Reviews (17)

Standard English Textual Critical Text
This is a great introduction to the field of NT Textual Criticism by one of the finest in America and the world.It is complemented by other texts Metzger has written on the same subject.

What corruption and restoration?
If someone wants to know how we got the New Testament this would definately be the book I would recommend. Metzger starts off explaining how copies were made he then goes on to discuss the various versions and biblical manuscripts that survive. He then goes onto talk about the various Textus Receptus versions, Westcott & Hort and Textual Criticism. This is a good book if you're interested in how we got the New Testament and I would give it five stars even though it is a bit dated. The Appendix attempts to update it but it doesn't do a good job the text should've been rewritten.
Lacks Objectivity - Good for Studying Liberal Theory
Contains substantial duplicity of standards. Criticizes Wescott/Hort and others for strong bias for/against certain text types, yet he himself can hardly mention the Byzantine text without making some kind of deprecating remark. Castigates selected textual critics for subjectivism and "internal considerations," while asserting that textual criticism is less like science and more like poetry (p211), or a dog hunting fleas (p219). Fair amount of specific examples, but tends to be somewhat one-sided in interpreting some of those examples. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - New Testament    3. Bible.    4. Christianity - General    5. Criticism, Textual    6. History    7. N.T    8. N.T.    9. Religion    10. Religion - Biblical Studies    11. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    12. New Testament    13. Religion & Theology | Biblical Studies | New Testament    14. Religion / Bible / Study / New Testament   

Reviews (4)

One year Bible Companion
The companion was recommended to me by Amazon.com because I was ordering the One Year bible in Chronological order.I trusted Amazon and ordered the book.It is not a companion to it... it goes along with the one year bible which has a reading for old testament, new testament, psalms and proverb everyday.So each day the questions and answers in the companion were not about what I was reading.I gave it away.I told a friend of mine to buy the One Year Chronological bible from Amazon and he fell for the same thing... the companion.
Daily Bible Reading Just Got Better
The One Year Bible Companion/Questions and Answers is one of the few "helps" that I have found that actually helps!It takes the daily readings, helps analyze them, stirs interest in the meaning and application of the passages, and provides insights not found anywhere else.This year's reading has been my most enjoyable and productive.I vote YES on the "Companion."

Makes reading the Bible do-able
I'm a new Christian and I got this book to help me read the Bible in an organized fashion. I've been contemplating buying a One Year Bible but Ididn't want to buy another Bible and this seemed like a good compromise.Before I got this I was becoming overwhelmed by the amount of reading I was doing but this book simplied everything.And it has helpful little notes to explain the more confusing passages.I'm reading less everyday but getting more out of it thanks to this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Reading    5. Religion    6. Religion - Biblical Studies    7. Religion & Beliefs   

Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    2. Bible - Study - New Testament    3. Bible - Topical Studies    4. Religion    5. Religion - Biblical Studies    6. Christian Interest    7. Religion / Bible / Commentaries / General    8. The Bible   

Reviews (9)

The Tasks and Traumas of God's Greatest Prophets
Here is an extraordinarily valuable little book (104 pp. of text) for Christians who would like to better understand the essence of the prophetic impulse and the nature of the subsequent ministry that may be derived from it. Those with Pentecostal or Charismatic backgrounds or experiences will discover a profound spiritual resonance and a clear biblical insight in THE PROPHETIC IMAGINATION by Walter Brueggemann (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1978/1983).
Hard to Beat
Walter Brueggemann is the most dynamic writer of Old Testament Theology in the World.Here he deals with the Prophetic imaging of an alternative community which God's people are called to be.In the OT Israel is always called to not succumb to the idolatry of the royal powers and center its life around Yahweh as an alternative people who practice real justice, mercy, and love.Brueggemann offers great insight into the texts of the Old Testament.You will always say "wow, why did I not see this before" when reading a Brueggemann book.I recommend this book to everyone who is interested in the Bible.

Great!
This was the first book I had read by Bruggemann, and once I got used to his writing style, I was able to follow along easily.Even though Bruggemann is not Catholic, I was able to make many connections and comparisons between the model of Prophetic Imagination,and the Roman Catholic Church today.I definately recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Old Testament    4. Pastoral theology    5. Prophets    6. Religion    7. Religion - Biblical Studies    8. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis   

Reviews (3)

An Excellent Introduction to the Old Testament
This is one of my favorite books on the `Old Testament.'What makes Brueggemann's analysis so compelling is his ability to offer a coherent and comprehensive reading of the Old Testament, while equally dealing with the difficulties, disunities, and flat-out confounding passages that fill the `Old Testament' cannon.Brueggemann does so by looking at, what he refers to as, the `Christian Imagination.'
Bruegge's Amazing Intro toThe Hebrew Bible
Compared to Prof Brueggemann's other Old Testament books, my big surprise is a title of The Old Testament rather than The Hebrew Bible! Added surprise is a sub-title of The Canon and Christian Interpretation. In OT Survey classes he contrasted his approach between Jewish interpretation with Christian inter. So I noted his quotes in using the 4 I's of Interpretation, Ideology, Inspiration, and Imagination! They occur in the Intro and near the end of his chap on Torah. On Page 11 "Now it will occur to an attentive reader that these facts of the traditioning process-Imagination, Ideology, and Inspiration (my caps)-do not easily cohere with each other! Specifically the force of human ideology and the power of divine imagination seem to be definitionally at odds. Precisely! That causes the Old Testament, to be endlessly complex & problematic, endlessly interesting and compelling."
A good and faithful study
I have been a fan of Walter Brueggemann, professor emeritus of biblical studies from Columbia Theological Seminary, since I encountered him through his text 'Theology of the Old Testament', which formed the basis of a course I took my first year in seminary.Brueggemann has a clear and strong writing style, coupled with definite and innovative ideas about the development of the Hebrew Scriptures as they have come to us.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. Bible.    5. Canon    6. Criticism, interpretation, etc    7. Introductions    8. O.T    9. O.T.    10. Religion    11. Religion - Biblical Studies    12. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    13. Old Testament   

Reviews (8)

Warning:Not by chapter
This is a "lexicon" due to its references, but it's organized like a dictionary.If you're translating the Hebrew Bible, this is an awesome resource as a Biblical dictionary, but I thought I'd let y'all know that it's very different from the Armstrong Lexicon which organizes by chapter, in order.Thus, if you're working through a few chapters of Bible, in a class or on one's own, then the Armstrong will list the infrequently-used words (i.e. "the hard words!") in order by chapter, so you don't have to look up the words in a dictionary like this one.
More Support
I own several lexicons, but like most of the reviewers noted, Holladay is the one I always reached for until I found this really old pocket sized lexicon (the same size as Souter's Greek Lexicon.) I use the pocket lexicon now first, and Holladay's second. I don't even look at BDB anymore. Too bad someone hasn't come out with a new pocket-sized lexicon for fast lookups while flying somewhere!

Still the standard . . .
One of the best . . . this is THE highly recommended reference by the Elementary Hebrew profs at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aramaic language    2. Bible    3. Bible - Language Studies    4. Bible - Study - Old Testament    5. Dictionaries    6. English    7. Hebrew language    8. Judaism - Sacred Writings    9. Religion    10. Religion - Biblical Studies - Foreign Language    11. Christianity   

Reviews (5)

What every man needs to know.
I feel this book is very interesting in that it offers insight and direction concerning the thoughts and behavior of men.It offers a God center showing that there is a way to avoid the pitfalls that many of us often blindly fall into.Great reading, insight and challenging.

Helpful Advice, but not Truly Transformative
There's alot to be said for this book.It's got a unique perspective, using Samson as a springboard for men's issues.It's well written with plenty of sports and other fun anecdotes.It's been well received at a men's study group I attend.But in the end, I felt a little empty---because most of the content could have been written by someone who wasn't even a Christian.There's plenty of truth and good advice, but the book is lean on new covenant reality---the new heart, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the ministry of the Body---the things that make walking with Christ more than just another religion, the things that God supplies only to the believer to truly escape "The Samson Syndrome".

A funny Chisel
Wow!what an awkward name for a book.but it really is kinda like that.A summary of this book is the 12 things that can drag a man down in his leadership in the home, in Church, and his relationship with God.(In my eyes.)These 12 points are taken from the character of Samson, and his weak personality traits that led him to his undoing.Read more

Subjects:  1. (Biblical judge)    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - Christian Life - General    5. Christianity - Christian Life - Men's Issues    6. Masculinity    7. Men    8. Religion    9. Religion - Christian Life    10. Religious aspects    11. Religious life    12. Samson    13. Christian Living    14. Christian life & practice    15. Religion & Beliefs    16. Religion / Christian Life   

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Bible - Study - New Testament    4. Bible.    5. Bibles    6. Bibles - Catholic    7. Christianity - Catholicism    8. Commentaries    9. John    10. N.T    11. N.T.    12. Religion    13. Study and teaching    14. The Bible   

Subjects:  1. Religion - Biblical Studies    2. Bible - Topical Studies    3. Religion    4. Bible - Study - General   

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Biography - Old Testament    3. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    4. Bible - Study - Old Testament    5. Bible.    6. Introductions    7. O.T    8. O.T.    9. Religion    10. Religion - Biblical Studies    11. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    12. Old Testament   

Reviews (1)

Great Study for Small Groups
This book is an excellent study for small groups to dive into.Most of us look at the book of Romans as just "scripture". This book (Romans: Life Change Series) allows you to sudy the book of Romans as apersonal letter that Paul wrote to the community in Rome. This study bookwill truly help you and/or your small group understand "therighteousness of God" by revealing that all people are related to Godin the terms of wrath or love. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Reference - General    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Religion    4. Religion - Biblical Studies   

Reviews (3)

The Seeds of Heaven, Sermons of the Gospel of Matthew
Barbara Brown Taylor shares her sermons and insight on the typical gospel of Matthew but add so much more.This book is so impressive we have incorporated it into our Lenten program for this year. Thanks Barbara for this wonderful collection.

Taylor is an outstanding writer
I purchased the book to be used in an adult church education class. The volume is a collection of sermons based on the Gospel of Matthew. They are scholarly, yet easy to read. Taylor provides some fresh interpretation to this beloved old gospel. Her ideas make for lively in-class discussion. I recommend her work very highly.

Barbara Brown Taylor spins new stories from St Matthew
She paints mesmerizing pictures from Matthew's Gospel. Bound in the colorful cover outlining two hands around a tender green plant above brown earth, Barbara Brown Taylor is symbolized as the Gardener who brings forth fruit from The Seeds Of Heaven!
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Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - New Testament    3. Bible.    4. Episcopal Church    5. Matthew    6. N.T    7. N.T.    8. Preaching    9. Religion    10. Religion - Biblical Studies    11. Sermons    12. Sermons - Christian    13. Sermons, American    14. Christian ministry & pastoral activity    15. Christianity    16. Literary studies: general    17. Religion & Beliefs   

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Bible Study Guide    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - Christian Life - General    5. Christianity - Christian Life - Marriage    6. Christianity - General    7. Family & Relationships    8. Family/Marriage    9. Marriage    10. Marriage (Christianity)    11. Religion - Christian Life    12. Religion - Marriage & Family    13. Religious aspects   

Reviews (13)

Inspiring Experience
Psalms for Praying by Nan Merrill contains the best restructuring of the psalms that I have read
This book is fabulous
This is an absolutely beautfully written book.It is a modern rendition of the Psalms without losing any of their original poignancy and grace.They are best read aloud and I use them daily in prayer, praying with others, and for others.They are especially useful in the spiritual direction work that I do.

great service
The book was received very quickly after processing the order.
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Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - Old Testament    2. Devotional    3. Prayer    4. Religion    5. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    6. Religion - Prayer & Spirituality    7. Bible readings or selections    8. Books of the Old Testament   

Reviews (1)

"Written to make you think and consider why we speak to God"
One cannot help appreciating the seriousness with which the authors address our need to pray. The material presented is not so much new material (it's prayer, you know) as it is material arranged in a manner to make you THINK.
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Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Prayer    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    8. Worship   

Reviews (12)

Esther the Ideal Woman
Recently I read this with a group over a period of 8 weeks. Not this one
The book has an attractive cover and is well-marketed.Beyond that, it's not worth the investment of time nor money.The well-meaning author writes in a folksy narrative, with flagrant grammar flaws and overuses exclamation marks.The organization and chronology are likewise poor.Worse yet, substantively, the book reaches far and states assumptions which are not Biblicallysound.Unfortunately, the author is not clear to point out those incidences when he may be speculating versus citing fact, which makes for some unsound theology.Read the Biblical book of Esther and see how vastly different it is from this book.This read is heavy on extras and tangents that are irrelevant to the theme.

Not this one
The book has an attractive cover and is well-marketed.Beyond that, it's not worth the investment of time nor money.The well-meaning author writes in a folksy narrative, with flagrant grammar flaws and overuses exclamation marks.The organization and chronology are likewise poor.Worse yet, substantively, the book reaches far and states assumptions which are not Biblicallysound.Unfortunately, the author is not clear to point out those incidences when he may be speculating versus citing fact, which makes for some unsound theology.Read the Biblical book of Esther and see how vastly different it is from this book.This read is heavy on extras and tangents that are irrelevant to the theme. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Biography - Old Testament    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. Bible.    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Esther    8. Esther,    9. O.T    10. O.T.    11. Old Testament - Single Book Studies    12. Queen of Persia    13. Religion    14. Religion - Biblical Studies    15. Religious    16. Books of the Old Testament    17. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    18. Reference    19. Religion / Bible / Biography / Old Testament   

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Women's Issues    3. Mood Disorders    4. Religion    5. Religion - Christian Life    6. Religion / Bible / Study / General    7. Study Guides    8. Women   

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Christianity - General    4. Religion    5. Religion - Biblical Studies   

Reviews (8)

Barclay's opinions on the New Testament
Finding scholarly Bible books among a sea of evangelistic books can be frustrating. If you are more of a Bible scholar than a Bible thumper, then this set of paperbacks may be just the thing. I tend to agree with Barclay's opinions and viewpoint, so reading these is very comfortable. Buy one [don't write your name in it], see if you like it, and then buy the set (you will like it). Give the one book you bought to a friend who is interested in learning about the New Testament from a scholar's perspective, or simply a desire to know what is in the NT in plain language.

Outstanding Commentary on the New Testament
William Barclay, a Scottish theologian, has written an outstanding 17 volume commentary on the New Testament.(It can be bought as a set or by separate volumes.)He gives a passage, then proceeds with an explanation.Often, he gives four or five interpretations, sometimes following with a statement something like, "The first interpretation probably is not what Paul meant because..., the second is certainly a possibility because...; however, I tend to favor the third explanation because..."Essentially, I respect his work because of the depth of his scholarship, learning, and faith, but almost more because of his honesty.If there are major conflicting views from other scholars on a passage, he gives their reasoning.He gives support (such as translations from the Greek or facts of church history) for his stances and if it is flatly an opinion, he states that it is so.In fact, he is sometimes so fair, that he spends almost too long giving all the possible interpretations of a passage.Our study class has appreciated a source which gives readable scholarly background and presents dissenting views fairly.His work sparks some of the best discussion we've had.It isn't "a hundred pages a sitting" reading, but it is fascinating to read a chapter then discuss and reflect on the ideas he raises.For me, this is the best Bible reference book I have ever used.

It's a love/hate thing
I started reading Barclay as a challenge.While working through a course in interpreting the Bible I came accross a statement by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stewart (in Reading The Bible For All Its Worth) which suggested Barclay's commentary.This startled me because Barclay downplays the supernatural, so much so that a fundamentalist like myself would shudder.Anyway, the notes I turned in mentioned the that I didn't appreciate that the text suggested materials written by someone who believes in Universalism (albeit that the unsaved will ultimately enter God's grace via hell...at least according to Barclay).My notes came back agreeing that his theology at times "stinks" while yet challenging me to read him because of his uncanny ability to write and his wonderful insight into the background of the text (manners, customs, Jewish culture, Greek, etc.).Well I started reading him, and I have learned to love his works, but I do hate his theology.It's a love/hate thing, but I reccomend it wholeheartedly to the open minded reader (but be careful). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    2. Bible - Stories - New Testament    3. Bible - Study - New Testament    4. Bibles    5. Reference    6. Religion    7. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   

Reviews (7)

"One of the two best on Joseph!"
Although my favorite Joseph book is 'With Joseph in the University of Adversity: the Mizraim Principles', by Dr. Parks, this one is a close second! If you want a pastor's heart in the telling of the story--this one is best! If you want sound principles for everyday life that you or a graduate can use, and really well-organized--go with Parks (if you can get your hands on a copy!). Swindoll does this as part of a series, and it's excellent! These are the best two Joseph books around.

Awesome Knowledge!
Once again, Charles Swindoll has brought a biblical character to life.I felt as if I was going "through" with Joseph!Mr. Swindoll makes it easy to relate what happen to Joseph with his family relations to today's family.If you're having difficulty relating to the trials and tribulations your family faces, read this book and get a revelation from God!

Entertaining and Enlightening
This is only the second book by Swindoll that I have read. The first was "Intimacy with the Almighty". I liked this one much better. Swindoll did a fantastic job with the life of Joseph. He included a lot of details and perspective on issues, Jacob's poor parenting, geographic locations, etc. that really put you in Joseph's shoes. The book was an engaging page-turner, which I devoured and greatly enjoyed. I am looking forward to reading some of the other books in the series. (Moses, Daniel, etc.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (Son of Jacob)    2. Bible - Biography - Old Testament    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Joseph    7. Old Testament    8. Patriarchs (Bible)    9. Religion    10. Religion - Biblical Studies    11. Religious    12. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    13. Books of the Old Testament    14. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    15. Reference    16. Religion / Bible / Biography / Old Testament