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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 220.61
EAN num: 9780192853431
ISBN number: 0192853430
Label: Oxford University Press, USA
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 168
Printing Date: June 15, 2000
Publishing house: Oxford University Press, USA
Sale Popularity Level: 376691
Studio: Oxford University Press, USA
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It is sometimes said that the Bible is one of the most unread books in the world, yet has been a major force in the development of Western culture and continues to exert an enormous influence over many people's lives. This Very Short Introduction looks at 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.
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Rated by buyers 
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The way in which Riches present the old and contemporary concepts about the Bible is unique. Today some consider the bible as a "book of collection" that maybe some of his/her ancestors gave it for a special occasion. Others see it as a collection of sacred texts that still influence in the normative and formative life of the individual as well as the community. The main purpose of the book is to expose and respond for the Bible and its related questions and influence in this postmodern society.
First to consider is the importance and significance of the difficult process of selection of text, transliteration from the original languages Hebrew and Greek respectively as well as the process of canonization is explained in a short and interesting way. Riches delineate the differences between Old and New Testament and make a reflection about the name of the former testament and would be rather to call it Jewish Bible instead of Old Testament. Riches also speaks about different interpretations of biblical passages from different traditions; this is the case of the sacrifice of Abraham's son (p.56). The Akedah" for Jews is a story of sacrifice and obedience to God, for Christians is the given of Jesus Christ in the Cross.
A second aspect to take in consideration is the challenges that the bible has been subject. Criticism according with Riches is one of them. Nevertheless this same criticism has been the origin of the "biblical criticism" that has been very healthy (most of the times) in modern hermeneutics. As an example of this is the case of Martin Luther and his exceptional analyses capability (p.72). Another challenge is the information produced by the discovery of new territories in the time of the Reformation, as well as the Enlightenment and the Science.
Third point of interest is the fact that the Bible on one hand as been an instrument of peace and in the other hand has been an instrument of oppression. This is the case on the discovery of new lands and its colonization. The same book that the conquerors used as justification for forcing native proselytism and even killing them, was the same book used by the conquestees to bring consolation and hope, this is paradoxical but true.
The same is true today, in this postmodern society and its worldview in art, film, literature, music and politics, this book can be see it different from each discipline above mentioned and the
This is an inexplicable mystery of this book, not only in its
I think this book is helpful for persons that desire to have a panoramic view of the bible and its unbelievable surviving through time, criticism, history and hermeneutics; as well as transcending barriers of culture, languages, socioeconomics and intellectualism. For believers this book is valuable, for not believers it is good information, regardless the case, Riches made an exceptional description of the Bible. For generations to come maybe will a collectible book or maybe will be a sacred book. Wherever the case, the challenge continues and the searching for new light never ends, meanwhile, the Bible will continues to be an instrument of hope and salvation for many.
Rated by buyers -
Oxford University Press: "The Bible: A Very Short Introduction" by John Riches is challenging, original, helpful, and rich in a rare intellectual power and profound religious sensitivity. Riches said that the Bible is one of the most unread books in the world, yet it has been a major force in the development of Western culture and continues to exert an enormous influence over many individuals' and how they view the world.
This very short introduction is a little book no bigger than a personal diary that offers a great way to explore the Christian history. It offers a way to discover the diverse ways that people have used and interpreted the Bible throughout history. It is a very short introduction about the Bible for believers and non-believers who are new to the Scriptures. It is also a great review and summary for life-long Bible learners. John Riches does an excellent job of telling many of the Bible's incredible stories in a way that equips people for further study of the Bible. The book is truly an introduction. It does not go into depth about any particular topic or book of the Bible, but it does expand the readers' vision of the Bible.
The study of the Bible in the modern world explores sacred text, which describes the importance of the Bible in different communities, cultures, and interpretations. It covers how the Bible came into creation, the development of the canon, criticism of the Bible, its use in culture, and for political ends. Professor Riches looks at the importance of the Bible in the world of the believers by different communities and cultures and attempts to explain why the Bible has generated such a rich variety of uses and interpretations. Riches wrote the book to motivate students in the field of Christian Theology and to engage the reader in taking a stand in knowing the Bible.
The introduction to the readers does not come from the subject of theology. Instead, the very short introduction focuses purely on Christianity. The author does go into detail on any religious subject. There is no overview of issues, theories, history, or analysis of key concepts. However, Riches made a smooth move into the study of biblical Christianity through a very broad scope, academically occupying the overlap of comparative religion and philosophy.
In conclusion, the brief survey of the Bible has something of richness in the ways in which its reader may have some of the worst excesses of human self-interest and narrow-mindedness. First, I found the book short in discusion but that is why it is called in introduction. Although, Riches fill his reader's minds with well-thought-through information it requires a lot of effort from the reader to grasp everything. Nevertheless, it has some inspiring moments of human thought, literature, and art. In addition, it has the ability to inspire men and women to acts of great service and courage, to fight for liberation and human development. For a beginning Bible student it is a good place to start.
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Critical Book Review
Riches, John K. The Bible: A Very Short Introduction. New York, Oxford University Press, 2000. 160 pp. Paperback, $11.95
John K. Riches is Professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism at the University of Glasgow. His published works include The World of Jesus: First Century Judaism in Crisis and A Century of New Testament Study. Riches has written and co-authored various articles, some of which include "Theology and Proclamation", "Nag Hammadi" and the "Gospel tradition". Riches has also co-authored numerous books which include Conflicting Mythologies: Identity Formation in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, The Gospel of John: A Commentary, The miracle stories of the early Christian tradition, Galatians Through the Centuries, and Jesus and the transformation of Judaism.
The Bible: A Very Short Introduction has no introduction but is part of a series of very short introductions published by Oxford for anyone wanting a stimulating and accessible way to get an idea of the subject without having to make an investment on the path to pursuit of said topic. The series began in 1995 and covers histories, philosophy, religion, science, and the humanities.
The Bible: A Very Short Introduction guides perspective student whether beginner or scholar through the various how, why, where, criticisms, eras, social, and political journey of the Christian Bible. The survey does not endeavor to treat data, which may be beyond the scope of this introductory book though mention maybe made of the topics. It also includes references for further study and reading, index of Biblical references, and a general index. The chapters are short and concise with inclusion of illustration, thought provoking statements and questions. The Bible gives the scholarly questions and biblical problems under discusion of yesterday, yet still continue to be pondered by patristic, medieval, modern, and post-modern theologians.
The Bible: A Very Short Introduction is an excellent short survey for the individual who enjoys reading and studying the Bible for enrichment in their personal lives. Sabbath school lesson preparations, family Bible study, witnessing to co-workers, friends, to give guidance and encouragement to those who are spiritually wounded and also to lift one's own spirit when life seems to be throwing all curve balls or breakers. The minimum investment requirement for this survey is more than worth the cost for it gives one a fair amount to ponder and research which strengthens their biblical knowledge and foundation. The scope of the reading and the areas of study involved does not require one to purchase supplemental materials to understand what they are perusing Riches has truly written this survey to cover the broad spectrum of education attained by the average individual in today's world with all easily keeping abreast of thoughts, and paradigms presented. The Bible: A Very Short Introduction is an excellent recommendation for one to continue building their personal library, as a gift to loved ones, youth, a gift for those whom is thought to have everything where without this survey of the Bible they would not, graduation present, and to a friend with whom you just met in a shelter or hospitable that they may know redemption and understanding is closer than they think in a dark moment.
Rated by buyers -
To someone who grew up without the bible, the book appears confusing and incoherent. The author of this short introduction seems to agree with that judgement, but he does not explain it that way. Rather, he shows how each biblical community reads and interprets the biblical stories in its own way and from its own experience. He explains in some detail how this works in the Akedah, the story of Abraham and his son Isaac. Jewish interpreters read this as symbolic of Jewish suffering and faithfulness to god. Christian readers may see it as a foreshadowing of god's sacrifice of Jesus.
Skeptical critical examination has always been characteristic of the bible. The canon of books was assembled in antiquity from a much larger number of writings, most of which were rejected. Throughout history different interpretations gave rise to schism and heresy. The renaissance saw a very different reading of the bible by Protestants. Eventually enlightenment deists doubted most of the miracles; and yesterday modern science demolished much of the cosmology and history in the bible.
The author shows us some of the innumerable ways in which the bible has been used, read, and interpreted. I think this is a balanced and realistic assessment of the book, which respects the many faithful for whom it remains holy scripture.
Rated by buyers -
I bought this book in connection with "Bibles Before the Year 1,000," an exhibit at the Freer-Sackler gallery in Washington, D.C. I wanted an overview of how the canon of what we now know as the Bible came to be adopted. According to this author, that process was a lot more ambiguous and fuzzy than we might imagine.
Riches succeeds at being reasonably objective. Yet because he apparently does not view the text as authoritative, this blinds him to the Holy Spirit's role in speaking and interpreting the text to those for whom faith is a relationship with Christ, and more than an intellectual exercise. And he fails to see that for those who believe in the presence of Jesus now, Christianity is more than the Bible. This is vital to how many Christians approach the text.
Overall though, I thought this was a great introduction to the Bible and its cultural impact, and I'm curious to learn more about the history of Christianity.
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