New Testament Basics for Catholics

by John Bergsma

Overview

Award-winning author and theology professor John Bergsma follows up his popular Bible Basics for Catholics—which has sold more than 60,000 copies—with a more in-depth look at the New Testament. Using simple illustrations and the same clear, conversational style that characterized his earlier book, Bergsma introduces four of the most important writers in the New Testament: Matthew, Luke, Paul, and John.

With humor and simple illustrations, theology professor John Bergsma focuses on Matthew, Luke, Paul, and John, whose writings comprise about 90 percent of the New Testament. The gospel of Matthew, written for Jewish Christians, illuminates the life and teachings of Christ as the long-promised Messiah. In Luke's gospel, readers will delve into the infancy and Triduum narratives, as well as the Acts of the Apostles and the life of the early Church. This leads the reader to discover St. Paul and his first and arguably greatest theological treatise: Romans. Finally, “the beloved apostle” St. John draws us in to the unsurpassed beauty of the fourth gospel, as well as the most mysterious book of the New Testament: the book of Revelation. A concluding chapter offers suggestions for further study.

Intended as an introductory work for those who are new to scripture study, New Testament Basics for Catholics does not aspire to be a comprehensive guide to all twenty-seven books of the New Testament, but is intended to lay the foundation for a lifetime of scripture reading.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594715839
Publisher:	Ave Maria Press
Publication date:	10/02/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

John Bergsma is a professor of theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville and vice president for Biblical Theology and Mission Effectiveness at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He served as a Protestant pastor for four years before entering the Catholic Church in 2001 while pursuing a doctorate specializing in the Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls from the University of Notre Dame.

In addition to teaching scripture at Franciscan University, Bergsma is a frequent guest on Catholic radio and speaks regularly at conferences and parishes nationally and internationally. Bergsma has published a number of academic and popular works on the Bible and the Catholic faith, including Bible Basics for Catholics, New Testament Basics for Catholics, Psalm Basics for Catholics, and Love Basics for Catholics.

He and his wife, Dawn, live with their children in Steubenville, Ohio.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“If you’ve ever opened up your Bible and felt lost, then read New Testament Basics for Catholics. John Bergsma has an amazing gift for making scripture clear and easy to understand. This book will transform your understanding of the Good News.”

Brant Pitre
Author of Jesus and Divine Christology

“John Bergsma makes the New Testament come alive in this very readable introduction. New Testament Basics for Catholics lays out the plan of scripture and helps the reader to see and remember it by entering into the minds of Matthew, Luke, Paul, and John so that he can grasp the details and put them into the big picture. A masterful book!”
Lawrence Feingold
Professor of theology and philosophy at Kenrick—Glennon Seminary, St. Louis

“Packed with nuggets of wisdom, Bergsma gives the reader a feast by offering timeless insights to get the most out of your Bible. Catechists, parents, and teachers can use it for their own personal edification and unpack the New Testament within their own families. New Testament Basics for Catholics will hold a prominent and permanent place upon my bookshelf. Rare is the book that can take something so deep and make it simple enough for a beginner to understand. This is the work of a master teacher.”
Mark Hart
Author of One Sunday at a Time: Preparing Your Heart for Weekly Mass

“Nobody alive teaches the biblical basics as clearly and memorably as John Bergsma. In this book, he helps us to see subtle touches that the ancient authors of the New Testament intended us to see but often get lost in translation. Bergsma makes New Testament Basics for Catholics as vivid as our memories and enables us to apply the scriptures to our own lives.”
Mike Aquilina
Executive vice president of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology

“There is no better introduction to the New Testament than New Testament Basics for Catholics.Dr. Bergsma’s book is clear and simple, but it runs deep. He is gifted at making connections and communicating great mysteries in words that are a pleasure to read.”
Scott Hahn
Catholic theologian

“A brilliant book done in a brilliant way. New Testament Basics for Catholics is an easy way to understand the big picture of the New Testament. A must for anyone wanting to learn more about Jesus and the early Church.”
Kevin Cotter
Head of studios at Hallow