How to Read the Bible as Literature: . . . and Get More Out of It [Paperback]

A guide to the literary aspects of the Bible, this book surveys such biblical forms as narrative, poetry, proverb, gospel, parable, and epistle. It also discusses the literary unity of the Bible.

Why the Good Book Is a Great Read If you want to rightly understand the Bible, you must begin by recognizing what it is: a composite of literary styles. It is meant to be read, not just interpreted. The Bibles truths are embedded like jewels in the rich strata of story and poetry, metaphor and proverb, parable and letter, satire and symbolism. Paying attention to the literary form of a passage will help you understand the meaning and truth of that passage. How to Read the Bible as Literature takes you through the various literary forms used by the biblical authors. This book will help you read the Bible with renewed appreciation and excitement and gain a more profound grasp of its truths. Designed for maximum clarity and usefulness, How to Read the Bible as Literature includes * sidebar captions to enhance organization * wide margins ideal for note taking * suggestions for further reading * appendix: The Allegorical Nature of the Parables * indexes of persons and subjects

ContentsPreface1. Is the Bible Literature?2. The Stories of the Bible3. Types of Biblical Stories4. The Poetry of the Bible5. Types of Biblical Poetry6. The Proverb as a Literary Form7. The Gospels8. Parables9. The Epistles10. Satire11. Visionary Literature12. The Literary Unity of the BibleAppendix: The Allegorical Nature of the ParablesIndex of PersonsIndex of Subjects

Why the Good Book Is a Great Read If you want to rightly understand the Bible, you must begin by recognizing what it is: a composite of literary styles. It is meant to be read, not just interpreted. The Bibles truths are embedded like jewels in the rich strata of story and poetry, metaphor and proverb, parable and letter, satire and symbolism. Paying attention to the literary form of a passage will help you undló(