Opening the Old Testament

Publisher 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

Table of Contents
1 What is the Old Testament?
2 How to 'open' it
3 How to 'open' the Old Testament, yesterday and today, for ethical guidance
4 Opening the Old Testament theologically
5 Opening difficult or liberating texts
Further Reading