A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament

I had a hard time reading the Old testament. I thought I needed a study guide. I chose this book and found out it was essentially a study guide BUT without the "Old testament" text. However, rather than 2300 pages of Old Testament - this book is 1564 pages of SIMPLY EXCELLENT explanation, background...etc. It is such a thorough explanation that months later I was shocked to realize I did not actually READ the Old Testament. I'm not advising that but I can tell you- if I had read the Old Testament only I would have less than 1/3 the understanding I have now. I highly recommend this thorough book by Bergsma and Pitre

I already wrote a review previously, but I forgot to say that I was told that my items (a total of 3 books by Bergsma) would arrive by May 2 because they had to travel all the way to the Philippines…and I guess the package had to wait for other orders to make delivery free for so far a place. But lo and behold! They delivered it on April 20!!! I dived(?) into the book right away but it was just sooo good that I had to put it down for a while to cool off!!! It has all the historical details that I just find too fascinating, and not stuff that I’ve read elsewhere before.

This “Catholic Introduction to the Bible: Old Testament” offers an integrated approach to Scripture, drawing upon the wealth of knowledge and wisdom of the late Pope Benedict XVI’s teachings from Verbum Domini (Word of God). Though its intended audience is for academic study, it is still workable for those searching for a comprehensive Old Testament Bible Study guide. You will be challenged and enlightened by those Catholic principles, rooted in the Church’s living Tradition, guided by the Holy Spirit, as you journey through the Old Testament.

book came in perfect condition/brand new/very comprehensive and detailed/content. i have not started reading book yet. this book received really high ratings/great reviews. look very forward to reading it in future. i already know it is a great book. writer of book/john bergsma/is a very great writer. i have read other book/s by him john bergsma/noted theologian and scholar so glad i ordered this book/received it in 1 day also

I just received my copy today and I can say that I was pleasently surprised. This is a gorgeous book and the presentation is amazing on its own, much more than I expected. A word of warning though, it's on the heavy side and it's quite big so I don't think I can carry it with me, it kinda looks like a home Bible in terms of size and weight. As far as the content, I haven't finished it yet, but from my experience Dr. Pitre always has a lot to contribute. Overall if it's anything like Pitre's "The case for Jesus" then it is definitely one of the best purchases I've made through amazon. ***Update So the book is well balanced and seems to strive to keep in mind not only the latest research and scholarly information, but it also provides a bit of background into the cultures, languages and myths that lie behind many of the referneces in the Bible. I think the biggest strength is its attempt to keep an impartial view as much as it can. On the other hand, this means that some books do not get as indepth a treatment as possible, specially toward the end of the book. That being said, it's definitely full of insights for those of us who have not formerly studied the ANE, and it does so from a perspective that is not afraid of being open to the faith.

This is a very well organized Old Testament (OT) Bible companion with excellent detailed scholarly commentaries and behind the scenes explanations to make the OT more relatable to modern readers trying to make sense of ancient texts. Quite heavy at 1060 total pages and text size is perfect for reading. The first chapter begins with an integrated approach to Scripture: exegesis and theology, faith and reason, Scripture and tradition, and the OT in relation to the NT. The second chapter is dedicated to explaining the OT canon process and why Catholics understand those seven (7) books as canonical. The third explains what the Pentateuch is and the fourth is for the origins of the Pentateuch. All these introductory chapters are very useful for background understanding before delving into Genesis. The OT Bible has both Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur endorsements, important for Catholics. I don't find anything that is objectionable to any Christian tradition so I highly recommend it for OT study from a scholarly yet very approachable writing style.

Very pleased with this OT Commentary. Happened to come across Melkizedec-King of Salem (spelling is incorrect but I am too lazy right now to find the correct spelling) and learned so much I was amazed. Can't believe it is priced so low because it is a very large text. I would say this is a must-have for anyone interested in an OT Commentary. Waiting for the NT to arrive.

This book is written for seminarians, deacons, and grad students, none of which applies to me. But I am interested in learning more about the old testament this year and I think this will be a great resource. Being a Catholic publication, it includes all of the Canonical Books and sections that were deleted by Martin Luther during his rebellion, and which are omitted in the KJV version. It includes two indices, a scriptural index and a subject index, as well as tables in the various sections for quick reference. It is no lightweight in scholarship, but it is easily accessible to high school readers. One could read it straight through, or use it to clarify the daily readings, or to supplement one’s Bible study. (Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur given.)

Hace años conocí al Dr. Pitre con su libro “Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist”, me ha parecido un autor serio, profundo y realmente fiel a su fe católica. En este caso no defrauda la expectativas de ninguna manera. Ojalá que pronto sea traducido al español.

My last amazon review was in July 2010 on amazon .com when I reviewed the Ignatius Press New Testament Study Bible. I have read many books since then but this book is so impressive that I have come back from reviewing retirement to share this with you. This is a special book. One for those who love the Bible and one that non-Catholic Christians can also share and enjoy. What is it? Let me tell you - 1060 large elegantly bound and typeset pages (in good sized print on cream durable paper) filled with graduate level scholarship on each book of the Old Testament. And yet, it is accessible, it is charismatic, it is filled to the brim with knowledge and after 1060 pages leaves you looking for more. What a tragedy if only academics or specialist clerical scholars were to read this book. This book is for you, the believing Christian who wants to know more and to love God with all your heart, mind and soul. This is the book that will guide you and make you *want* to read the Old Testament. Each book of the Old Testament is analysed under key headings 1. The Literary Genre - what type of book you are reading 2. The Outline - the internal logic to the structure of the book 3. The Overview - taking each section into bite-sized chunks with inspired and encouraging comment 4. The Commentary - the history, the theology, the living tradition and impact of the book in the New Testament 5. Worship - how has this book been used in Mass readings - what passages, what feast days and why! 6. Further reading - drawing on the best academic scholarship, catholic and beyond. The price is an absolute bargain for the inspired content therein. Thank you John Bergsma and Brant Pitre and Ignatius Press. This is one magnum opus, what an achievement! To the reader, you will not regret buying this book. God Bless!

This book is an absolute must for anyone who is wanting to explore the Old Testament from a Catholic point of view. I am currently using it to help me lead a study on the books of Samuel, and the outlines and information presented are perfect for this. It does not contain the text, and I would recommend that you use it in conjunction with the RSV2CE. Due to having complete coverage of the OT, it is the most complete book you could invest in as a Catholic to start you off. It has an impeccable academic standard, of course, though I don't think that it is designed for this purpose, so seminarians will want to start their research here and then go to the more detailed works of Biblical scholars on the individual books and do the usual research. However, for preparing homilies, Bible studies, catechetical instruction and for general knowledge, this would have to be the best go-to book out there. God bless the editors, authors and readers.

Contra: Right now I have read a third of the book and couldn't find a week point. If you want to, you could criticise, that not all arguments of the Liberals are mentioned and explained completely. But I am glad Pitre and Bergsma not to have done that, because the book would have been even more longer and less interesting... (furthermore they try to summarize the most important of their arguments) Pro: catholic - well researched - speaks about relevant contents (questions that normal people have, if they read the bible) - interesting digressions - really helps you to understand the biblical roots of the catholic faith - counters well the liberal arguments against the reliability of the bible - relatively easy to read... For theologians as non-theologians a great enrichment!

Acervo rico