The Bible for Dummies

by Jeffrey Geoghegan and Michael Homan

Book Overview

The Bible For Dummies (9781119293507) was previously published as The Bible For Dummies (9780764552960). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764552961
• ISBN13: 9780764552960
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: For Dummies
• Length: 408 Pages
• Weight: 1.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

For those who are busy

I have tried to read the bible straight thru and never suceeded--life came at me in many directions. After 3 years of trying, i gave up and bought the bible for dummies. This book helped me UNDERSTAND the bible, not only read the words, both equally important in my opinion. Once i started reading this book, time opened up for me and i read it in a matter of 2 weeks! I couldn't put it down--the more i learned, the more i wanted to know and keep learning. I intend to reread it because for the first time in the 4 years i have been a christian, i truly understand the religion. I would recommend this book for everybody no matter where you are in your spiritual journey. Good luck and God Bless

Very entertaining, very informative

First off, I'm not a devout Christian - I have "gone through the motions" of Communion/Confirmation/etc, but I don't really have a strong faith and belief in Christianity. That being said, I thought this book was an excellent introduction to the Bible as a scholarly text. All of their interpretations of biblical passages are clearly explained (they are often illustrated by humorous examples) and the prose itself is eminently readable (I read through this book in 3-4 days but have yet to proceed past Exodus in "the real thing"). Here's a prime example of this book's style: "People usually think that the Bible is condoning/encouraging revenge with 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.' In fact, it is really *limiting* revenge. For example, if Moe pokes Curly in the eye, then 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth' only allows Curly to poke Moe in the eye, not poke him in the eye, grab his nose, and give him a 'nyuck, nyuck'." If you are offended by such examples, bas***dizing the "Holy Bible," then perhaps this book is not for you. However, its [American] culturally relevant examples clearly convey what the author is trying to say. The one feature in this text that I found somewhat annoying is that there are regular "for more information, see chapter XX." They are useful if you want to read topically, or don't want to read this book all the way through (in fact the authors encourage "skipping around"), but since I did read it all the way through, it got a little frustrating. This is definitely a five-star book though!

A Perfect Introduction, or Re-Introduction to the Bible

Unlike the reviewer below who seems to think that levity and the world of theology doesn't mix, I beg to differ. I don't agree that this book deserves that kind of criticism. Who has a better sense of humor than God? If He had made our lives devoid of laughter, where would we be today? I have not devoted time to Bible study since I was young. I picked this book for it's obvious simplicity. I am so glad that I did. I was surprised to find that it can turn those Bible stories we love to hear and read about into a book that I consider to be a real page-turner. I have shared my opinion with friends and family members alike. Many of whom are looking forward to getting it and reigniting their interest in the Bible as well. Read it and enjoy it for what it is!

This is the best book about the Bible.

The Bible for Dummies is the best book about the Bible on the market-by far!!! I teach university courses on the Bible and Biblical Studies, and to the joy of my students, I assign this book as one of the texts. So what works so well in The Bible for Dummies? First, the two authors, Geoghegan and Homan, are very solid Bible scholars. They know the ancient languages, texts, archaeology, current issues, and the material record. They really know what they are talking about. Second, they are incredibly gifted in simplifying very complicated ideas. They write very clear in an entertaining and engaging prose. Finally, they have a real gift for uderstanding the Bible's influence on civilization, from Madonna to films like the Matrix. Do yourself a favor, and read this book.

I'm no dummie, but I like it

Geoghegan and Homan have managed to provide a valuable resource for those who want to know more about the Bible that is not overly shallow or too complex. Their humerous style makes for a fun read! It's not just about the Bible. It also shows how the Bible has influenced culture and art.