Understanding the Bible

By Ignatius Hunt

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• ISBN: B000HJQ1XE
• Release Date: January 1962
• Publisher: Sheed and Ward
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A Quick Review of Recent Biblical Studies

This 1962 book is not intended for specialists, but for religious and laity who want a short introduction into this subject. It is based on the work of many great scholars.While every word in the inspired text comes from God, every word comes from and through men. Archaeological studies of literature and philosophy have clarified parts of the Bible in determining its "literal sense". Non-believers have tried to use this information to discredit the Bible. The 1893 encyclical of Pope Leo XIII recommended studying new knowledge to better understand the Bible. Some of the conclusions of modern biblical science have shocked those trained in an earlier age. But they should abhor any zeal that suspects or opposes whatever is new.Biblical writers used different literary forms: poetry, fiction (the parables), apocalyptic, irony, polemic, epic, legislation, letter-style, oratory emotional outbursts, and religious history. To get the basic meaning of Sacred Scriptures you must determine the style of writing employed. The Bible does not contain only sober historical narrative. It should be read devoutly and religiously. In earlier times oral reading of the Scriptures was very predominant. St. Jerome complained about devout but ignorant Christians who could not explain and defend their faith. All Scripture is useful for correcting faults and training in uprightness so to be ready for every good work.