Reading the Bible as Literature: An Introduction
"The extremely well structured discussion, the tone and method of delivery and the thought put into every explication of the numerous Biblical episodes reveal the conscientiousness with which this book was threaded together. As such, this text is not only significant for the uninitiated student of literature but also for the academic who may wish to use it as resource book when teaching this classical text."Southeast Asian Review of English"Dr Crain's book offers undergraduates an invaluable means of studying the biblical texts, systematically demonstrating how applying a host of different literary techniques can help illuminate the biblical writers' message. By analyzing the use of such rhetorical devices as image, metaphor, archetype, narration, and character portrayal, Dr Crain equips students to interpret the Bible responsibly and effectively."Stephen Harris,California State University, Sacramento"Reading the Bible as Literature has three overarching virtues in addition to its myriad individual insights into both literature and the Bible: it is a comprehensive introduction to the literary forms of the Bible; it is wonderfully systematic in its approach to the material; it is copious in its coverage of published scholarship on the Bible as literature."Leland Ryken,Wheaton College"Reading the Bible as Literature is a solid and sure introduction to the field. Crain hits all the bases here. She manages, through her conversational approach and well-designed additions, to create a resource which will serve as a strong introduction to an important field."David G. Miller,Mississippi College"As a teacher of the Bible, I often find students reading not the text itself, but instead recalling what they have heard about it. I am pleased to see Dr Crain opening up the biblical text to students once again."John Strong,Missouri State University