Great Themes of the Bible (2 vols.)

by W. Eugene March; Sarah S. Henrich

Publisher:

Westminster John Knox

, 2007

Overview

The Bible is a rich and varied collection of writings developed over thousands of years. Those who wrote the Bible were people who celebrated, lamented, worshiped, and tried to make some sense of life in reference to God. These people lived in diverse cultures and spoke a variety of languages seldom learned in our time. They have left us a legacy whose meaning continues to be debated. The very intensity of debate points to our continued passionate engagement with the God of these writings.

These volumes have been created to explore biblical writings by using various themes as “probes” to get below the surface, make connections, and notice nuances of meaning. It is the hope of the authors that these works will enable those interested in gaining a greater understanding of the Bible, which serves as the foundation of Christian discipleship.

Key Features

• Provides brief explanations of 26 themes of the Old and New Testaments
• Includes discussion questions for each chapter
• Explores biblical writings by using various themes as “probes” to get below the surface, make connections, and notice nuances of meaning

Product Details

• Title: Great Themes of the Bible (2 vols.)
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox
• Volumes: 2
• Pages: 304
• Resource Type: Introduction
• Topic: Theology

Great Themes of the Bible, Volume 1

• Author: W. Eugene March
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox
• Publication Date: 2006
• Pages: 152

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

This first volume in an exciting new series for laity provides an accessible study of some of the Bible’s most important themes. Respected author W. Eugene March traces the understanding of key themes through the Old and New Testaments, such as God, covenant, and sin, and demonstrates their importance for Christian life today. Discussion questions are included in each chapter to enhance the usefulness of this book for church study groups.

Here at last is a book that is scholarly yet accessible, brief yet thorough, and deals with age-old themes in a contemporary manner. Professor March has done the church a great favor in providing a book that will lead to a greater understanding of Holy Scripture, both for those new to the faith as well as those who have been nurtured in the church through the years. At a time in which the church is beset with battles over the Bible, it would do well to use this book as a common foundation toward more faithful discipleship for all.

—Stephen I. Montgomery, Pastor, Idlewild Presbyterian Church

Eugene March is A.B. Rhodes Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and author of Six Themes in Genesis Everyone Should Know and The Wide, Wide Circle of Divine Love.

Great Themes of the Bible, Volume 2

• Author: Sarah S. Henrich
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 152

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In this second volume of an exciting new series for laity, Sarah Henrich traces the understanding of important themes of the Bible and demonstrates their importance for Christian life today. Key themes such as faith, justice, love, prayer, and resurrection are discussed as they emerge in the Old and New Testaments. Discussion questions are included at the end of each chapter, making this book an ideal resource for individual and group study.

In an era when many bemoan the biblical illiteracy of the church, there appears this wonderful resource for the study of great themes of the Bible. This volume clearly treats both the Old Testament and New Testament passages regarding themes such as death, hope, and joy, following each treatment with a series of questions relating the text to today’s world. Here is a thoughtful and provocative guide to an adult church school class’s study of the Scriptures.

—Charles B. Cousar, Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary

Sarah S. Henrich is Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is the author of several adult curricula and has published a number of articles as well as produced video and audio tapes as resources for the study of Scripture.