Rating: 
Summary: Excellent student material
Review: This book presents all aspects of the biblical hostory vs. fictional ideals. It also presents the examples of how dangerous it can be to perform analog interpretations of the bible without consideration for the current events at the times of the authors of the bible. Clearly an eyeopener of historical proportions to any bible or history student. Even so the scientific community can learn how valuable accuracy in documentation is after reading this book.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic .
Review: This book really reflects the true class of Isaak Asimov . I bought the book because i wanted to have his insight and perspective on many Bible issues and was not disappointed . Asimov not only informs but also explains (from his point of view) what scriptures mean . A must buy for Bible issues readers.
Rating: 
Summary: I really wanted a scholarly work cross referenced
Review: This book was a big undertaking. But the book says that all the information was derived from "commonly available" books in libraries and encyclopedias. I've seen a few encyclopedias and I'm sure they conflict on many points (dates events occured, which Pharoe Joseph served under etc). I corresponded with Asimov's heirs at Boston U and they told me I was on my own when it came to research.
Rating:
Summary: 3 stars because 3.49 was not an option
Review: This book was rushed, many pertenant parts of the bible were given the once over, some were skipped entirely. Asimov was certainly capable of writing a better detailed and more comprehensive commentary, but he was rushed for whatever reason.Since he was rushed, he acted as if several things were foregone conclusions, namely: That Jesus lived and preached and was crucified in the first 5 decades of the first century of this common era and that the Acts of the Apostles is historically reliable. I do like the book. It is a valuable resource. Asimov summarized and packaged the conclusions of others in writing this book, and he did quite a good job of it.
Rating: 
Summary: Why?
Review: Two questions: Why would an atheist waste his time writing a book on the bible? Why would anyone read it? And as for J L RICHARDSON from United Kingdom, you're obviously a non-believer HELL-bent on stirring up trouble. Get stuffed.
Rating:
Summary: Why?
Review: Two questions: Why would an atheist waste his time writing a book on the bible? Why would anyone read it? And as for J L RICHARDSON from United Kingdom, you're obviously a non-believer HELL-bent on stirring up trouble. Get stuffed.
Rating:
Summary: Great tool for gaining true perspective of Biblical history!
Review: Understand first, unlike Asimov, I am a true believer. As such I feel it is incumbent to gain a true understanding of just exactly what it is God wants of us and for us. This means that as I read any given passage of the Holy Bible that I not get myself caught into the trap of so many other believers - in other words,, I will not say to others that such and such is true simply because, "...it says so in the Bible." I am frequently annoyed that so many Christians don't understand Jesus's purpose. He wanted us to understand and live to the intent of God's Commandments and not to simply follow the letter of the word with ceremonies in precisely this way or that. I found Asimov's treatise to give me a terrific understanding and especially appreciate his explanation of the meaning of names for various people and places. Asimov makes a very good point to many of us who falsely believed the first Jews were slaves building the pyramids in Egypt. He does so without malice but with a matter-of-fact discussion of the fact that the structures were not once mentioned in the Bible. He also enlightens us as to precisely where in Egypt Moses and his followers lived and, perhaps most crucially, explains the simultaneous transfer of the first Philistines to roughly the same region as Moses's followers and the fact that at that time neither group seems to have been antagonistic towards one another. Only later, as each group grew in population and as the various outside intruders dissipated (Hyksos, Hittites, Egyptians) did the two come to despise each other. Asimov also especially provides a good insight into several New Testament stories that seem to have been rehashed Old Testament stories. It is natural for many to disagree with me. I respect those of you who do. My point is that my belief and faith depends not on miracles or the words of the Bible. It depends on my belief in the goodness of mankind. It depends on my belief in forgiveness of sins that came when He sacrificed Himself on the cross. It depends on all of us seeking His truth so we can do His will. THAT depends on us searching all avenues to find TRUTH. Asimov has done a terrific job! He remains my favorite writer. I only have some 410 books of his yet to read!
Rating:
Summary: I may be a Heretic if you want, but this book is greate!
Review: You can call me a heretic for reading this, but this book is all that you need to truly understand the Bible. Specially with today's End of the Millenium mumbo jumbo, this book is a most. Highly Recomended!
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