The Bible for Dummies [Paperback]

Jeffrey C. Geoghegan (Author), Michael M. Homan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 4, 2002

Ninety percent of Americans own a copy of the Bible, and while it’s the most widely read book, it’s also the least understood. Regardless of your religion, understanding the Bible brings much of Western art, literature, and public discourse into greater focus—from Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” painting to the Wachowski brothers’ The Matrix movies. People have historically turned to religion to deal with tragedy and change, and with the right insight, the Bible can be an accessible, helpful guide to life’s big questions.

The Bible For Dummies appeals to people of all faiths, as well as those who don’t practice any particular religion, by providing interfaith coverage of the entire Bible and the often fascinating background information that makes the Bible come alive. You’ll find answers to such questions as:

• Where did the Bible come from?
• Who wrote the Bible?
• How is the Bible put together?

Follow the history of the Bible from its beginning thousands of years ago as tattered scrolls to its status as the bestseller of all time. The Bible For Dummies covers these topics and more:

• Ten people in the Bible you should know
• The Hebrew Bible
• The Apocrypha’s hidden treasures
• What’s new about the New Testament
• Israel’s wisdom, literature, and love poetry
• The Bible’s enduring influence
• The prophets: more than fortunetellers

Discover the world’s all-time bestseller in an entirely new light. Whether you’re interested in broadening your spiritual horizons, uncovering the symbolism of Western culture, or gaining a deeper understanding of the book you grew up reading, The Bible For Dummies has all the information you need to navigate this ancient and fascinating book.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

An easy-to-follow guide to the bestselling book of all time

Get a better understanding of the Bible and how it shapes our world

What is the Bible all about? Who wrote it? What’s the difference between Jewish and Christian Bibles? Featuring an interfaith perspective, handy maps, and enlightening discussions of the Bible’s vast cultural influence, this reference guide provides answers to these questions and presents fascinating facts that bring the Bible to life.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

About the Author

Jeffrey Geoghegan, PhD and Michael Homan, PhD have authored and coauthored numerous books and articles about the Bible.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (October 4, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764552961
• ISBN-13: 978-0764552960
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,256 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #61 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Reference

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

86 of 88 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very entertaining, very informative, October 7, 2005

By 

Chris Nitkin (Stockholm, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Bible for Dummies (Paperback)

First off, I'm not a devout Christian - I have "gone through the motions" of Communion/Confirmation/etc, but I don't really have a strong faith and belief in Christianity. That being said, I thought this book was an excellent introduction to the Bible as a scholarly text. All of their interpretations of biblical passages are clearly explained (they are often illustrated by humorous examples) and the prose itself is eminently readable (I read through this book in 3-4 days but have yet to proceed past Exodus in "the real thing").

Here's a prime example of this book's style: "People usually think that the Bible is condoning/encouraging revenge with 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.' In fact, it is really *limiting* revenge. For example, if Moe pokes Curly in the eye, then 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth' only allows Curly to poke Moe in the eye, not poke him in the eye, grab his nose, and give him a 'nyuck, nyuck'."

If you are offended by such examples, bas***dizing the "Holy Bible," then perhaps this book is not for you. However, its [American] culturally relevant examples clearly convey what the author is trying to say.

The one feature in this text that I found somewhat annoying is that there are regular "for more information, see chapter XX." They are useful if you want to read topically, or don't want to read this book all the way through (in fact the authors encourage "skipping around"), but since I did read it all the way through, it got a little frustrating. This is definitely a five-star book though!

81 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best book about the Bible., September 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Bible for Dummies (Paperback)

The Bible for Dummies is the best book about the Bible on the market-by far!!! I teach university courses on the Bible and Biblical Studies, and to the joy of my students, I assign this book as one of the texts. So what works so well in The Bible for Dummies? First, the two authors, Geoghegan and Homan, are very solid Bible scholars. They know the ancient languages, texts, archaeology, current issues, and the material record. They really know what they are talking about.
Second, they are incredibly gifted in simplifying very complicated ideas. They write very clear in an entertaining and engaging prose. Finally, they have a real gift for uderstanding the Bible's influence on civilization, from Madonna to films like the Matrix. Do yourself a favor, and read this book.

69 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Perfect Introduction, or Re-Introduction to the Bible, March 18, 2004

By 

Barbara (Arizona USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bible for Dummies (Paperback)

Unlike the reviewer below who seems to think that levity and the world of theology doesn't mix, I beg to differ. I don't agree that this book deserves that kind of criticism. Who has a better sense of humor than God? If He had made our lives devoid of laughter, where would we be today? I have not devoted time to Bible study since I was young. I picked this book for it's obvious simplicity. I am so glad that I did. I was surprised to find that it can turn those Bible stories we love to hear and read about into a book that I consider to be a real page-turner. I have shared my opinion with friends and family members alike. Many of whom are looking forward to getting it and reigniting their interest in the Bible as well. Read it and enjoy it for what it is!