Looking for a guide to interpreting the Bible that is accessible,
up-to-date, and theologically grounded? A renowned Old Testament scholar
and coauthor of the bestselling The Drama of Scripture introduces us
to reading the Bible with an ear toward hearing God's address. "When we
read the Bible, we need to take off our shoes, as it were, because we
are on holy ground," says Bartholomew. "We take up the Bible to read it,
only to find that through it God speaks to us. This is the awesome
potential of Bible reading and interpretation."
Bartholomew begins with a theological orientation, including topics such
as the relationship between prayer, analysis, and reading Scripture; the
Bible as the true story of the whole world; and reading the text in
light of its literary, historical, and kerygmatic (proclamation)
dimensions. He then explores the history of interpretation before
discussing how we receive the Bible liturgically, ethically, and
missionally. Throughout the book, exercises in lectio divina invite
readers to engage both the head and the heart as they learn to interpret
the Bible.
Professors and students of the Bible will value this work. It will also
appeal to church leaders and other serious students of the Bible.
