"How to Read the Bible as Literature ...
…. And get more out of it”
“If you want to rightly understand the Bible, you have to begin by recognising what it is: a composite of literary styles. It is meant to be read, not just interpreted. The Bible’s 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 the passage.” [from the Editorial Synopsis on the back cover].
I am really enjoying the richness of this book by Dr. Leyland Ryken, especially as I have no formal education in English literature, per se. It helps me understand the Bible better, and so God’s message to me and the world. (It also serves as a summary guide to literary terms with examples. These I use for my own general literary education and appreciation, and my efforts at written expression through prose and poetry). The marginal captions identify the discussion in the text at any given point, and this is quite helpful in focusing thoughts and developing summaries for study. Ryken’s book of 200 pages is easy to read. While scholarly it does not burden the reader with oppressive, academic mumbo-jumbo.
“If you want to rightly understand the Bible, you have to begin by recognising what it is: a composite of literary styles. It is meant to be read, not just interpreted. The Bible’s 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 the passage.” [from the Editorial Synopsis on the back cover].
I am really enjoying the richness of this book by Dr. Leyland Ryken, especially as I have no formal education in English literature, per se. It helps me understand the Bible better, and so God’s message to me and the world. (It also serves as a summary guide to literary terms with examples. These I use for my own general literary education and appreciation, and my efforts at written expression through prose and poetry). The marginal captions identify the discussion in the text at any given point, and this is quite helpful in focusing thoughts and developing summaries for study. Ryken’s book of 200 pages is easy to read. While scholarly it does not burden the reader with oppressive, academic mumbo-jumbo.
Link: Amazon.com
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