105
Q.
How do I know what to consider in context?
- John J. Collins, A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (Fortress Press,
2007). - Martin Copenhaver and Anthony Robinson, Words for the Journey: Letters
to Our Teenagers about Life and Faith (Pilgrim Press, 2003), especially chap.
18, “The Really Hard Parts of the Bible.” - Peter J. Gomes, The Good Book: Reading the Bible with Mind and Heart
(HarperOne, 2002), especially chap. 2, “A Matter of Interpretation” and
chap. 6, “The Bible and Anti-Semitism: Christianity’s Original Sin.” - Luke Timothy Johnson, The Writings of the New Testament: An Interpretation
(Fortress Press, 2002). - Textweek: http://www.textweek.com.
Suggested Questions for Further Discussion/Thought
- Read 1 Corinthians 15:1–8. In this passage, Paul gives us what, in his
opinion, is the “core” of the gospel. Do you agree with him? If so, why? If
not, what would you say is the core of the gospel? - José Morales suggests that the core events of the biblical story are the
Exodus and Christ. Do you agree with him? Why? If not, what are the
“core” events of the Bible? - Do you believe it’s possible to read the Bible literally? Why or why not?
- Besides a literal reading, what are some other ways of reading and
interpreting the Bible? - If Bible commentaries were written in the 1700s, 1800s, or early 1900s, are
they still useful? What about free Bible commentaries on the Web?