Product Description

Fully revised with fresh articles and graphics, this handbook unwraps more clearly for non-experts the mysteries of ancient scriptures, providing instant access to information from a range of sources. It reveals the relevance of the context for the writings and sheds light on why there are different interpretations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #224651 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09-17
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 800 pages

Customer Reviews

An excellent volume in the best Lion tradition
Readers familiar with earlier editions will know what to expect (good photography, readable, 'safe' text and superb design), and if they want more of the same with a little up-date, they will not be disappointed. Newcomers should know that it is aimed more at the popular than the professional market, is the product largely of UK biblical scholars, mostly male, Protestant, clerical and enlightened conservatives. It accepts the broad gains of biblical scholarship over the last 50 years while showing particular caution in handling those of the last 10-15, avoids many of the critical issues though occasionally puts differing viewpoints side-by-side without getting into the argument, and sometimes sticks to a traditional interpretation without even suggesting that many scholars would want to question it. Recent developments are reflected the attention given to women's studies, the environment, justice, narrative readings and a multi-faith society. The wide area covers undoubtedly has its limitations but it will do much to dispel ignorance and increase understanding and may well whet the appetite of both conservatives and traditionalists to dig deeper. That can only be good and it is excellent value for money.

Superb for the first time amateur scholar
Although raised and confirmed as a Christian, I realised a couple of years ago that I had very little understanding of vast majority of the Bible (besides a few stories and the occasional psalm read in church) and decided to do something about it. What I needed was a guide who could explain the structure and purpose of the books of the old and new testaments and provide me with an (reasonably) unbiased and fair interpretation, mixed with general information about the time. In particular it needed to give me a strong explanation for the many highly immoral actions of characters in the Old Testament historical books, which are often used to criticise Christianity.

I have found that the Lion Handbook has achieved all this marvellously; it has been my constant companion as I have navigated through over half of the scriptures in the past two years. It has enlightened me sufficiently, that I am keen to start a more in depth journey into the Bible with more advanced texts.

I would recommend this to anyone who wishes to deepen their knowledge (particularly in the Old Testament) for personal spiritual reasons. I do not think it would be as useful for deep academic study.

Good but not perfect
The book is certainly very well done. It is full of excellent colour photographs with good introductions to each book in the Bible. It is also has a lot of information about the Bible before actually trying to interpret it e.g. The Bible today, Passing on the story etc.
However, different parts of the book are written by different people who all have their own views on interpretation (Mostly Conservatives and Liberals) and feel that their views are definitely right. This can be quite confusing when the authors are all telling you to believe in different things (For example one author tells us that Jesus actually performed physical miracles while another tells us that it is symbolic). It is probably better to hold your own views about interpretation than be told.