"This book is a treasure-house of resources for teachers and students of the Bible, as well as for anyone who wants to become more deeply informed about the collection of texts that are Sacred Scripture for the Christian church. Written by a lineup of distinguished scholars, the volume provides balanced attention to history and hermeneutics, with particular attention to the reception of the biblical writings in various global and ecclesial contexts. I am not aware of any other book that packs so much valuable information about the Bible into such a concise and readable form. Its essays demonstrate the distinctive, twofold character of fine teaching: they are accessible for serious introductory study while, at the same time, full of mind-expanding perspectives for readers who may have studied the Scriptures for a lifetime."
Richard B. Hays, George Washington Ivey Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Duke Divinity School
"Scholarly yet eminently accessible to the nonspecialist, this work is enlightening both as a historical introduction to the Bible and as an overview of how it has been read from ecumenical, intercontinental, and thematic perspectives. An invaluable tool for beginners as a way to situate themselves in the world of the Scriptures and as a resource to set the convictions of the experienced in a more inclusive context. A tour de force!"
Brother John, Taizé Community, France
"This is an excellent introduction to the Bible, going well beyond the basic issues of who wrote when, where, and why. It sets out clearly the complex process of how particular writings (and not others) became designated as canonical; poses challenging questions about how Scripture is, can, or should be interpreted; and provides a fascinating account of how biblical interpretation has developed within the various denominations and different parts of the world. The volume is a strong reminder to readers of the extent to which their own reading of and response to the Bible has been shaped by their often very different cultures and traditions. It demonstrates that when the Bible is read in different contexts, it has a richness of relevance that individuals in their own contexts rarely appreciate--revealing what a truly catholic reading actually involves."
James D. G. Dunn†, Emeritus Lightfoot Professor of Divinity, Durham University
"This beautifully produced volume merits a place in the library and on the teaching agenda of every church and seminary. All adult students of Scripture, from beginners to the most experienced, could benefit from this multifaceted yet theologically coherent collection of essays, which is both historically grounded and thoroughly contemporary in outlook."
Ellen F. Davis, Amos Ragan Kearns Distinguished Professor of Bible and Practical Theology, Duke Divinity School
"I welcome this unique and much-needed volume. Biblical interpretation in service of the church is necessarily conditioned by the many possible locations of an interpreter, including where she or he comes from geographically and culturally and the interpreter's particular Christian tradition. This volume gathers outstanding, concerned, and passionate authors from many places and from numerous Christian confessions who introduce the text of the Bible, various interpretative traditions, and the Bible's relevance for contemporary Christian life. Scripture and Its Interpretation is a unique attempt to cross as many interpretative and cultural bridges as possible and provides rich information for the reader on 'how the Bible is read elsewhere.' All of us, from professor to undergraduate student, have much to learn from this book."
Francis J. Moloney, SDB, senior professorial fellow, Catholic Theological College, University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia
"This interesting and helpful volume describes not only the contents of the Bible but also the many and various ways that people have interpreted the Bible from antiquity to the present in many different Christian communions. It would be a valuable companion to any introductory course and a helpful guide to any beginning reader."
George L. Parsenios, Princeton Theological Seminary
"The apostle Paul spoke of the church as having many gifts but one Spirit and as being one body with many members. The same might be said of the Bible itself--one book with many parts and dimensions. That is the premise of this exceptional introduction to Sacred Scripture and its interpretation. Essays by an ecumenical and international team of scholars illustrate in a vivid and effective way the complex composition of the Scriptures, the many-faceted reception they have received over the centuries, and the rich variety of methods of interpretation among those religious traditions that revere the Bible. In a world where some fear diversity, this volume demonstrates that authentic interpretation of the Bible champions both diversity and unity."
Donald Senior, CP, president emeritus and professor of New Testament, Catholic Theological Union
Michael J. Gorman (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is the Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore, Maryland. He formerly served as dean of the Ecumenical Institute of Theology at St. Mary's. Gorman is the author or editor of numerous books, including Scripture and Its Interpretation and Participating in Christ.