How to read the Bible

Harvard's famous, forward-looking professor of divinity (The Secular City, 1965; Fire from Heaven, 1994; The Future of Faith, 2009) offers an alternative or complement to, not an echo of, John Dominic Crossan's almost identically titled new book (How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian, 2015). Whereas Crossan provides a framework for reading the Bible, Cox demonstrates how various critical methods clarify its meanings at the time it was written and in ages thereafter, thereby helping readers answer questions about its meaning now. In discussions of Genesis, Exodus, Joshua, Job, the prophets, the Gospels, the Pauline epistles, and Revelation, Cox exemplifies how such technical approaches as form and source analysis, archaeology, the history of interpretation, study of the Roman Empire (under which the canon was forged and, of course, the New Testament written) have elucidated those biblical books. He also regularly inserts boxed study tips to encourage such things as consulting different translations, looking into Gospels excluded from the canonical New Testament, and reading world literature that influenced (e.g., Gilgamesh) and was influenced by the Bible. For thoroughgoing amateur Bible students, a godsend.--Olson, Ray Copyright 2015 Booklist

When a highly respected scholar and writer such as Cox (The Future of Faith) writes a simply titled book about a complicated text, readers can justifiably wonder how practical and understandable such a work will be. Scholars and students alike will be gratified by this pragmatic but profoundly insightful volume. Beginning with a masterful exposition of the composition of the Pentateuch, and finishing with a careful look at the historical and theological underpinnings of Revelation, Cox lays out a road map for reading and understanding the Bible and exploring its spiritual nature without compromising its literary and historical complexity. Throughout this fine work, the author offers "Study Tips" to guide the reader to a deeper understanding of Scripture; they will facilitate use of the book in study groups. The Bible is a complex, textured volume that can amaze and inspire, but also confuse and perplex. Cox has given readers a great gift-a clear path toward a fuller and richer appreciation for the sacred text. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Cox (divinity, Harvard Univ.; The Secular City) could have easily titled this approachable volume "Ways To Read the Bible," because he offers so may "how-tos." Weaving individual stories with contemporary biblical criticism (or as he prefers, "analysis"), Cox presents a case for reading the Bible both as an intellectual discipline and a spiritual journey. While this is not a comprehensive or systematic survey, the author does demonstrate many of the methods used, from various types of literary criticism to archaeology to historical and sociological examinations. The books of the Bible reviewed highlight these principles, and Cox notes that different passages lend themselves to varied techniques. Cox also covers the major groupings found in the Bible. Because the author includes his personal narrative, one comes away finding that critical tools do not limit one's reading of scripture but allow it to grow and address living concerns. Cox intersperses his account with a number of useful study tips and concludes with suggestions for further reading. -VERDICT A handy introduction for those who are interested in a constructive analysis of the Bible but aren't sure where to start.-James Wetherbee, Wingate Univ. Libs., NC © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Harvard's famous, forward-looking professor of divinity (The Secular City, 1965; Fire from Heaven, 1994; The Future of Faith, 2009) offers an alternative or complement to, not an echo of, John Dominic Crossan's almost identically titled new book (How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian, 2015). Whereas Crossan provides a framework for reading the Bible, Cox demonstrates how various critical methods clarify its meanings at the time it was written and in ages thereafter, thereby helping readers answer questions about its meaning now. In discussions of Genesis, Exodus, Joshua, Job, the prophets, the Gospels, the Pauline epistles, and Revelation, Cox exemplifies how such technical approaches as form and source analysis, archaeology, the history of interpretation, study of the Roman Empire (under which the canon was forged and, of course, the New Testament written) have elucidated those biblical books. He also regularly inserts boxed study tips to encourage such things as consulting different translations, looking into Gospels excluded from the canonical New Testament, and reading world literature that influenced (e.g., Gilgamesh) and was influenced by the Bible. For thoroughgoing amateur Bible students, a godsend. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.

Cox (divinity, Harvard Univ.; The Secular City) could have easily titled this approachable volume "Ways To Read the Bible," because he offers so may "how-tos." Weaving individual stories with contemporary biblical criticism (or as he prefers, "analysis"), Cox presents a case for reading the Bible both as an intellectual discipline and a spiritual journey. While this is not a comprehensive or systematic survey, the author does demonstrate many of the methods used, from various types of literary criticism to archaeology to historical and sociological examinations. The books of the Bible reviewed highlight these principles, and Cox notes that different passages lend themselves to varied techniques. Cox also covers the major groupings found in the Bible. Because the author includes his personal narrative, one comes away finding that critical tools do not limit one's reading of scripture but allow it to grow and address living concerns. Cox intersperses his account with a number of useful study tips and concludes with suggestions for further reading. VERDICT A handy introduction for those who are interested in a constructive analysis of the Bible but aren't sure where to start.—James Wetherbee, Wingate Univ. Libs., NC

When a highly respected scholar and writer such as Cox (The Future of Faith) writes a simply titled book about a complicated text, readers can justifiably wonder how practical and understandable such a work will be. Scholars and students alike will be gratified by this pragmatic but profoundly insightful volume. Beginning with a masterful exposition of the composition of the Pentateuch, and finishing with a careful look at the historical and theological underpinnings of Revelation, Cox lays out a road map for reading and understanding the Bible and exploring its spiritual nature without compromising its literary and historical complexity. Throughout this fine work, the author offers "Study Tips" to guide the reader to a deeper understanding of Scripture; they will facilitate use of the book in study groups. The Bible is a complex, textured volume that can amaze and inspire, but also confuse and perplex. Cox has given readers a great gift—a clear path toward a fuller and richer appreciation for the sacred text. (Apr.)