Opening The Old Testament

Description:
This succinct and innovative book shows readers how to read and appreciate the Old Testament: as history, as literature or as theology. Offering an ideal 'taster' of Old Testament themes and issues, the book encourages students to explore various forms of interpretation and develop a lively interaction with the texts. * Ideal for those with little experience and knowledge of the Old Testament who need an introduction to how to read it, and why it is still relevant to our world today * Integrates key themes and approaches in Old Testament scholarship, including theological, literary, and historical interpretations * Written from a predominantly Christian perspective, covering issues relating to the nature of the Old Testament, its authority, and contemporary relevance.

Review:
' [The book] contains a wealth of information attractively written and engagingly presented, with many illustrations, maps and sidebars.' (Church Times, August 2008)

Table of Contents:
List of Figures. List of Maps. Preface. 1. What is the Old Testament?. 2. How to 'Open' the Old Testament. 3. How to 'Open' the Old Testament for Ethical Guidance. 4. Opening the Old Testament Theologically. 5. Opening Difficult or Liberating Texts. Further Reading. Index

Author Biography:
Katharine Dell is Senior Lecturer in Old Testament Studies in the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge and Fellow, Tutor and Director of Studies in Theology at St Catharine's College. She is the author of The Book of Proverbs in Social and Theological Context (2006), Seeking a Life that Matters: Lessons for today from the book of Proverbs (2002), Job, The Peoples' Bible Commentary (2002), Get Wisdom, Get Insight: An Introduction to Israel's Wisdom Literature (2000), Shaking a Fist at God: Understanding Suffering through the book of Job (1995) and The Book of Job as Sceptical Literature (1991). She is currently working on Ecclesiastes - the third mainstream wisdom book.