Exploring the Basics of the Bible
Overview
The first step to a truly enriching study of the Bible is understanding its origins, purpose and necessity. This introductory book explores—and answers—important questions that many wonder about: Who wrote the Bible? How was it written? Why should I believe in this antiquated book? What about its contradictions and problems? It concludes with vital chapters on Bible study helps and methods and a list of resources for enrichment. Any Christian who cares to know more about, and draw more deeply from, the Book of books will thoroughly benefit from this encouraging work.
From the Publisher
The Scriptures are God's Word to us. We should personally read them, study them, meditate upon them and, most of all, practice them. But the first step to a truly enriching study of the Bible is understanding the basics behind it. This gives every believer not only a deeper appreciation for the wonder of God's Word, but also a foundation for apologetic discussions in the future.
This introductory book explores important questions that many wonder about: Who wrote the Bible? How was it written? Why should I believe in this antiquated book? What about its contradictions and problems? R. Laird Harris answers these questions and more. He also includes questions to provoke further exploration. And the book concludes with vital chapters on study helps and Bible study methods, as well as a list of resources for enrichment. The beginning Christian will thoroughly benefit from this encouraging work.
Top Highlights
“and many others. This direct communication from God is usually called special revelation.” (Pages 6–7)
“The easiest and clearest answer as to why Christians believe the Old Testament is that Christ believed it.” (Page 15)
“But, as C. S. Lewis in his book Miracles1 beautifully shows, all language about things that are not perceived by the senses must be metaphorical language. No other way can be found to describe the unseen.” (Page 11)
“Historically, the Bible has been called inspired, meaning that it is God’s Word and fully true. Traditionally, it was also called infallible. That is to say, it is incapable of mistake.” (Page 10)
“This is the function of a prophet—having received the word of God, to speak it to the people.” (Page 8)
Product Details
- Title: Exploring the Basics of the Bible
- Author: Robert Laird Harris
- Publisher: Crossway
- Publication Date: 2002
About Robert Laird Harris
Robert Laird Harris (1879-1954) is widely known and respected for his biblical scholarhsip. A professor of Old Testament and a dean at Covenant Theological Seminary from 1964-1972, he continued to teach until his retirement in 1981 and was chairman of the translation committee that produced the New international Version Bible. He has retired to Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Reviews
1 rating
Sakarias Ingolfsson
3/15/2012
This is a review on the style of the book, rather than an evaluation the facts stated in it. The description of the book (above) states that it is meant for the beginning Christian. Throughout the book, and especially in the later chapter, this seems apparent. The study questions in the end of each chapter also suggest that the book could be used in small bible study groups. Still in several locations the book uses terminology and style that to my understanding would better suit the intermediate bible college student. Sadly there is a lack of consistency, and while some chapters are very basic and readable to most, others are more technical and seem to assume that the reader has at least some basic knowledge of theology. Often times I also find that the author mentions far too many aspects in the very breaf text. Rather than helping the rader understand, I believe this causes confusion. I still enjoyed reading this small book. Mostly because of the frequent devotional tone. The author is not objective in his treatment of different theological views, which is not neccesarily a bad thing. He may oversimplify the big picture sometimes, for example by deviding christians into conservative and liberals (meaning perhaps faithful and unfaithful). His objective seems clear though: To guide new christians to a bible study which will help them grow in their faith, in stead of reading material that will break it down. A few quotes: "Without a real and true word from heaven, people are lost in a sea of human opinion and moral weakness" (p14) "The crowning miracle of all, Christ's resurrection, is totally unexplainable by natural means" (p70) "Whey teach your children to keep the Ten Commandments if the commandments themselves bear false witness to Moses' experience with God on Sinai?" (p79) "The greatest secret of Bible study is simply to do it!" (p100)
