Customer Reviews

The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Bible, Third Edition

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you were ever interested in reading the bible from front to back but never did because it can be such a daunting task, then this book might be your answer.

It's an easy to read Reader's Digest version of the Bible that reads like a modern/popular novel. Consequently most of the significant events, figures and some of the intrepretions are covered, but don't expect alot of detail. For that kind of discussion, you're going to have to go to the bible or a more scholarly based reference source.

Which brings up a great point...This book was not intended as a stand-alone replacement for the Bible. On the contrary, to get the most from this book I suggest you read it in conjunction with the Bible. As you complete a section in Idiot's, read the corresponding material in the Bible. From Idiot's you get a simplistic understanding that can then be used to help digest the related passages in the Bible.

A word of warning, the author's make light of many situtations so if you're a Bible purist this may put you off a bit. Its all done in the name of good fun, but sometimes it seems a bit out of place. Not a big issue...

I found the book to be of real value to me from the standpoint that by reading it I gained a perspective that I hadn't had in a long time. Like most people, I've read the Bible but it's been a long time since I've tackled it from front to back. By reading Idiot's I was able to get a better understanding of the flow of the book. A nice side-benefit for me.

This is a nice book for someone with a limited knowledge of the Bible and looking to get their feet wet. Also, it will work well for someone who is in the early stages of a study of the Bible. The authors take care in providing an objective recounting of biblical stories and events, so don't expect an analysis of the meanings. But what is provided can serve as a starting point in a quest to give a critical interepretation of the bible.

I'm pastor of a church reaching out to folks who have only been Christians for a short time, and who have tons of problems. I have been searching for something to introduce them to the Bible quickly. This book is it! I love it. People will read it, discuss it, use it. I am going to standardize on it, presenting a copy to every convert during our New Christians' Training program we call First Class. I had a hard time putting it down, myself, and I have two graduate degrees, the better part of another, and have been a pastor in mission situations for more than 40 years.

This book is wonderfully written in a somewhat humorous vein that made the Bible a very interesting story. This book answered many, many questions that I had over the years and brought the Bible to me in a more objective and practical viewpoint. I highly recommend this book for everyone who is or has been confused by the Bible and for anyone who is seeking faith. A VERY well put together book that should be a textbook for Sunday Schools everywhere.

A book that makes THE BOOK accessible. I must admit that the "Idiot's Guide" is at times irreverant. It's also funny. Sometimes, I found it even uproarious.

But at no time was it ever inaccurate. Now, let's take this from the top. Accurate, accessible, ierreverant, and funny.

The Bible? Well, excuse ME, but what's not too like?

After a life time of religious study, inquiry, and debate, comes along this little book, that says "Read me," before "Rever me."

I read it, and suddenly, I find myself looking up passages, laughing, and praying again for the humility, "God, I misunderstood. . .thanks for showing me the way."

This book got me back into the Bible, back into honest religious inquiry, and into spiritual seeking and honesty. . .and having fun with it.

BUY THIS BOOK. And if you don't have a Bible to accompany this hilarious journey, get one!

Amazon allows only five stars. This volume deserves a whole galaxy!

I found the book to be an entertaining introduction to the bible. You start by taking your Bible IQ, which introduces you to the overall structure of the bible as well as providing some tantalizing hints of what lies within the Bible's covers. The bible is then covered in its entirety, which of necessity makes it less than thorough, but also not nearly as daunting as picking up the real thing. The book is well organized. Each chapter begins with a brief overview of the content, and then breaks up the book(s) of the bible covered within the chapter into easily digestible sections. Side bars offer interpretive comments, as well as citing notable verses. Chapters conclude with a summary of what you need to understand in order to continue with the next chapter. The authors cite Book, chapter and verse, so if you're curious, you can go to the real thing. They try very hard to explore a variety of topics, and to lead you into some "primary source" material. It is a very good, low-brow introduction. Don't expect to be overwhelmed by its scholarly value. It is closer to entertainment.

I learned so much from this book. I can actually have an intelligent conversation about the stories of the Bible now! This book is written in our language, and is easy to follow. It is so interesting, I couldn't put it down. I followed along in my KJV Bible and the Idiots Guide is right on the money. Now I feel like I can begin to read the Bible with more understanding.

The Idiot books manage to pack in lots of info, with sidebars and so on mixed in throughout the book. Every area of the Bible is well-covered. I have kept this as my Bible reference book. The chapter on the Book of Revelation is the first place I've ever seen someone make any sense out of it!

So many people read from the bible each week, or hear verses in church, and know not much more than the text. This book provides wonderful historical information, understanding not only the text, but how the bible came to be, and events in christian history. A nice overview of the bible.

Anyone with even the slightest curiosity about the Bible MUST get this book. If seeing Mel Gibson's Passion movie made you ask questions like, "I didn't know Pontius Pilate had a wife?" and "Someone helped Jesus carry the Cross, really?" then you will not be disappointed with this great read.

This is a great book for people who want to read the Bible and don't because they are intimidated by it or just plain don't understand it. It explains how to read the Bible and get the most out of it without interpreting it. I believe that the book is basically unbiased and states more facts about the Bible than it does opinions. Reading the Bible can be fun and enjoyable and should be read by everyone and with the help of this book it can be!