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FEATURED PUBLICATION
We are pleased to announce the release of Michael R. Cosby’s latest book, Interpreting Biblical Literature: an Introduction to Biblical Studies. Interpreting Biblical Literature
students love this book!

Academically challenging, yet highly readable
Searching for the Right Textbook?

For years I searched for a textbook to use in my introduction to Biblical Studies classes. I wanted something that combined academic rigor with theological sensitivity — something that challenged students intellectually but provided enjoyable reading. I longed for a book that appealed to modern readers — a colorful, multifaceted resource for multitasking students — something that enticed them into wanting to know more about my subject matter.

I needed a text that took readers across the chasms of culture and time to the ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean worlds of the Bible on a journey they would enjoy and remember. Part of that journey would be to help video-oriented students learn the craft of careful textual analysis. Finally, I wanted a textbook that would invigorate my own creativity, giving me teaching ideas that I could shape to fit my own classroom style.

After years of searching in vain, I decided to write the book myself . . .

[read the entire introduction]

- Michael Cosby

What Students say: "I realized to my surprise that I read more than the syllabus assigned. Not my normal experience. I got so engrossed in reading the chapter that I finished it. I've never found any of my other textbooks to be this interesting." -- Sophomore student in an Encountering the Bible class
Concise Table of Contents
1
Considering Historical Settings
The Bible and Cross-Cultural Communication
1
2
Life in Bible Times
“Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore!”
16
3
Geography and History of the Holy Land
The Significance of Rainfall and Rock Piles
40
4
The Scriptures of Different Faith Traditions
Why Is Your Bible Different from Mine?
58
5
Production and Transmissionof Biblical Manuscripts
Hand Copying Every Word
81
6
Short Stories in the Hebrew Bible
Reading the Bible as Literature
105
7
Wisdom Literature
God Gave You a Brain, So Use It!
128
8
Psalms: Israel’s Songbook
Ecstatic Praise, Cries of Protest, Calls for Vengeance
154
9
Primeval History: Genesis 1–11
Creation and Flood Stories in the Ancient Near East
173
10
Foundational Stories:
Genesis 12–Exodus 19: Ancestral Narratives and the Exodus
195
11
Israelite Laws
The Distinguishing Focus of Judaism
211
12
Hebrew Historiography
History in the Interest of Theology
236
13
The Prophets of Ancient Israel
Social Reformers
258
14
The Gospels
Four Portraits of Jesus
283
15
Jesus’ Parabolic Speech Forms
Turning Expectations Upside Down
319
16
Acts of the Apostles
Expansion and Conflict in the Early Church
344
17
Ancient Letter Writing & New Testament Epistles
And you thought Snail Mail was slow!
360
18
The Apocalypse
Navigating the Symbolism of Revelation
381
Appendix A
Development of the Christian Bible: What Is the Canon?
411

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Stony Run Publishing | Grantham, PA 17027 | info@stonyrunpublishing.com

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