Making the Bible Your Book: Content and Interpretation

Making the Bible Your Book provides an informative guide to the people places events and content of the books of Bible. It asks the fundamental questions as one approaches the study of scripture: who? what? where? when? and why? It also provides initial guidance on how to interpret the Bible. The author does not assume that the reader has a great deal of knowledge about the Bible and therefore the book is an excellent starting resource for basic knowledge. It can assist the beginning Bible student as well as those who need to refresh their knowledge and understanding. It is an ideal resource for individuals study groups seminarians and even pastors and priests who desire to address the problem of biblical illiteracy in their churches. What I like best about Duncans books is that they are theologically balanced generous to alternative viewpoints and practical. Whether it is a basic introduction to theology or outlining the principles of good biblical interpretation Duncan always keeps his audience in mind and meets them with useful insights. His work is very useable for church and adult study groups. --Thomas F. Johnson PhD Professor of Religious Studies (ret.) George Fox University Increasing biblical literacy in a digitized world of many devices and apps is a great challenge. Through Making the Bible Your Book Dr. Ferguson is the perfect guide for readers who desire to understand the rich diverse and profound truths found in the Bible. Readers at all levels of knowledge will be blessed as they claim or reclaim the Bible as their book. --Rev. Dr. Donald L. Griggs is a retired Presbyterian pastor and professor and author of many Bible study curricula and Christian education resources. Interested pew sitters religious seekers and theological students who want to step up their reading of the Bible from casual dipping to focused study need a handy street guide to its often perplexing contents. Like a laminated fold-out city map Fergusons clearly written resource helps readers to find their way around the bustling avenues charming back streets and congested intersections of the Old and New Testaments. By providing pithy answers to Who? What? Where? When? and Why? questions for each one of the sixty-six books of the Bible this no-nonsense resource helps readers to find their way into deeper understanding of the content of Scripture. The helpful quizzes in the appendix offer an added bonus by giving independent readers a way to gauge their progress toward working knowledge of the parts and the whole of the Bible. When embarking on the adventure of reading the Bible dont leave home without this highly useful guide. --Rev. Dr. Gordon S. Mikoski PhD Associate Professor of Christian Education Director of PhD Studies and Editor Theology Today Princeton Theological Seminary Duncan Ferguson has served in the church and higher education as a chaplain professor and senior administrator. He received his PhD from the University of Edinburgh and has had an interest in writing across his career. His recent books are Exploring the Spirituality of the World Religions (2010) Lovescapes: Mapping the Geography of Love (2012) and The Radical Teaching of Jesus (2015). He has been engaged in several programs related to international peace and justice and is currently focusing on Israel and Palestine.