Comments by Michael Calum Jacques author of '1st Century Radical'.
This is a highly useful, carefully planned, one volume aid to Bible study and general research upon biblical themes and topics. It also provides copious introductory material to each book and period of biblical history. The editorial team consists of familiar names within the world of Biblical Studies and the scholarship is principally that based upon mainstream viepoints.
For general reference, it can stand comparison with any other single Bible 'companion' availability and the standard of scholarship is, on the whole, high.
Most of the contributors to this volume have excellent academic credentials and the overall quality of the presentation, printing, and general finish of this book is similarly pleasing. The book contains an excellent and - what would appear to be - an extensive index and has a copious number of specific articles written by a range of specialist in that particular field.
This reviewer is happy to commend this volume for general Bible study and to provide introductory research material for undergraduate students et al.
Michael Calum Jacques
At least some of this book appears highly inaccurate
First, I'm open-minded and far from being a Christian fundamentalist. I was looking forward to gaining perspective on the Bible from this book.
However, as I read, I came across some strange statements, one of which was that Jesus was a disciple of John the Baptist. I read a little further and found a comment that Ezekiel was possibly engaging in street theater (and this accounts for some of his actions). There were other odd bits of information lurking about.
I decided to look up the authors and editor involved. Bruce Chilton is a member of The Jesus Seminar.
I am now unfortunately having to throw the baby out with the bathwater, as I do not trust the rest of the information here.
I shared this with my Episcopalian minister, also not a Christian fundamentalist, and he agreed this book sounds suspect. He recommended the Anchor Bible series instead; unfortunately that is a much more expensive way to go.
This book may be okay for some; I do not agree with some of what I've seen as I said.
Indispensible for meaningful interpretation (review of previous edition)
This is a brilliantly but clearly written book, one that will make your experience of the Bible incalculably richer. The first part provides both an overview and more detailed archealogical and historical information on the presence of the early Israelites in the area of Canaan. There is also relevant and compellingly written analysis of the literary and cultural environment. All of this information allows you to see the Hebrew scriptures for the monumental literary and philosophical achievement they represent. Then, there are commentary and background information for every separate book of the Hebrew scriptures and New Testament. Whether you practice one of the three religions of the book (Judaism, Christianity, or Islam), are a student of history and culture, or just want further insight into this most influential of books, you will find the Cambridge Companion an invaluable source for deeper understanding. I teach humanities at the largest private college in the country, and I find the presentation in this book to be clear enough for the least-interested students and complex enough to support the best and brightest. I have also used the material here to discuss religion with my family members and other practictioners--everyone can get something deeply worthwhile from this book.
Introduction to Biblical Studies
This is not a scholarly book in the sense that it's not part of any visible academic debate. It does not treat any particular issue in enough depth to be so.It is, rather, a sort of textbook. Call it "Introduction to Academic Thought About the Bible." Following the order of the biblical texts and with detours to discuss such topics as the pseudepigrapha and the inter-testamental period, the book lays out basic issues of historical, archaeological and textual biblical criticism, such as, for instance, the idea of the J, E, D and P-authored components of the Old Testament, or the question to what extent the books of Joshua and Judges present different narratives of the conquest of Palestine by the Israelites, and what archaeology has to say about that conquest.
The book does not discuss theology (at least, not modern theology). If you're an inerrantist, this book is not what you're looking for. If you're reading the Bible for the first time, this is probably too much information and not the kind you need to help you follow the narrative. Though it has a section of color plates (and black and white photos throughout) and a limited number of maps, this is not an atlas. This is also not a debunk-the-Bible book -- mainstream believers in the inspired nature of the Biblical should by and large have no objection to the contents of this book.
But if you're generally familiar with the Bible, and interested in increasing your knowledge (in particular, I would suggest reading this alongside a reading of the Bible itself, a method to which the organization of this book lends itself) about Bible studies, I recommend this book without reservation.
Readable, yet scholarly
This book goes through the Bible historically and gives you the latest in textual and archeological research. It is an easy read, and it seems written for mass consumption, but it is not unscholarly. It is for true students of the Holy Scriptures and not for people who think the holy books are magic words from God. It is a sane, yet reverent approach to the study of ancient literature which we believe is inspired by God. It is NOT fundamentalist. If you are serious about Bible studies, then I recommend this volume whole-heartedly.
