The Westminster Guide to the Books of the Bible

by William M. Ramsay

Overview

This comprehensive introduction to all the books of the Bible, including the Apocrypha, is written in a clear, easy-to-read style and is an ideal learning tool for laity, students, adult study groups, and ministers. The one-volume format is convenient for individual study groups, and this revision reflects the most up-to-date biblical scholarship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780664253806
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	11/01/1994
Pages:	580
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.29(d)

About the Author

William M. Ramsay was a Presbyterian minister who taught for many years at Bethel College inMcKenzie, Tennessee. He is the author of several books, including The Westminster Guide to the Books of the Bible and II Corinthians in the Interpretation Bible Studies series, both published by WJK.

Editorial Reviews

With this volume, Ramsay (religion, Bethel Coll.) has updated his Layman's Guide to the New Testament (Westminster/John Knox, 1980), adding sections on the Old Testament and Apocrypha and using the New Revised Standard Version as his text. Three concerns drive his explication: What does the book or passage say? What did it mean when written? What does it mean today? Ramsay handles the first two questions adroitly and wisely avoids sermonizing on the third. His facility with historical and textual criticism is admirable and his honesty regarding the books' value is refreshing. By frequently using the latest archaeological finds, he invites the reader deeper into the text, and his style is so natural that even such reputedly "dry" books as Leviticus and Numbers come to life. One of the finest introductions to the Bible available, this would make an excellent text for an introductory Bible class, a Bible study group, or the lay reader who desires a deeper understanding of the Bible, in part and in its entirety.-W. Alan Froggatt, Bridgewater, Conn.

Library Journal

A comprehensive introduction to all the books of the Bible, including the Apocrypha, written in a clear, inviting style for laity, students, adult study groups, and ministers. It reflects the latest biblical scholarship without relying on an extensive technical vocabulary, and is ecumenical in its approach, employing the use of inclusive language when appropriate. The New Testament portion is a revision of the Westminster John Knox Press The Layman's Guide to the New Testament (1981). Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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