Knowing the Bible 101: A Guide to God's Word in Plain Language (Christianity 101)

Rating:
Summary: 101? Basic? No. I'd Call That Basic Plus Plus!
Review: As the title implies, the "101" would mean "beginner level". Indeed, in this book, Bickel and Jantz wrote a really good introduction to the Bible. They start with the authorship and brief history of the Bible, why Bible is so interesting, and then moving to explain the Bible part by part -- in a Christian perspective.

This book is aimed especially for new converts or for those who are not well acquainted with the Bible but desire to learn more. Even seasoned Christians, in a way, can learn on how they should teach the Bible to beginners from this book.

The explanation in the book isn't terribly deep for scholarly / apologetic purposes, but not too shallow either. I personally feel that they wrote much more than just the basics. They did some cross reference and give a bit of historical background when appropriate, like the year of Israel / Jehuda kings reign. Even, they outline some different interpretation on certain books / passages, like how current Bible scholars differ on the book of Revelation and why.

There are ample diagrams, pictures, maps, tables, and other visual aids to enhance the learning experience. The language is so simple that reader with little or no exposure to Christianity can follow it. The book even includes yearly Bible reads and popular passages for devotional purposes. Also, they mention how Christian stands on several sensitive topics like abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, and so forth by citing appropriate verses in the Bible. Although some interpretation on some issue varies greatly from church to church, I believe that the authors tried to represent the view of the Christian "majority". I believe that the authors are not deeply apologetics in this book, many "advanced reader" would feel that the authors are glossing over too much on certain issues.

All in all, this book is intended for beginner Bible studies, but there is far more than just "basics". I agree that this book is not enough for apologetics, but if you're just curious about the Bible and never take much studies but desire to learn more, this book is for you. Note that if you are not Christian, but desire to learn more about the Bible, this book isn't for you because the authors' inherent bias on the interpretation of Biblical verses may throw you off. However, if you think you can handle that, then this book is a good investment.

Rating:
Summary: 2 and 1/2 really...
Review: Bruce and Stan mean well. I believe this is their 50th commentary and it's fine withen its field. I have yet to find the 1 guide to The Bible.