Essential Bible: Everything You Need to Understand the Old and New Testaments

I find this book excellent. So well written and so easy to understand and a great help in learning and understanding the Bible.

Have you wanted to learn more about the Bible but aren't sure where to begin? "The Essential Bible" by Rev. John Trigilio Jr. , Ph.D.,Th.D. and Rev. Kenneth Brighenti, Ph.D. is a wonderful place to start. The authors begin by discussing what the Bible is and how it came to be, even explaining where the terms "Bible" and "Scripture" come from. They also talk about the role that both oral and written tradition played in forming the holy book and how the books that make up our current Bible were decided upon. Different understandings of divine revelation are explained as are the terms "inspired" and "inerrant." The authors also compare and contrast different versions of the Bible and discuss what you should look for in choosing a Biblical translation. The second half of "The Essential Bible" goes through the books of the Bible one by one, explaining the background of each book and the major characters and events that come into play. It provides a great overview of the scriptural experience, thereby allowing you to then read an individual book of the Bible with greater knowledge of how that one part fits into the whole. One of the best features of "The Essential Bible" are the little highlighted facts which are designated as an "Essential E" or an "E Fact." They provide important information in an easy-to-comprehend format. One thing about studying the Bible is that there is always more to learn. Whether you are a beginner in exploring the Bible or have been reading it for years, you will find something new and informative in "The Essential Bible" to enhance your experience of scripture.

These two authors obviously have a knack for writing books explaining both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition in an easy to understand format! This book, together with their first book "Catholicism For Dummies", must be on your bookshelf as your "go to" reference materials. I can't wait to receive their third entree titled "Women in the Bible For Dummies"! I have had it on order since December when it was first announced. If their first two books are any indication, "Women in the Bible For Dummies" promises to be a great success too!

I found 'The Everything Bible Book' to be the perfect companion to 'Catholicism For Dummies'. Both of these succinctly and accurately explain the enormous wealth, depth and content of Sacred Scripture and Divine Revelation in general. Both of these gems are well written, informative but do not intimidate with overly technical language. The authors obviously do not need to 'show off' by using obscure polysyllabic words. They do make sophisticated biblical theology approachable and understandable to the layman and non-expert.

Trigilio and Brighenti have done it again. THE EVERYTHING BIBLE BOOK is as useful, informative, easy-to-read, well-written, accurate, and timely as their first book, CATHOLICISM FOR DUMMIES. This time, they cover the Holy Bible and show the historical, theological and philosophical development, interpretation and appreciation for the inspired and revealed written Word of God. Christians of all faiths (Protestant, Catholic or Eastern Orthodox) will find this book on the Bible to be helpful for private and group study of the Sacred Scriptures. From novice to expert, everyone will find many jewels and pearls in this find. I highly recommend this for bible study groups, private study and for religious education purposese as well.