers have questions for the author, they are invited to e-mail her at [email protected]. Sharon Chace s attention to artistic elements such as line, form, colour, and texture opens up a unique visual perspective on the New Testament. Teachers will appreciate the ideas for art projects that enable young people to engage this perspective through active learning. Jocelyn McWhirter Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Albion College An Artistic Approach is a key that unlocks a complicated volume for either the younger reader or one of any age beginning a faith quest who wants to understand what the Bible is and how it came to be. It also adds its own texture to scripture. Sharon Chace, as an artist, reminds me of a quilter assembling her work so that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. James M. Perry Minnesota Annual Conference, The United Methodist Church An excellent overview of contemporary New Testament scholarship. I recommend it highly for adult study groups in mainstream churches. Lois N. Sundeen Retired minister, United Church of Christ Sharon R. Chace studied at Andover Newton Theological School and Harvard and Yale Divinity Schools, and is a Master of Theological Studies from Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Massachusetts. Her articles, poems, and children s stories have been widely published.

My First Introduction to the New Testament is for young readers of middle school age who may cherish the presentation Bibles given to them when they were younger but wonder just how to engage with biblical literature. Church school teachers may want to use it for a yearlong class because most chapters can be covered in one session. College students and even graduate students will find this book an easy way to refresh and review.