Karl A. Schultz

The How-To Book of the Bible stands out among introductions to the Bible in the following ways:

It is both accessible to persons unfamiliar with the Bible while also providing helpful information to readers with an intermediate or advanced level of biblical familiarity.

It devotes a full chapter to lectio divina (divine reading), the Catholic Church's official model for prayerfully reading the Bible.

It introduces the reader to Pardes, the Jewish model of the levels of meaning in Scripture, while also discussing Christian models.

It devotes an entire chapter to the Passion and Resurrection Narratives, offering detailed background and practical applications and reflection questions.

It exposes the myths surrounding the Bible's reputed sexism and shows how radical feminism and modern materialism and hedonism are far more sexist. Anticipates the insights of the 2004 Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith statement on Collaboration Between the Sexes.

Goes into detail on the New Testament, which is where beginners should concentrate their efforts at first.

Injects appropriate humor and levity. Read about the infamous king Karleno the Great and his unique legacy.

Includes a detailed guide to the Psalms, discussing their various classifications and highlighting the most influential and inspirational psalms.

Provides a detailed guide to translations, offering criteria for selecting one suited to your needs.

Shows how the Bible developed in ways paralleling our individual development.