Discovering the Old Testament: Story and Faith

by Robert Branson, Timothy M. Green

Every professor has to wonder, with skepticism, how much of the assigned material the students will actually read. (That is, if they have even purchased the textbook in the first place!) Whether they skim or read all of it, your students will recall the key points of the lesson if you use Discovering the Old Testament.Discovering the Old Testament defines key terms in sidebars and highlights them within the text. Each chapter includes summary statements and review questions to help students focus on what they've learned. Discovering the Old Testament combines all the elements you're looking for in a survey of the Old Testament - thorough, sound Biblical scholarship, combined with an eye-catching format and a writing style that's easy to understand. Every page is full color, in an attractive format, with maps and pictures to enhance the material.In Discovering the Old Testament, you'll defined for each lesson.Personal questions to help students relate the Bible to their lives.Sidebars to explain theological points.Keywords identified and defined on each page.Study questions for review of the material.Summary statements at the end of each chapter to help students focus on what they've learned.Listing of resources for further study at the end of each chapter.An eye-catching format that's attractive to the young college student. EVERY page is in full color.Short, readable chapters.

Genres: Christian, Theology

400 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2003

Reviews

[Tyler Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Discovering the Old Testament is a great overview of the books of the Old Testament. It gives excellent historical context in order that the reader can come to a much better understanding of the purpose/message(s) of each book. In regards to the authorship and dating of each book, it gives contrasting views and often discusses the reasoning for each. Throughout each chapter, the book provides "color-coded sidebars with brief but useful information on topics related to biblical interpretation, theology, history, ancient Near Eastern culter, and archaeology" (pg. 12). These are fun and helpful as you are reading. I will use this book for future reference as I read in the Old Testament!

Its major sections are:
Unit 1—Getting Ready to Discover the Old Testament
Unit 2—The Pentateuch
Unit 3—The Historical Books
Unit 4—The Poetic and Wisdom Books
Unit 5—The Prophetic Books.

[Kensley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this for school, I probably would not have picked this one up on my own. Definitely enjoyed it, I thought it did a decent job of presenting multiple theological views, though it definitely could have expanded more on the views that the writers clearly did not hold. This book also explores Old Testament themes with an emphasis on Gods desire for us love one another and advocate for social good/social justice. Ultimately would recommend this book because it is overall a great introduction to learning about the Old Testament through the lens of grace.