It is sometimes said that the Bible is one of the most unread books in the world, yet has been a major force in the development of Western culture and continues to exert an enormous influence over many people's lives. This Very Short Introduction looks at the importance accorded to the Bible by different communities and cultures and attempts to explain why it has generated such a rich variety of uses and interpretations. It explores how the Bible was written, the development of the canon, the role of Biblical criticism, the appropriation of the Bible in high and popular culture, and its use for political ends. About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.

The Bible: A Very Short Introduction

Religion & Spirituality

Riches, John

Christian Books & Bibles

Oxford University Press

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, InspiringThe Bible is one of the world's most read and most influential books. It has provided many rules for people to live by, and has shaped our language and our shared beliefs in ways that have both drawn communities together and fueled bitter disputes and conflicts. Having played a major role in thedevelopment of Western culture, the Bible continues to exert an enormous influence over millions of lives.This Very Short Introduction explores the material, cultural, and religious history of the Bible. Looking first at how the books of the Bible came to be written down and collected as authoritative sacred texts, John Riches goes on to show how they were produced and distributed across the world, andhow they have been read and interpreted by differing communities in different languages. Riches compares how Jewish and Christian communities have interpreted the same passage of the Bible, and looks at some of the strikingly varied readings a very short book like Galatians has received over 2,000years. Finally, he explores post-colonial and feminist readings of the Bible, and concludes by surveying the uses of the Bible in art, music, poetry, and politics.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, andenthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

The Bible: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

Contextual Bible Study (CBS) is an exciting approach to group Bible study that encourages people of all ages and all walks of life to read the Bible together and to allow it to shape their understanding of the burning issues of the day. It is a way of reading that both established Christians and those new to the Bible find insightful, empowering, even life-changing.  What is Contextual Bible Study? offers a wealth of practical guidance on how to make this approach work for you, and how to start a CBS group in your own area. It also provides stimulating questions for use during Advent and Lent, along with inspiring stories of the CBS approach in action.  Read and apply the advice in this book, and group Bible study will never be the same again!

What is Contextual Bible Study?: A Practical Guide With Group Studies For Advent And Lent

SPCK Publishing

This book examines the social, economic, political, and cultural context of first-century Judaism. During the first century AD Judaism experienced a crisis of cultural erosion due to foreign influences. Professor Riches describes the ways in which foreign domination threatened the Jewish community and discusses the ways in which various groups of Jews tried to preserve their cultural identity. Relating Jesus' teaching to that of the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Zealots, the Essenes, and John the Baptist, Riches argues that Jesus was deeply committed to the values of the Jewish tradition, even while he proposed radical change that he believed would bring renewal.

The World of Jesus: First-Century Judaism in Crisis (Understanding Jesus Today)

Cambridge University Press

This book examines the social, economic, political, and cultural context of first-century Judaism. During the first century AD Judaism experienced a crisis of cultural erosion due to foreign influences. Professor Riches describes the ways in which foreign domination threatened the Jewish community and discusses the ways in which various groups of Jews tried to preserve their cultural identity. Relating Jesus' teaching to that of the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Zealots, the Essenes, and John the Baptist, Riches argues that Jesus was deeply committed to the values of the Jewish tradition, even while he proposed radical change that he believed would bring renewal.

History

World

Galatians Through the Centuries

This commentary on Paul’s highly autobiographical letter to the Galations traces the history of the book’s reception through the ages.   Explores the influence and history of this important New Testament book Demonstrates the crucial role that Galatians has played in the development of very diverse forms of Christian spirituality Considers the influence of Galatians on a wide range of theological figures, including Chrysostom, Augustine, and Luther Examines the ways in which Galatians has influenced images of Paul, suggesting that it is the indeterminacy and complexity of his text that cause it to be interpreted in such widely differing ways Focuses on verses, themes or arguments that have been the subject of particularly influential readings Published in the innovative and stimulating Wiley-Blackwell Bible Commentaries reception history series, which focuses on the broad spectrum of interpretations rather than the traditional verse by verse analysis typically found in commentaries.

Wiley/Blackwell

An examination of the critical strategies devised by scholars over the last century in their attempt to discover the meaning of the ancient texts which comprise the New Testament.

Century of New Testament Study (A Century of…)

Lutterworth Press

Brighton's Graphic War

QueenSpark Books

This commentary on Paul’s highly autobiographical letter to the Galations traces the history of the book’s reception through the ages. 
<ul>
<li>Explores the influence and history of this important New Testament book</li> <li>Demonstrates the crucial role that Galatians has played in the development of very diverse forms of Christian spirituality</li> <li>Considers the influence of Galatians on a wide range of theological figures, including Chrysostom, Augustine, and Luther</li> <li>Examines the ways in which Galatians has influenced images of Paul, suggesting that it is the indeterminacy and complexity of his text that cause it to be interpreted in such widely differing ways</li> <li>Focuses on verses, themes or arguments that have been the subject of particularly influential readings</li> <li>Published in the innovative and stimulating Wiley-Blackwell Bible Commentaries reception history series, which focuses on the broad spectrum of interpretations rather than the traditional verse by verse analysis typically found in commentaries.</li> </ul>

John Riches's investigation of what is perhaps the world's most influential text gives a clear, comprehensible overview, along with in-depth research on the Bible's origins, writing, and development. Riches looks at Biblical criticism, the book's wide-ranging cultural impact, why it has been the product of multiple interpretations and uses, and how it has been exploited for political gain.

The Bible (A Brief Insight)

Union Square & Co.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Riches, John. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Riches, John

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Riches, John. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Bible: A Very Short Introduction

The Bible: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

What is Contextual Bible Study?: A Practical Guide With Group Studies For Advent And Lent

The World of Jesus: First-Century Judaism in Crisis (Understanding Jesus Today)

The World of Jesus: First-Century Judaism in Crisis (Understanding Jesus Today)

Galatians Through the Centuries

Century of New Testament Study (A Century of…)

Brighton's Graphic War

Galatians Through the Centuries

The Bible (A Brief Insight)