General Introduction to the Bible (Hardcover), by Norman Geisler, William Nix
A general survey of the process of communication from God to us. It addresses four major issues about the Bible: Who wrote it? (inspiration); Which books belong in it? (canonization); Has it been accurately preserved? (transmission); and Has it been accurately translated? (translation). Hardcover.

The Bible Book by Book: An Introduction to Bible Synthesis (Mass Market Paperback), by Coleman Luck
A brief overview of the Bible. Following a brief discussion of the Bible as a whole, the author examines the various groups of books, then each individual book: the writer, recipient, date, purpose, theme, key verse, key words, and outline of each book. Paperback.

The Bible: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback), by John Riches
This short introduction examines the importance accorded to the Bible by different communities and cultures, and attempts to explain why it has generated such a rich variety of uses and interpretations. It explores how the Bible was written, the development of the canon, the role of Biblical criticism, the appropriation of the Bible in high and popular culture, and its use for political ends. Paperback.

Beginner's Guide to the Books of the Bible (Augsburg Beginner's Guides) (Paperback), by Diane L. Jacobson and Robert Kysar
Provides accurate, precise, and easy-to-understand introductions to each of the books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament. Each description discusses the book's purpose, approximate date of composition, authorship, contents, and distinctive features. Also included are introductions to larger sections of the Bible, such as the major and minor prophets. Paperback.

Introduction to the Bible (Paperback), by John Haralson Hayes
Introduces the reader to both the content of the Bible and to the life, faith, and history of ancient Israel, early Judaism, and early Christianity. The volume includes photographic illustrations, a full subject-oriented bibliography for further reading, and the Westminster Historical Maps of Bible Lands. Paperback.

Inside the Bible: An Introduction to Each Book of the Bible (Paperback), by Kenneth Baker
A Catholic introduction to each of the 73 books of the Bible, which includes the book and author, the theme, a summary of the contents and some comments about the context in which it was written, the theology of the book, an outline, and a prayer taken from the book. Paperback.

Introduction to the Bible, An (6th Edition) (Paperback), by Christian E. Hauer, William A. Young
Designed for readers who have had limited or no exposure to the academic study of the Bible, An Introduction to the Bible: A Journey into Three Worlds explores the literary, historical, and contemporary "worlds" of the Bible. These include 1) the Biblical text itself (literary world); 2) the contexts in which the Bible was originally written and interpreted (historical world); and 3) the many ways in which the Bible continues to influence people in the twenty-first century (contemporary world). Paperback.

An Introduction to the Bible (Bible World) (Paperback), by John W. Rogerson
This Introduction works back through the processes by which the Bible was written, transmitted, copied and declared to be authoritative by various churches. The following topics are dealt with: What is the Bible?; how Biblical writers wrote; the making of the Old Testament; the making of the Apocrypha; the making of the New Testament; the canon of the Bible; the study of the Bible; and the use of the Bible in social, moral and political questions. Paperback.

Holy People, Holy Land: A Theological Introduction to the Bible (Paperback), by Michael Dauphinais and Matthew Levering
A narrative of the Bible in the context of God's passion for restoring humankind to a state of original holiness. The authors consider holiness - defined as a condition of balance and innocence before God and his creation - to be the underlying theme of all scripture. As such, it provides a paradigm for God's intervention in human affairs, unifying sacred history as the record of God's reaching out to a world in need of grace. The authors sidestep questions of historicity and authorship, focusing instead on the biblical stories as reflections of God's hand in human affairs. As the title suggests, they chart a pattern of holiness, not just in people, but in the land the people possess. This theme builds until the final chapter, which addresses the restoration of holiness of person and place, a future time when "the people of the new covenant have become the righteous dwelling place of God." Although written for undergraduate theology students and fraught with intimidating-looking footnotes, the material is easily grasped by the average reader and is highly recommended for Catholics and Protestants alike. Paperback.

Sanctified Vision: An Introduction to Early Christian Interpretation of the Bible (Hardcover), by John J. O'Keefe, R. R. Reno
The authors explain the structure and logic of the early Church fathers' interpretations of the Bible. These interpretations are considered foundational to the development of Christianity as a religion and offer insight into how the early church fathers thought about Christian doctrine and practice. This approach is organized around three basic analytic strategies: literal, typological, and allegorical. The literal strategy is an intensive and broad analysis that identifies particular word associations that intensify scriptural meaning. The typological strategy interprets distinct patterns of events within scripture and applies those patterns to other events in scripture and the history of the church. The allegorical approach to biblical reading, like the topological strategy, seeks patterns in the text, but these patterns are more diverse and represent larger themes or beliefs of the early church. Within this analytic framework, the authors explain the larger structure of patristic exegesis and argue for the importance of this structure in the emergence of Christian orthodoxy. Hardcover. Also available in paperback.

The Educated Person's Thumbnail Introduction to the Bible (Paperback), by Lowell K. Handy
A tour through the various versions of the Bible, with side trips to the Talmud, the Torah, and the Qur'an. The author explores biblical history, origins, translations, interpretations, and criticisms - even how the chapter and verse system came to be. Ideal for adult classes as well as individual study, each of the thirteen chapters ends with a set of discussion questions and a generous bibliography for those who want to know more. Paperback.

Rereading the Bible: An Introduction to the Biblical Story (Paperback), by J. Bradley Chance and Milton P. Horne
This beginning biblical studies text introduces students to readings of both the Old and New Testament. The authors use an "intertextuality" approach, exploring the Bible by examining individual pieces in depth and considering their relevance and development. This alternative approach to looking at the breadth of the bible - starting with Genesis and moving as far forward as time allows - is gaining popularity in biblical studies, especially with more serious biblical scholars. Paperback.

Scripture: An Ecumenical Introduction To The Bible and its Interpretation (Paperback), by Michael J. Gorman
Offering helpful insight into how Christians (and others) have agreed and disagreed in their approaches to the Bible, it provides students with a clear, succinct introduction to Scripture as divine and human word. The first part of the book introduces the Bible itself: its library-like character; its geography, history, and archaeology; the books of each Testament; important noncanonical books; the Bible’s various Jewish and Christian forms; and its transmission and translation. The second part covers the interpretation of the Bible at various times, in various traditions, and for various reasons: in the premodern period and in the modern and postmodern eras, including recent critical, theological, and ideological approaches; in Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, and African-American Churches; and for spiritual growth, social justice, and Christian unity. Paperback.

The Bible As Literature: An Introduction (Paperback), by John B. Gabel, Charles B. Wheeler, and Anthony D. York
Approaches the Bible from a literal/historical perspective, studying it as a body of writing produced by real people who intended to convey messages to real audiences. Avoiding assessments of the Bible's truth or authority, the authors maintain an objective tone as they discuss such issues as the forms and strategies of Biblical writing, its actual historical and physical settings, the process of canon formation, the sources of the Pentateuch, and the natures of such Biblical genres as prophesy, apocalypse, and gospel. Each chapter is an independent yet related essay. Paperback.

Books of the Bible, The (Paperback), by Dr. John H. Sailhamer
An introduction to the Old and New Testaments, and to each of the books therein, as well as a glossary. Paperback.

Introduction to the Bible: A Catholic Guide to Studying Scripture (Paperback), by Stephen J. Binz
An introduction to the Holy Scriptures, and a guide for Bible Study for Catholic readers. Paperback.

General Introduction to the Bible, A (Paperback), by Mr. David Ewert
There are two strands woven together in the history of the Bible and its translations. One is the development of the biblical text: its materials, texts, and translations. The other is the story of the men and women who went to great extremes, at times risking death, in order to provide their generation with the Word of God in a language that could be understood. The author combines both these elements, beginning with what "Bible" means, how the Bible is organized, and how various books were named. He explores such other matters as the development of the biblical languages, the canon and the history of the testaments, and early versions of the Bible. English translations, from the time of Wycliffe to the present, are the focus of several chapters. Also features numerous photographs, maps and charts, as well as suggested readings and a glossary/index. Paperback.

Getting to Know the Bible: An Introduction to Sacred Scripture for Catholics (Paperback), by Melvin L. Farrell
This classic overview of the Bible by Father Melvin Farrell has served for many years as an introduction for those who want to learn the basics of the Old and New Testaments. It is now published in a completely new edition revised by biblical scholar Joseph McHugh. The reasonable price and clear, accessible style, making this the perfect vehicle for beginning parish-wide Bible study. The authors lead readers through all the major books of the Bible, pointing out the importance and meaning of each part of the Scriptures to the whole. Paperback.

Old Testament Introduction -- New Testament Introduction