The Thoughtful Guide to the Bible
by Roy Robinson
 by Roy Robinson (ISBN: 1903816750) |
"This
book is not only 'thoughtful' as its title implies, it is lively and very
well-written. Every page is stimulating and helpful. Roy Robinson has
used his deep learning and broad experience to introduce a wide range
of readers to the joys of serious engagement with the Bible's message
for our times." "If
the first Christians were right to think of their faith as 'a Way' then
it is inevitably about pilgrimage and search. It will be demanding and
the Bible will be a major resource for us. In 'The Thoughtful Guide to
the Bible', Roy Robinson examines the nature of its authority, stresses
its invaluable contribution and, urging us to reject a simplistic approach
to the Bible, affirms that it is Jesus Christ who is the Word of God.
In so writing he reveals his own spiritual journey with honesty and confidence,
and invites us to travel with him." |
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Roy Robinson writes ... My book began life as a series of evening classes entitled "Reading the Bible with New Eyes" given at the Oxted Christian Centre from some twenty years ago and subsequently in Emmanuel Church, Bungay; both involving ecumenical audiences. It was an attempt to share with lay people the fruits of new understandings of the Bible resultant on almost three hundred years of study and research. Whilst all thoughtful people are aware of the revolutions in every sphere of human knowledge that makes the modern world, sadly they are mostly not aware of the Biblical Revolution. |
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| The book was largely intended for laypeople undertaking training for Christian ministry, particularly in courses such as the TLS (of which I have been a tutor). Much of the book is fairly standard introduction to the Bible, approaching it from the perspectives of literary, historical and theological criticism. It is not a general handbook to the Bible - although it covers much of what would be in a handbook - its intention is to engage the reader in doing his/her own thinking. There is therefore an element of DIY in it. | ||
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In the fifth section, I raise critical questions about the Bible as a source of authority for Christians. This is intended as a serious contribution to current debate within the Church. Following the evidence, I found myself coming to fairly radical conclusions - some or all of which will be controversial. But I am convinced that so serious is the situation in both Church and World, that only radical solutions can enable the Church to address the pressing problems that threaten the very survival of humanity. In any case, the book is designed to encourage its readers to enter the debate and so to come to their own conclusions. |
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