Product Description

This book offers an ideal introduction to the complex field of modern biblical studies. In nine short chapters, readers are introduced to questions of inspiration, canon and authority. Chapters follow on historical approaches to the Bible, such as source, form and redaction criticism. Comparisons with other literature, such as ancient flood stories or Egyptian psalms help to set the context for this, as well as an analysis of the purpose of each of the four Gospels. The historical approaches conclude with a discussion of the text of the Bible, asking such questions as, How did we get the Bible? Why do modern versions of the Bible differ from one another? In the second section, Moyise considers a number of approaches that seek to explain why people interpret the Bible in such different ways. Beginning with literary criticism, the book considers how texts 'speak' to readers and influence their attitudes, emotions, and behaviour. This is followed by liberation and feminist approaches, which consider how gender, ethnicity, and social location affect what people regard as important and hence how they interpret the Bible. The book concludes with a variety of theological approaches used by those who consider the Bible to be sacred scripture.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #112069 in Books
• Published on: 2004-08-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 152 pages

From the Publisher
Reviewed in: Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology 18.
"…this book is brief enough to be accessible for new students, it is written in an engaging style, and it is an accurate and contemporary guide t important approaches to biblical studies."

Customer Reviews

Brilliant introduction
Steve Moyise's Introduction to Biblical Studies is a small book but is a very well written and informative introduction to the field. There are chapters and sections on most areas of concern and confusion such as Redaction, form and literary criticism etc.

I have undertaken a degree in theology and as a `evangelical exile' stayed clear of all the biblical modules I could simply because it scared me (give me philosophy of religion any day). However, had I known this book then such modules would have been a lot easier. Whilst it is only a slim volume the amount of information in its pages is surprising. There is also a very helpful subject-specific bibliography and the end of each chapter. Overall I doubt this book will hold any real interest to advanced students or scholars however as an introduction to biblical criticism this should be on top of all the recommended reading lists.

Short, Sharp, Easy to Read
Moyise is described on the back cover of the book as being "Vice Principal of the St. Albans and Oxford Ministry Course." The book is one in the "Cassell Biblical Studies Series" which is intended as an ecumenical biblical studies series between Protestants and (Roman, I presume) Catholics.

The book covers all the ways of "doing" biblical criticism in a concise way whilst illustrating with interesting anecdotes where needed. Topics covered include: inspiration, historical criticism, form criticism, redaction criticism, social-scientific criticism, reader-response criticism, and post-modern criticism. This book will help new biblical studies students identify these types of biblical criticism. It does not cover any individual subject in depth.