Reference in The Books Store

*Recent archaeological discoveries confirm the historical accuracy of many Bible stories
*The Bible made modern science possible (which is why it started in the Middle Ages)
*Biblical laws paved the way for democracy and limited government
*The Bible promotes human freedom
*The enemies of the Bible are enemies of true reason and tolerance

The landmark general reference Bible that offers the full text of the New Revised Standard Version, now completely revised and updated by leading biblical scholars, including, new introductions and notes, diagrams, charts and maps––25% revised or new material.

After 10 years of new archeological discoveries and changes in biblical studies, it was time for an overhaul of this classic reference work.

With the guidance of the Society of Biblical Literature, an organization of the best biblical scholars world wide, we have selected Dean of Yale Divinity School, Harold Attridge, to oversee the Study Bible's updating and revision.

• The fundamental strengths of the first HCSB remain . . .

up–to–date introductions to the Biblical books, based on the latest critical scholarship, by leading experts in the field

concise notes, clearly explaining names, dates, places, obscure terms, and other difficulties in reading the Biblical text

careful analysis of the structure of Biblical books

abundant maps, tables, and charts to enable the reader to understand the context of the Bible, and to see the relationship among its parts.

• But, in this new revised edition . . .

Every introduction, essay, map, illustration and explanatory note has been reviewed and updated, and new material added. For instance,

There are newly commissioned introductory essays on

the archaeology of ancient Israel and the New Testament world,

the religion of ancient Israel,

the social and historical context of each book of the Bible, and

on Biblical interpretation

There are completely new introductions and notes for many of the books in the Bible, plus a full revision and updating of all others.

Of special interest are:

The literary history of the Pentateuch (those books between the Old and New Testament that Catholics include in their Bible)

More references to ancient non–Biblical sources which seem to parallel books in the Bible like the Gnostic gospels uncovered in Egypt or the famous scrolls found near the Dead Sea in Israel.

And, more comprehensive attention to the interrelationship of Old and New Testaments

In the The Misunderstood Jew, scholar Amy-Jill Levine helps Christians and Jews understand the "Jewishness" of Jesus so that their appreciation of him deepens and a greater interfaith dialogue can take place. Levine's humor and informed truth-telling provokes honest conversation and debate about how Christians and Jews should understand Jesus, the New Testament, and each other.

In this inspiring book (formerly Seizing Your Divine Moment), Erwin McManus uses the biblical account of Israel's war with the Philistines (1 Samuel 13 and 14) and the characters of Saul and Jonathan to demonstrate the difference between living a life of purpose and adventure, and living one of apathy and missed opportunity. In the midst of a less-than-hopeful battle, Saul rested beneath a tree as Jonathan seized the divine moment that would impact the future of Israel. Through this story McManus artfully illustrates the eight characteristics of an adventurer's heart, what he calls "the Jonathan factor."

Using powerful examples from his own life and ministry, along with fresh biblical teaching, McManus asserts that God crafts divine moments specific to each of us-priceless opportunities for us to actively engage in God's plan. By developing the characteristics McManus outlines, Christians can move from mundane to miraculous living.