{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.025196850393700787, 'fraction_numerical': 0.0, 'mean_word_length': 5.128617363344051, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Book Review: Introduction to Biblical Studies

First in a series developed 'for the use of those embarking on theological and ministerial education', but capable of wider application, this book introduces the reader to the main approaches to biblical studies. The ground is cleared by an examination of the different expectations Christians have of the Bible. Then there are chapters covering historical criticism, form, redaction and social-scientific criticism, and reader-response criticism. A discussion of liberation and feminist readings follows, as does a consideration of the influence of the canon, the Bible's textual history and its place in a postmodern world. Here and there comment is made on the use of biblical material in doctrinal discussion or in Christian spirituality. Although the purpose of the author is to present each method of study 'in as positive a light as possible', inevitably, perhaps, some are handled better than others. The material on historical criticism is a clear and comprehensive overview of the many facets of this approach, including the use of sources in the Pentateuch, the relationship between the Gospels themselves, the 'quest for the historical Jesus' and the Jesus Seminar. There are well-explained examples, with just the right detail for the proposed audience. Some later chapters are more disjointed, something difficult to avoid when, as it seems here, and as in most textbooks, the aim is to mention all topics of importance in a particular field. Occasional difficulties of coherence apart, this work will be very useful for those beginning biblical studies. Throughout, the discussion of particular texts is well handled and the main textual problem areas are addressed. Suggestions for further reading, coming at the end of each chapter and accompanied by comment, are especially helpful, as is the wide-ranging but not over-lengthy bibliography.