The history of the development and use of the Bible, now in a text only edition

The Bible has had a profound influence on the diverse cultures of the whole world. The Bible: A History tells the story of the Bible from its making to its emergence as the bet-selling book in history. Who wrote the different books in the Bible? How were they written down? When were they first collected together as the Old and New Testaments? Who first translated the Bible? How many languages is it available in today?

The Bible: A History is full of information and insight, yet easy to read. Written in a lively and lucid style, the authors bring the story and the key people involved in it to life. It is ideal for anyone wanting to learn about one of the most extraordinary books in history.

"An invaluable source of very accessible information."
--Christianity Magazine

"A wonderful history of the development and impact of the Bible."
--The Bookseller

This book seeks to re-examine important aspects of revelation which have received inadequate attention in recent years. Professor Gunton asks whether there is more to be said for the notion of Christianity as a 'revealed religion' than some of the more simplified recent treatments allow. He analyses the concept of revelation, contends that natural theology and natural revelation are distinct, and considers revelation in relation to scripture and tradition, and the nature of inspiration. In conclusion he provides an outline of a complete, modern theology of revelation.

All religious traditions that ground themselves in texts must grapple with certain questions concerning the texts' authority. Yet there has been much debate within Christianity concerning the nature of scripture and how it should be understood--a debate that has gone on for centuries.

Christian Theologies of Scripture traces what the theological giants have said about scripture from the early days of Christianity until today. It incorporates diverse discussions about the nature of scripture, its authority, and its interpretation, providing a guide to the variety of views about the Bible throughout the Christian tradition.

Preeminent scholars including Michael S. Horton, Graham Ward, and Pamela Bright offer chapters on major figures in the pre-modern, reformation, and early modern eras, from Origen and Aquinas to Luther and Calvin to Barth and Balthasar. They illuminate each thinker's understanding of the Christian scriptures and their views on interpreting the Bible. The book also includes overview chapters to orient readers to the key questions regarding scripture in each era, as well as chapters on scripture and feminism, scripture in the African American Christian tradition, and scripture and postmodernism.

This volume will be indispensable reading for students and all those interested in the nature and authority of Christian scripture.

Where did the Bible come from' How do we know the right books are in the Bible' Does the Bible contain errors' What are the oldest copies we have of the Bible' How do we know that the Bible hasn't been changed over the years' Why are there so many translations of the Bible, and which one should I use' These are just some of the important questions about the Bible that are discussed in this book. Understanding basic facts about the origin of the Bible is essential for every Christian, but it can also be confusing and difficult. Here, two well-known scholars, authors of a more technical book, A General Introduction to the Bible, explain simply and clearly these basic facts. Inspiration, the biblical canon, major manuscripts, textual criticism, early translations, and modern versions are some of the major topics discussed. Careful explanations of important points are given throughout, as the entire field of biblical introduction is covered. Completely updated and revised edition of the 1974 work (more than 78,000 copies sold). Helpful charts have been added, along with an index of subjects, persons, and Scripture. This book is ideally suited for Bible students, pastors, and professors. While writing for readers without previous training, the authors do not gloss over difficult and complex issues when they arise. The nature of inspiration, the extent of the canon, and the usefulness of modern versions are all clearly discussed. The authors write: "The chain of communication from God to us is strong. It has several solid links: inspiration, collection, transmission, and translations. The strength of these links provide the contemporary Christian with the moral certitude that the Spirit-inspired original text of Scripture has been providentially preserved by God so that for all practical purposes the Bible in our hands is the infallible and inerrant word of God."

For most pastors and church members the field of biblical studies belongs to a different world. Biblical studies in the west is dominated by technical enquiry into the origins, authorship, and sociological background of the text, while pastoral studies focus on concerns of pastoral counseling and healing of persons and communities. The fields ask the same questions in the same places, yet often do not communicate with one another. Holy Bible, Human Bible asks bluntly whether it is possible to be truly human and truly biblical simultaneously. It asks imaginative questions out of genuine curiosity: What is a Bible anyway? Who owns the Bible? How does it witness to Jesus Christ? Can Jesus and pastoral practice really belong together? It retrieves the Bible from being a boundary between believers and instead builds a bridge from the academy and the local congregation. Concise, critical and constructive, Holy Bible, Human Bible will enable pastors, biblical scholars and laypersons to use the Bible.