Product Description

The Bible has been translated into more languages, sold more copies, and been read by more people than any other book in history, but when trying to understand the book as a whole, its difficult to know where to begin. The Bible For Dummies explains in plain English whats in the Bible, how its organized, who wrote it, and what its all about. This engaging guide includes easy-to-use maps, charts, and pictures to help you make sense of the Bible and important historical and cultural insights that bring the Bible to life. Writing from an interfaith perspective, the authors focus on the Bible not only as a holy book for people of faith but also as a cultural reference necessary for understanding works of art, literature, and public discourse. With fascinating background information, The Bible For Dummies is a[n interesting] one-stop guide to the worlds all-time bestseller.

Jeffrey Geoghegan, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Biblical Theology at Boston College. Michael Homan, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Xavier University, Louisiana. They are also coauthors of The Nine Commandments and Over and Under the Biblical Lands.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8265 in Books
• Published on: 2002-10-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 432 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780764552960
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From the Back Cover
An easy-to-follow guide to the bestselling book of all time

Get a better understanding of the Bible and how it shapes our world

What is the Bible all about? Who wrote it? What’s the difference between Jewish and Christian Bibles? Featuring an interfaith perspective, handy maps, and enlightening discussions of the Bible’s vast cultural influence, this reference guide provides answers to these questions and presents fascinating facts that bring the Bible to life.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

About the Author
Jeffrey Geoghegan, PhD and Michael Homan, PhD have authored and coauthored numerous books and articles about the Bible.

Customer Reviews

Very entertaining, very informative
First off, I'm not a devout Christian - I have "gone through the motions" of Communion/Confirmation/etc, but I don't really have a strong faith and belief in Christianity. That being said, I thought this book was an excellent introduction to the Bible as a scholarly text. All of their interpretations of biblical passages are clearly explained (they are often illustrated by humorous examples) and the prose itself is eminently readable (I read through this book in 3-4 days but have yet to proceed past Exodus in "the real thing").

Here's a prime example of this book's style: "People usually think that the Bible is condoning/encouraging revenge with 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.' In fact, it is really *limiting* revenge. For example, if Moe pokes Curly in the eye, then 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth' only allows Curly to poke Moe in the eye, not poke him in the eye, grab his nose, and give him a 'nyuck, nyuck'."

If you are offended by such examples, bas***dizing the "Holy Bible," then perhaps this book is not for you. However, its [American] culturally relevant examples clearly convey what the author is trying to say.

The one feature in this text that I found somewhat annoying is that there are regular "for more information, see chapter XX." They are useful if you want to read topically, or don't want to read this book all the way through (in fact the authors encourage "skipping around"), but since I did read it all the way through, it got a little frustrating. This is definitely a five-star book though!

This is the best book about the Bible.
The Bible for Dummies is the best book about the Bible on the market-by far!!! I teach university courses on the Bible and Biblical Studies, and to the joy of my students, I assign this book as one of the texts. So what works so well in The Bible for Dummies? First, the two authors, Geoghegan and Homan, are very solid Bible scholars. They know the ancient languages, texts, archaeology, current issues, and the material record. They really know what they are talking about.
Second, they are incredibly gifted in simplifying very complicated ideas. They write very clear in an entertaining and engaging prose. Finally, they have a real gift for uderstanding the Bible's influence on civilization, from Madonna to films like the Matrix. Do yourself a favor, and read this book.

A Perfect Introduction, or Re-Introduction to the Bible
Unlike the reviewer below who seems to think that levity and the world of theology doesn't mix, I beg to differ. I don't agree that this book deserves that kind of criticism. Who has a better sense of humor than God? If He had made our lives devoid of laughter, where would we be today? I have not devoted time to Bible study since I was young. I picked this book for it's obvious simplicity. I am so glad that I did. I was surprised to find that it can turn those Bible stories we love to hear and read about into a book that I consider to be a real page-turner. I have shared my opinion with friends and family members alike. Many of whom are looking forward to getting it and reigniting their interest in the Bible as well. Read it and enjoy it for what it is!