What Christians Believe about the Bible

A Concise Guide for Students

Don Thorsen (Author), Keith H. Reeves (Author) Release Date: 8/15/12

Overview

Christians talk frequently about the Bible, yet they do not always have an informed and wide-ranging understanding of varied Christian views about its nature. Don Thorsen and Keith Reeves combine their biblical and theological knowledge to create such a unique introduction to the Bible.

This book not only provides an introduction to the interpretation of the Bible but also to the history and theological understanding behind it, equipping students to think critically about their own tradition's approach to Scripture. It is perfect as a supplemental textbook in both introductory biblical studies and theology courses, but it will also be of interest to adult education classes.

Introduction
1. We Are All Students of the Bible
2. A Brief History of the Bible
Interpretation of the Bible
3. Genre
4. Historical Context
5. Literary Context
Theology of the Bible
6. Religious Authority
7. Inspiration of the Bible
8. The Bible, Truth, and Error
9. Views of the Bible's Trustworthiness
Conclusion
10. What Then Should We Do?
Appendix 1: Books of the Hebrew Bible
Appendix 2: Books of the Protestant Old Testament
Appendix 3: Books of the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books
Appendix 4: Books of the New Testament
Indexes

Endorsements

"What Christians Believe about the Bible will appeal to both the scholar and the lay reader as the writers are adept in achieving a broad appeal. They well combine a thorough knowledge of their subject, lucid prose, and a genuine desire to examine issues, including the authority, inspiration, and trustworthiness of Scripture. The authors carefully define terms, use the biblical text to explain a range of issues, and faithfully reconstruct various interpretations of the Bible, always keeping the historical context of those interpretations in mind. This book is a great service to the church, and all who read and apply it will be immeasurably enriched."

Roger J. Green, professor and chair of biblical studies and Christian ministries and Terrelle B. Crum Chair of Humanities, Gordon College

"What kind of book is the Bible? Where did it come from? Is it infallible or inspired? Does it contain errors? How do we interpret the Bible to hear its message clearly? Those new to the Bible or readers familiar with it, including inquiring students, will find here practical help in answering these questions and making their own decisions about what to believe about the Bible. Readers will come away from this well-informed, theologically balanced, and easy-to-read book eager to engage Scripture and see that there is more than one way for Christians to be biblical, faithful, and effective followers of Jesus."

Graham H. Twelftree, distinguished professor of New Testament, School of Divinity, Regent University

"Remarkably readable, this book informs and provokes thinking in an engaging way. No one holds all the views surveyed in the book, but we can come to a better understanding of the range of views by this appraisal that seeks to give each view a fair hearing."

Craig Keener, professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary

"Don Thorsen and Keith Reeves believe that all Christians should--and can--be informed students of the Bible. They put that belief into action by providing an accessible but substantial guide to what the Bible is, where it came from, and how we can make it part of our lives and thoughts today. This is an informative and useful guidebook to the Christian's Guidebook."

W. David Buschart, associate dean and professor of theology and historical studies, Denver Seminary

Authors

Don Thorsen

Don Thorsen (PhD, Drew University) is professor of theology at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. His previous books include An Exploration of Christian Theology, What Christians Believe about the Bible, and The Wesleyan Quadrilateral.

Keith H. Reeves