The Bible for Everyday Life

Rating:
Summary: Good, if short, balanced commentary
Review: The Holy Bible was written ages ago, in languages I don't speak, in social contexts I don't share, using imagery I often don't understand. I have found "The Bible for Everyday Life" very helpful in drawing meaning out of the text that I can apply to practical Christian living and thought. Dr. Carey's editorship and the credentials of the various contributors assure me that the interpretation will be balanced and reliable, and not used (or misused) to support any particular "hot" agenda..... It is not possible in a single volume to go deeply into any of the books of the Bible, and I often find myself wanting more of a good thing. On balance, though, each chapter provides a sound introduction to the book at hand, and usually manages both to remind me of truths long taught by the Church and also surprise me with new insights. Moreover, I find the technique of identifying underlying principles in the text and then seeking to apply those principles to modern life to be coherent and sensible. Again, there's nothing radically innovative about this technique, but the book does it quite well.... Meanwhile, the glossary of key concepts at the end of the book contains a collection of excellent short essays (with complete Scriptural references) that anyone examining or re-examining the basics of Christian belief should thoroughly digest. They would make a good addition to a baptism or confirmation preparation course.... If you want help in discovering in the Bible practical guidelines for living a life of joy in the service of its ultimate Author, "The Bible for Everyday Life" should be a part of your well-thumbed reference library....

Rating:
Summary: Good, if short, balanced commentary
Review: The Holy Bible was written ages ago, in languages I don't speak, in social contexts I don't share, using imagery I often don't understand. I have found "The Bible for Everyday Life" very helpful in drawing meaning out of the text that I can apply to practical Christian living and thought. Dr. Carey's editorship and the credentials of the various contributors assure me that the interpretation will be balanced and reliable, and not used (or misused) to support any particular "hot" agenda..... It is not possible in a single volume to go deeply into any of the books of the Bible, and I often find myself wanting more of a good thing. On balance, though, each chapter provides a sound introduction to the book at hand, and usually manages both to remind me of truths long taught by the Church and also surprise me with new insights. Moreover, I find the technique of identifying underlying principles in the text and then seeking to apply those principles to modern life to be coherent and sensible. Again, there's nothing radically innovative about this technique, but the book does it quite well.... Meanwhile, the glossary of key concepts at the end of the book contains a collection of excellent short essays (with complete Scriptural references) that anyone examining or re-examining the basics of Christian belief should thoroughly digest. They would make a good addition to a baptism or confirmation preparation course.... If you want help in discovering in the Bible practical guidelines for living a life of joy in the service of its ultimate Author, "The Bible for Everyday Life" should be a part of your well-thumbed reference library....