Catholics are often reluctant to begin reading the Bible, this is for various reasons. Perhaps we hang on to the notion that the Bible is a book meant for display, for recording the dates of family members ' births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths. Or perhaps we once attempted to read the Bible and discovered there a culture entirely different from ours 'and came to the conclusion that the Bible had nothing relevant to say to us in this place and time. Attentive to these and the many other reasons Catholics might give for not reading Scripture, Stephen Binz offers practical explanations that will make the Bible less foreign and more familiar. Introduction to the Bible allows readers to discover how the Bible came to be, how to choose a Bible translation, how to interpret the Bible within Catholic tradition, and how to benefit the most from Bible study. Readers will find practical explanations that will make the Bible less foreign and more familiar. Stephen J. Binz is a Catholic biblical scholar, speaker, and counselor. He did graduate studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and is a member of the Catholic Biblical Association and the Society of Biblical Literature. Binz is the author of numerous books on the Bible, including The Passion and Resurrection Narratives of Jesus and The God of Freedom and Life, both published by Liturgical Press.

As a Catholic, what do you think of the Bible? Do you feel drawn to it, yet somewhat intimidated by it? When you try to read the Bible, do you soon become discouraged by its many difficult passages, by page after page of strange names, by the stories that seem unrelated to your life today or by the frequent portrayal of unfamiliar customs and practices? This revised and expanded edition of A Catholic Guide to the Bible will help readers overcome such obstacles. For each of the seventy three books in the Bible, Father Lukefahr offers pertinent historical background, information about the author and the literary style of work and the theological interpretation of selected passages based on the latest Scripture scholarship and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The Bible is central to our faith as Catholics. But approaching such a large and complex collection of writings that span thousands of years is intimidating for most of us. We need a guide, a compass to set us off on the right course so that our time spent studying the Scriptures is a time spent encountering the living God. The Bible Compass provides readers with the tools to study the Word of God with confidence and purpose. This book demonstrates how to read the Bible within the living Tradition of the Catholic Church. It addresses all the common questions about the Bible including: ● Where did the Bible come from? ● Why is the Bible so important? ● Is the Bible really inspired by God? ● Why do Catholic Bibles have more books than Protestant Bibles? ● Do I have to take the Bible literally? ● How do I know if I am interpreting the Bible correctly? As Catholics we are called to have an intimate knowledge of Jesus Christ and the Church as revealed in the Scriptures. Reading the Bible with the proper tools and in the appropriate context will help you grow in your love for the Faith and in your relationship with Jesus Christ himself, who is “the Word made Flesh,” (John 1:1).

Although many Catholics are familiar with the four Gospels and other writings of the New Testament, for most, reading the Old Testament is like walking into a foreign land. Who wrote these forty-six books? When were they written? Why were they written? What are we to make of their laws, stories, histories, and prophecies? Should the Old Testament be read by itself or in light of the New Testament? John Bergsma and Brant Pitre offer readable in-depth answers to these questions as they introduce each book of the Old Testament. They not only examine the literature from a historical and cultural perspective but also interpret it theologically, drawing on the New Testament and the faith of the Catholic Church. Unique among introductions, this volume places the Old Testament in its liturgical context, showing how its passages are employed in the current Lectionary used at Mass. Accessible to nonexperts, this thorough and up-to-date introduction to the Old Testament can serve as an idea textbook for biblical studies. Its unique approach, along with its maps, illustrations, and other reference materials, makes it a valuable resource for seminarians, priests, Scripture scholars, theologians, and catechists, as well as anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible.

John Bergsma’s popular Bible Basics for Catholics, which has sold more than 60,000 copies, offers readers an accessible vision of salvation history as it unfolds in the Bible, showing readers how the Bible points us to the saving life and work of Jesus. This new edition includes an additional chapter on covenant fulfillment in the Book of Revelation. Bergsma brings to his theology a combination of academic expertise, pastoral wisdom, and unique playfulness. Bible Basics for Catholics is based on Bergsma’s popular Introduction to Theology course at Steubenville. As a teacher, Bergsma has an uncanny ability to make complex ideas understandable and faith-inspiring while staying true to both Catholic teaching and biblical scholarship. Readers will begin to see the Christian understanding of salvation by walking through the Old Testament, going through the great stories of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Moses, the great kings and prophets of Israel, and culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

How many times have you wanted some context and background about a book of the Bible but didn’t have the time to wade through a long commentary? The Quick Reference Guide to the Catholic Bible is a concise guide that is meant to orient you as you read the various books of the Bible—something you can keep by your side and glance at quickly before going back to your prayer.

An entry-level overview of the Bible, which presupposes no specialized knowledge of the Bible or religion, this accessible guide emphasizes truly experiencing the Bible rather than just studying it. Written in a warm and inviting tone by a prominent biblical scholar, the handbook answers many questions, such as What is the Bible, and how did it come to be? How do you recognize a true prophet? and Which Bible should I choose? Arranged according to the books of the Bible, this comprehensive introduction includes chapters on the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and the Letters as well as appendices, a glossary, and resources for further study.

The perfect how-to for easy, quick Scripture reference and comprehension! Using straightforward, accessible language, Scripture expert Scott Hahn explains the "nuts and bolts" of the Bible -- how it came to be, the types of literature found within it, and the thrust of each book -- in a handy, yet thorough, way that demystifies the Bible and simplifies understanding.

Our society is struggling with what Pope Benedict has called "profound crisis of faith that has affected many people." In response, the Holy Father has called us all to a Year of Faith from October 2012 to November 2013. We see the signs all around us: the demand for science to prove everything before we can believe it, the role of media and celebrities who deny the existence of God and denounce the role of the Church, and the ease in which we can all isolate God and faith into only one part of our life. In a follow-up to his best selling St. Paul Bible Study for Catholics during the year of St. Paul, Fr. Mitch Pacwa once again leads Catholics to a deeper understanding of Pope Benedict's call to action for the year. Perfect for individual or group study, this book is a wonderful guide to experiencing a conversion, growing in faith, and following Jesus Christ more closely. It shows us how to integrate every component of our life – relationships, morality, work, recreation, and all – into a meaningful whole. Make the most of Pope Benedict's Year of Faith, walking hand in hand with Fr. Pacwa as he guides you through the beauty and insights of Scripture in relationship to your everyday life.

This book is a popular introduction to each of the 73 books of the Bible designed to help the reader grow in the knowledge and love of God's Word. The introduction to each book includes the time frame and author, the theme, a summary of the contents and some comments about the context in which it was written, the theology of the book, an outline, and a prayer taken from the book. Fr. Baker provides quick access to essential information the daily or occasional reader of sacred scripture should find helpful. The book may also be of help to more advanced students who wish to refresh their memory of a particular book of the Bible. By carefully reading Inside the Bible one can have a thumbnail summary of each book of the Bible at his fingertips. "Many Catholics revere the Bible without reading it. They find themselves paralyzed, not knowing where to start reading. Fr. Kenneth Baker comes to the rescue. In brief synopses of the 73 books he guides new readers through the threshold and shows them how they can move forward on their own.