As the work at the heart of Christianity, the Bible is the spiritual guide for one out of every three people in the world. It is also the world's most widely distributed book—it has been translated into over 2,000 languages—and the world's best-selling book, year after year. But the Bible is a complex work with a complicated and obscure history. Made up of sixty-six "books" written by various authors and divided into two testaments, its contents have changed over the centuries. The Bible has been transformed by translation and, through interpretation, has developed manifold meanings to various religions, denominations, and sects. In this seminal account, acclaimed historian Karen Armstrong discusses the conception, gestation, and life of history's most powerful book. Armstrong analyzes the social and political situation in which oral history turned into written scripture, how this all-pervasive scripture was collected into one work, and how it became accepted as Christianity's sacred text. She explores how scripture came to be read for information and how, in the nineteenth century, historical criticism of the Bible caused greater fear than Darwinism. The Bible is a brilliant, captivating book, crucial in an age of declining faith and rising fundamentalism.
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"Read this June of 2008 and remember finding it an interesting and worthwhile read... agreeing with writer whose review included the following statement: "very good summary of the history of the Bible, from origins in oral tradition to contemporary phenomena such as a literal reading. It was particularly good on outlining the differences in approach in Jewish and Christian traditions."" — Renny (4 out of 5 stars)
"Read this June of 2008 and remember finding it an interesting and worthwhile read... agreeing with writer whose review included the following statement: "very good summary of the history of the Bible, from origins in oral tradition to contemporary phenomena such as a literal reading. It was particularly good on outlining the differences in approach in Jewish and Christian traditions.""
“[Josephine Bailey’s] in top form, lending the clipped and decidedly upper-crust accent that has served her well.”
“Josephine Bailey’s reading is lively and provocative.”
“Bailey skillfully keeps the text moving, easily handling historical terms and names.”
“This is one terrific little book.”
[Narrator Josephine] Bailey skillfully keeps the text moving, easily handling historical terms and names.
" I am NOT a believer, just one of the curious. This was highly informative, balanced, objective and excrutiatingly well researched. "
" I learned a ton of things, mostly about how the Bible (and various versions of it) was put together over time and also how people read it. Apparently the literal reading was a relatively recent thing; I'd assumed it had always been that way. "
" Nice little intro book, densely written and useful for the bibilical history novice. "
" This just re-affirmed what I already knew of Christianity. "
" A little dry at times but a good overview. Got some suggestions for further reading from it. "
" Very interesting history of the Bible up to the present. Certainly keeps it in perspective. "
" An eye-opening history of the Bible. Considering it's enduring impact on our world, it's important to read various theories on its creation and how it's been understood at different times by different people. Free's one up to consider this book in different ways. "
" Very interesting. I think everyone who studies the bible should read this book. "
" history surrounding the Bible, and use of texts in the culture/time period in which the Bible was written. interesting, but some of the claims lack evidence. "
" Raises serious changes about how we use scripture. Life-changing. "
" I especially liked the discussion at the end about being charitable with language . . . "
" A quick and relatively short (230 pp.) introduction to the history of the the compendium of ancient texts that we call the Bible. Perfect for anyone interested in how people have viewed and interpreted the Bible over the centuries. "
" An excellent introduction to biblical literature and and how sacred texts are changed through time to meet the demands of Jewish and later Christian society! Once more Karen Armstrong takes the middle road. "
" Readable. Good brain food. "
" New info. "
" Revelatory... "
" Fabulous topic. Author's style makes it like trying to see through peanut butter. I have read several of her books and usually like them. This is work to get through and while doing such... I find it difficult to stop and say what I just read or learned. "
" Great overview of the changes in the text of the Bible and the, many more, changes in the interpretations of what was written. The included dictionary was used often. Highly recommended. "
" A little more academic than I thought it would be. Read more like a doctoral diss turned into a book. But still interesting as she followed the development and growth of the "bible" through the Jewish and Christian traditions from its origins to modern times. "
" interesting material if you've never heard it before.. "
" I love books like this. Karen Armstrong is amazing. "
" A very nice tour of the evolution of thought on divinity (at least in the Judeo-Christian realm) and its written representation. Not a particularly light read. "
Karen Armstrong is the author of numerous books on religious affairs. Her work has been translated into forty languages, and she has written three television documentaries. Since September 11, 2001, she has been a frequent contributor to conferences, panels, newspapers, periodicals, and other media on both sides of the Atlantic on the subject of Islam. In 2008 she was awarded the TED Prize.
Josephine Bailey’s impeccable narrations include the British classics Jane Eyre and The Secret Garden. She has also used her subtly nuanced style to enliven historical fiction and light romances. She has won nine AudioFile Earphones Awards and been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award.
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