The Bible in History: How Writers Create a Past by Thomas L. Thompson

The Bible in History: How Writers Create a Past by Thomas L. Thompson lands on the |> SALE <| shelves in my shop.

Jonathan Cape, 1999, Hardback in dust wrapper.

Illustrated by way of: Genealogical Tables;

From the cover: "For the last century, archaeologists, historians and biblical scholars have believed that the stories of the Bible describe real historical events, such as the Exodus, the Kingdom of David and the Exile. But in the last two decades this understanding has been radically challenged: it is generally accepted today that there is very little archaeological or historical evidence that confirms the stories of the Bible.

In this lucid and fascinating book, Professor Thompson — who has been at the forefront of the international debate for many years — shows that we misunderstand the Bible if we read it as history, a modern concept completely incompatible with the world-view of antiquity. Combining literary criticism of biblical texts and detailed analysis of ancient history, he shows that we have to look at the Bible as a body of literature that reflects the philosophical and moral views of its authors. By examining the social and political forces at work in the Middle East during the period that saw the Bible's texts composed, Thomas Thompson puts the Bible in its historical context and sheds new light on the relationship between the Old Testament and the New, Judaism and Greek philosophy, Yahweh and Christ.

Controversial and accessible, The Bible in History is the first book to bring this complex and scholarly debate to the attention of a wider audience. By taking the Bible seriously as a collection of literature that reflects the world and the experience of its authors, Thompson challenges us to re-interpret the Bible and its relevance for today — because, as he puts it, 'it is only as history that the Bible doesn't make sense'."

Very Good — in Very Good Dust Wrapper. Pages lightly age-tanned. Hinge strained at the title page.

Black boards with Gilt titling to the Spine.
[XIX] 412 pages. Index. Bibliography. 9½" x 6¼".

This book will be listed, sooner or later, for £6.50 on my delightful website... (added to my Religion category.) but get 50% off buying from my blog... below...

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