Introduction to the Bible: A Catholic Guide to Studying Scripture

by Stephen J. Binz

Overview

Catholics are often reluctant to begin reading the Bible, this is for various reasons. Perhaps we hang on to the notion that the Bible is a book meant for display, for recording the dates of family members ' births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths. Or perhaps we once attempted to read the Bible and discovered there a culture entirely different from ours 'and came to the conclusion that the Bible had nothing relevant to say to us in this place and time. Attentive to these and the many other reasons Catholics might give for not reading Scripture, Stephen Binz offers practical explanations that will make the Bible less foreign and more familiar.

Introduction to the Bible allows readers to discover how the Bible came to be, how to choose a Bible translation, how to interpret the Bible within Catholic tradition, and how to benefit the most from Bible study. Readers will find practical explanations that will make the Bible less foreign and more familiar.

Stephen J. Binz is a Catholic biblical scholar, speaker, and counselor. He did graduate studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and is a member of the Catholic Biblical Association and the Society of Biblical Literature. Binz is the author of numerous books on the Bible, including The Passion and Resurrection Narratives of Jesus and The God of Freedom and Life, both published by Liturgical Press.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780814617007
Publisher:	Liturgical Press, The
Publication date:	05/28/2007
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	104
Sales rank:	325,040
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Stephen J. Binz is a biblical scholar, award-winning author, and popular speaker. He studied Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and Jerusalem, and has developed dozens of books and programs in biblical theology and spirituality, including The God of Freedom and Life: A Commentary on the Book of Exodus (Liturgical Press). He offers keynotes and workshops at church conferences and leads pilgrimages to the lands of the Bible. Information about his work may be found at Bridge-B.com.

Table of Contents

Preface     ix
The Bible As God's Self-Revelation     1
God Entered into an Ongoing Covenant     2
The Old Testament     3
The New Testament     4
Roadblocks to Reading the Bible     5
The Word of God in Christian Life     7
Commitment to God's Word     9
The Transforming Power of the Word of God     9
The Role of the Holy Spirit     13
Choosing a Bible Today     15
The Catholic and Protestant Versions     16
Deciding Which Bible to Use     18
Methods of Biblical Translation     19
Formal Equivalence Translations in Modern English     20
Dynamic Equivalence Translations in Modern English     21
So Which Bible Should I Read?     22
Exploring Your Bible     24
The Order of the Biblical Books     24
Understanding Biblical Citations     26
Looking Up Bible Passages     27
Helpful Additions to the Bible     27
The Scriptures of God's People     31
The Hebrew Scriptures Formed Over Centuries     32
The New Testament Formed Through the Life of the Church     33
The Stages of the Bible's Development     36
The Inspired Word of God's Church     39
Human Limitations and God's Truth     40
The Bible is the Book of the Church     42
A Church Nourished by Sacred Scripture     44
The Word of God in Human Words     46
Literary Forms in the Bible     47
Examples of Literary Forms in the Bible     49
The Historical Reliability of the Bible     52
The Challenge of Faithful Interpretation     54
The Literal Sense and the Fuller Senses     54
Example of Multiple Senses     57
Considerations for Faithful Interpretation     58
The Fallacy of Biblical Fundamentalism     61
Characteristics of Biblical Fundamentalism     62
The Christian Challenge     66
The Canon of the Bible     68
Formation of the Old Testament Canon     69
The Collection of Old Testament Books     70
The Composition of New Testament Books     71
Formation of the New Testament Canon     74
The Importance of Biblical Scholarship     76
Author, Text, and Audience     77
Discovering What the Text Meant-The Historical-Critical Approach     79
Discovering What the Text Means-Other Methods of Scholarship     81
How to Read and Study the Bible     84
A Few Practical Suggestions     84
Tools for Studying the Bible     86
A Method for Personal Daily Study     87
Group Study of the Bible     88
Let's Go Forward     90

Editorial Reviews

Although this is, in a very clear way, a Catholic guide to Scripture, it would be a useful introduction for lay people from most mainstream Protestant churches too. Binz mixes theological reflection on the role of the Bible with a well-thought through description of it, and of how a Christian might profitably study.
Journal for the Study of the New Testament

This slim volume contains a wealth of encouraging information to motivate the interested Roman Catholic towards reading and, indeed, studying the Bible. . . . [The] combination of Catholic theology with a pastoral concern and sound practical advice make this introduction invaluable for beginning Bible students, Bible study groups, church readers, and anyone interested in reading the Bible.
Journal for the Study of the Old Testament

Highly recommended for Catholics new to the enlightening labor of love that is Biblical and scriptural study.
Midwest Book Review

If you are looking for a comprehensive, clear, up-to-date and accessible guide to reading the Bible for your college course or continuing education class or just for personal enrichment, you can do no better than adopt this book. It tells you in lucid language how the Bible came to be written, which translations are most appropriate for your needs, and how to interpret the Bible as word of God in human words. This latest book of Stephen Binz, like its predecessors, brims with solid scholarship, spiritual insights, and pastoral wisdom. Binz’s passion for making the Word of God food for our mind and heart suffuses every page.
Dr. Peter C. Phan Theology Department Georgetown University

Stephen Binz presents an easy-to-follow introduction to Catholic Biblical interpretation. His coverage of the many issues is in a clear and concise style, the fruit of many years’ experience in opening the Bible to lay people. Both beginners and seasoned Bible students will find information here that is helpful and encouraging as they continue to listen for God’s voice in the holy word.
Abbot Jerome Kodell, Subiaco Abbey, Subiaco, Arkansas

From the Publisher