The Bible for the Curious

This book is for anyone curious about the Bible: what it is, and what modern research reveals about it. Unlike most textbooks, it has no footnotes, avoids technical discussion as much as possible, and makes no assumptions about religious belief. Its aim is to introduce the contents a way that engages readers critically, and to persuade them that in a modern secular society this collection of ancient writings can still contribute to the way we think about history, philosophy and politics. It is a challenge to both those who regard it as ‘word of God’ and those who dismiss it as obsolete or myth or irrelevant.

This book is for anyone curious about the Bible: what it is, and what modern research reveals about it. Unlike most textbooks, it has no footnotes, avoids technical discussion as much as possible, and makes no assumptions about religious belief. Its aim is to introduce the contents a way that engages readers critically, and to persuade them that in a modern secular society this collection of ancient writings can still contribute to the way we think about history, philosophy and politics. It is a challenge to both those who regard it as ‘word of God’ and those who dismiss it as obsolete or myth or irrelevant.

PART ONE: BIBLE BASICS 1. APPROACHING THE BIBLE 2. WHO WROTE THE OLD TESTAMENT, AND HOW? PART TWO: STORIES OF ISRAEL 3. THE OLD TESTAMENT AND HISTORY 4. BIBLICAL ISRAELS 5. A HISTORY OF ANCIENT ISRAELS PART THREE: STORIES OF JESUS CHRIST 6. ANCIENT JUDAISMS 7. THE GOSPELS STORY 8. THE STORY IN ACTS 9. THE NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS 10. REVELATION PART FOUR: PHILOSOPHY, ETHICS AND PIETY 11. DIVINATION: PROPHECY AND APOCALYPTIC 12. 'WISDOM' AND PRAYER 13. POSTSCRIPT

• By (author) Philip R. Davies

". . .an impressive achievement and reveals how readers become believers, how believers can become readers, and how a recognition of how scholarly approaches to scriptures can contribute in bringing Biblical scholarship to life." --Jane M. Curry, Lecturer in Practical Theology at St. Thomas University, Reading Religion, July 2019 "Over-inquisitive children are often warned that 'curiosity killed the cat'. But children of all ages, when curious about the Bible, may safely be encouraged to explore its varied contents and growth in this readable book by a noted scholar. Itself something of a 'curiosity box', it both informs and challenges." Professor Graeme Auld, School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh "Philip Davies has bequeathed to us one last book, now published after his untimely death. The Bible for the Curious bears all the markings that have made him one of the foremost biblical scholars of the past half century - mastery of the historical and literary materials, cogent and forthright engagement with knotty problems, clarity of thought, and eminently readable prose. In this book Davies widens his field of vision to include not only the Hebrew Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls but the New Testament as well. This fresh discussion is highly recommended for specialists and other interested readers." Douglas A. Knight, Drucilla Moore Buffington Professor of Hebrew Bible, Emeritus, and Professor of Jewish Studies, Vanderbilt University "This is the book I would have written had I the intelligence and skill-of-pen that Professor Davies possesses. I will require it for all of my undergraduate courses in both Old and New Testament. It is much needed, and even more appreciated." Professor Jim West, Pastor, Petros Baptist Church, and Lecturer, Ming Hua Theological College / Charles Sturt University
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