Israel's Story, Part 2 (Pt. 2) (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: covenant responsibilities, God of Israel, Near Eastern, Song of Songs (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In Israel's Story: Part Two, readers delight in a concise and convincing text of a wisdom woman who knows the story inside out. Once again, Dianne uses a mixture of quotations, summary statements and astute commentary to invite readers to trace the texture of the story in their lives. She lifts up the forgotten women and men as well as well known characters with her delicious style and scholarship." -- Mary Margaret Pazden, O.P.; Aquinas Institute of Theology; St. Louis, Missouri

"Reading the Bible is a daunting challenge that often begins with enthusiasm but aborts in frustration. Sr. Bergant's brief but engaging narrative summary of Israel's Story is a well integrated historical and literary overview that helps novice and experienced Bible readers to see how individual books or text-segments fit into the bigger picture. References to relationships with the New Testament are an added bonus. Both volumes are highly recommended as effective aids for serious Bible study. They can serve both as a stimulating introduction to and a succinct review of the contents of Hebrew Bible. -- John J. Pilch, Ph.D.; Georgetown University; Washington, D.C.

"With a seasoned grasp of the vast terrain of the biblical traditions, Bergant skillfully traces the story line from the divided kingdom to the second Temple period in Volume Two. Scholars and students alike will benefit soundly from the in-depth engagement of key texts. Bolstered by a wealth of clarifying details, the presentation of the complex biblical story becomes most accessible here." -- Gina Hens-Piazza; Professor of Biblical Studies; Jesuit School of Theology; Berkeley, California

For anyone interested in Israel's history told from the vantage point of `story,' this new volume stimulates the imagination, opens up new avenues for conversation, and offers a new way of approaching technical data. -- Carol J. Dempsey, OP, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Theology, University of Portland, Oregon

Once again, Dianne uses a mixture of quotations, summary statements and astute commentary to invite readers to trace the texture of the story in their lives. She lifts up the forgotten women and men as well as well known characters with her delicious style and scholarship. -- Mary Margaret Pazden, O.P., Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, Missouri

Reading the Bible is a daunting challenge that often begins with enthusiasm but aborts in frustration. Sr. Bergant's brief but engaging narrative summary of Israel's Story is a well integrated historical and literary overview that helps novice and experienced Bible readers to see how individual books or text-segments fit into the bigger picture. -- John J. Pilch, Ph.D., Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

This second volume deals with a part of the Bible and an historical era less familiar to most readers. Dianne Bergant does a brilliant job waving the production of the biblical books into the story of the times, with their shifting religious and political movements. She never loses sight of her audience. Those who read Israel's Story will discover that the insight they receive about the Old Testament will also enrich their reading of the New Testament. -- Abbot Jerome Kodell, O.S.B., Subiaco Abbey, Subiaco, Arkansas

With a seasoned grasp of the vast terrain of the biblical traditions, Bergant skillfully traces the story line from the divided kingdom to the second Temple period in Volume Two. Scholars and students alike will benefit soundly from the in-depth engagement of key texts. -- Gina Hens-Piazza, Professor of Biblical Studies, Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, California

Product Description

Israel's Story--Part Two allows readers to delight in and appreciate more fully both the depth and diversity of our ancestors in faith. Bergant stands before readers as the teacher who makes history come alive, in this case helping us discover that Israel's story is our Christian story as well. Includes a glossary and timeline.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 118 pages
• Publisher: Liturgical Press (August 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814630472
• ISBN-13: 978-0814630471
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,146,709 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Framework for Understanding the Old Testament, January 9, 2007

By	Patrice Fagnant-macarthur "www.spiritualwoman... (Springfield, MA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Israel's Story: Part One: Study Set (Paperback)

The cultural differences between our world and the world of the Israelites in the Old Testament are substantial. As a result, reading the books of the Old Testament can be extremely confusing. Dianne Bergant, C.S.A., Ph.D., a professor of Old Testament studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, attempts to alleviate some of that confusion for those who are studying the Old Testament for the first time and for those who are interested in digging deeper into the texts.

Bergant begins by examining some of the source material for the scriptures. She identifies the four major traditions that influenced the final written product. She also discusses the different literary styles that are used in the Bible as well as the special meaning of "myth" as it relates to the Old Testament.

"Israel's Story" offers an overview of all of the major characters as well as many of the minor ones, who helped to shape the history of the Jews. Bergant also includes historical evidence that may or may not coincide with the Biblical text. While the Bible is not a purely historical document, history still does provide a framework for some of the events that are retold in its pages. She also tries to place the Bible in its appropriate cultural context. Part one covers the Book of Genesis through the time in which Israel was split into two kingdoms. Bergant concludes this first installment by reflecting that "Regardless of the changes that took place in the lives of the Israelites, the one constant remained: God was there for them, to protect them, and to provide for them." Bergant promises to continue the story of the Israelites changing relationship with God in the second part.

"Israel's Story" would be a useful text in college-level introductory courses on the Old Testament. It is also useful for those who simply want to learn more about that section of the Bible. It provides a good framework for understanding the main themes and characters.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Serious Study/Engaging Style, December 1, 2006

By	Carol Blank (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Israel's Story: Part One (Pt. 1) (Paperback)

Dianne Bergant, a professor of Old Testament studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, believes that familiarity with the people in the bible and the events of their lives is essential to understanding the religious meaning of the message. In "Israel's Story" she guides readers to this understanding by casting the stories in the light of literary and historical background, Church teaching, and modern theological thinking. The special grace here is the combination of serious minded study with a readable, engaging style.