Handbook of Biblical Social Values [Hardcover]

John J. Pilch (Editor), Bruce J. Malina (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1998

Handbook of Biblical Social Values explains the values that guided behavior in biblical times. Over 100 entries cover such topics as freedom, family-centeredness, obedience, parenting, and power. These entries, written by an array of experts in the social-scientific study of the Bible, focus on culture and personal relationships in the ancient Mediterranean world. This useful and accessible guide will illumine your understanding of the world and words of the Bible. It corrects common misinterpretations of social relationships in the Bible. How did the people of biblical times view their social obligations and standards? How are these ancient social values different from those of our modern Western culture? These questions and others are addressed in this thought-provoking book. Handbook of Biblical Social Values is an updated edition of the popular Biblical Social Values and Their Meaning. It features a new preface, additional articles, and updated bibliographical information.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John J. Pilch, Ph.D., has been teaching Scripture in the Department of Theology at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., since 1993. He is a biblical scholar, international speaker, and author of books, articles, and multimedia resources. He also serves as book review editor for the Biblical Theology Bulletin.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers; Revised edition (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565633555
• ISBN-13: 978-1565633551
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,223,508 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Resource, November 22, 2003

By 

Timothy Kearney (Haverhill, MA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Handbook of Biblical Social Values (Hardcover)

This small volume is an excellent resource for scripture study. It gives a good background to some of the cultural values and practices of the ancient world and how understanding these cultural values can help us as we interpret scripture today. The values discussed in the book are those that were held by the ancient Jewish people, as well as the values of their neighbors, particularly the Greeks and the Romans. There are many topics in the book which are arranged alphabetically and related subjects are crossed referenced. Many of the topics include bibliographies so that a reader can do further research if he/she wishes. The book contains a scriptural index which for quick reference, always a help for those involved in preaching.

The book is edited by noted scripture scholars John J. Pilch and Bruce J. Malina. Many of the contributors are among the best known names in biblical scholarship. The articles themselves are well written and most are easy to read. The book can be helpful for people involved in preaching, but will probably be most helpful for those who conduct scripture classes who wish to explore topics in a deeper manner.

12 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bridging the Gap, March 24, 2000

By 

sylantroadie "www.somewherecold.com" (Fort Worth, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handbook of Biblical Social Values (Hardcover)

Both Malina and Pilch provide a useful tool for students and scholars alike. Bridging the gap of culture and time for modern biblical readers is a daunting task and this text helps the modern reader to gain clearer understandings of the Biblical world. A reference work that is a must have for any serious reader of the Bible.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A glimpse into the past., August 29, 2011

By 

ScottieG - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Handbook of Biblical Social Values (Paperback)

A mildly difficult read, and some passages require mental stretching to be adequately wrapped in thought, but it gives a spoiled modern a good idea of what used to be important to ancient peoples.