In clear and concise fashion, A Companion to the Bible provides explanation of many terms and key themes within the Bible. Grounding the definitions with textual references, Jean-Jacques von Allmen enriches our theological understanding by concentrating on a limited number of longer articles with abundant cross-referencing. This approach allows for a greater depth in knowledge for all readers. Written in an accessible style, this book is for layfolk and scholars alike. As von Allmen himself writes, the book’s aim is to facilitate this ‘one thing needful’ - to encounter, through Holy Scripture, Jesus Christ the Word of God.

Beginners to Bible study will enjoy the simple language in this useful introduction to the Old Testament. Long-time students of the Bible who want more than a literal approach to scripture will find refreshing interpretations for some of the more difficult passages. The author respects the historical context of the ancient biblical stories and encourages the reader to make practical application to today’s world. This book helps Christians understand how the Old Testament is “community property” shared by Jews, Christians and Muslims. It is a constructive resource for interfaith discussion, particularly as people of different faiths (or no faith) seek to identify some shared principles of our common humanity. Abraham, revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims, can be a starting point for greater mutual understanding. The Jewish concept of Messiah can be a metaphor of hope for all people. Footnotes are included for those who “want to know more” about a given topic. “Questions for Reflection” at the end of each chapter facilitate group discussion. A concise index is provided. The book’s introduction and ten chapters are suitable for a 10-12 week study.

The first decades of the twenty-first century saw a resurgence of the biblical epic film, such as Noah and Exodus: Gods and Kings, which was in turn accompanied by a growth of biblical film criticism. This companion surveys that field of study by framing it in light of significant and recent biblical films as well as the voices of key biblical film critics. Non-Hollywood and seemingly “non-biblical” films also come under investigation. The contributors concentrate on three points: “context”, focusing on the 'Bible in' specific film genres and cultural situations; “theory”, applying theory from both religion and film studies, with an eye to their possible intersections; and “recent and significant texts”, reflecting on which texts and themes have been most important in 'biblical film' and which are currently at the fore. Exploring cinema across the globe, and accompanied by extended introductory essays for each of the three sections, this companion is an important resource for scholars in both film and biblical reception.

An authoritative assessment of the changing relationship between the Bible and the artsIn this unique Companion, 35 scholars, from world-famous to just beginning, explore the role of the Bible in art and of artistic motifs in the Bible. The specially commissioned chapters demonstrate that just as the arts have portrayed biblical stories in a variety of ways and media over the centuries, so what we call 'the' Bible is not actually a single entity but has been composed of fiercely contested translations of texts in many languages, whose selection has depended historically on a variety of cultural pressures, theological, social, and, not least, aesthetic. Key Features:* Divided into 3 sections, Inspiration and Theory, Art and Architecture, and Literature* Generously illustrated * Covers aesthetic interpretations of specific biblical books; of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles as a whole; the transmission of biblical texts; various bindings and illustrations of Bibles - in response to pressures as diverse as Islamic craftsmanship and the English Reformation* Includes pieces on biblical influences on poetry, painting, church architecture, decoration, and stained glass; on poetry, hymns, novels, plays, and fantasy literature* Spans the earliest days of the Christian era to the present

Building on the enthusiastic reception of and critical acclaim for The Peoples' Bible, hailed as a rich resource (Elisabeth Schssler Fiorenza) that will empower people to reclaim the Bible as a multicultural, dialogical, and living tradition (Kwok Pui-lan), this colorful and engaging biblical textbook brings those same new perspectives in biblical studies to the college classroom. Highlighting the role of cultures in both the development of the Bible and in its subsequent reception around the world, The Peoples' Companion to the Bible enables students to see how social location has figured in the ways particular peoples have understood the biblical text and helps students formulate their own social location as a key to understanding the Bible and its import for them. The groundbreaking articles from The Peoples' Bible are all here, including Culture and Identity; The Bible as a Text of Cultures and The Bible as a Text in Cultures; Jesus and Cultures; The Bible as an Instrument of Reconciliation; The Bible and Empire; Women, Culture, and the Bible; and Responsible Christian Exegesis of Hebrew Scripture, along with new essays designed for the classroom, including a Bible Reader's Self-Inventory; introductory essays on the Hebrew Bible and New Testament; and an essay on understanding the biblical theme of the people of God in a multicultural world.