Readers Guide To The Bible

1. Introduction: God’s Story And God’s Word
2. The Events Of The Bible
3. The Land Of The Bible

Part I: The Story Of God And His People
4. Beginnings: Genesis To Numbers
5. From Triumph To Defeat: Deuteronomy To Kings
6. The Story Of The Community: Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah
7. Short Stories: Ruth, Esther, Jonah, And Daniel
8. The Story Of Jesus And The Church: Matthew To Acts

Part II: The Word Of God To His People
9. The Instruction Of The Priests: Exodus To Deuteronomy
10. The Message Of The Prophets: Isaiah To Malachi
11. The Letters Of The Apostles: Romans To Jude
12. The Visions Of The Seers: Daniel, Revelation
13. The Advice Of The Wise Men: Proverbs, Song Of Songs

Part III: Israel’s Response To God
14. Prayer And Praise: Psalms, Lamentations
15. Doubts And Certainties: Ecclesiastes, Job

Part IV: The Bible Today
16. The Bible Today
Scripture Index

Additional Info
Approaching the Bible for the first time can be intimidating. At sixty-six books, nearly 800,000 words, and numerous kings, prophets, and deliverers, as well as priests and apostles, where should you begin? In what order should you read it? Why are there narratives here and over there, but other things mixed between? And is there an alternative to reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation?

In A Reader’s Guide to the Bible John Goldingay places the biblical books in their times and settings, and then lays out a memorable pattern for understanding the Bible. Three categories of biblical books-story, word, and response-form three doors into the cathedral that is the Bible: the story of God and his people, the word of God to his people, and the people’s response to God.

Whether you are a person of Christian faith or other faith, or no faith at all, here is a reliable guide to exploring the Bible. Written by a highly accomplished biblical scholar, A Reader’s Guide to the Bible joins a clear and direct style with a maestro’s touch.