God's Library: A Catholic Introduction to the World's Greatest Book

This an excellent, extremely user-friendly tool for "beginning bible travelers." It also lends itself very well to use by a small faith sharing group. While fairly basic, the book does not "talk down" to any one. Even those more comfortable with the bible will find the book insightful and the author's style engaging. It is the best book of its kind on the market.

Joe Paprocki has a fine gift for clarity, organizaton and memorable metaphors. He is an engaging and inviting writer with that knack of making forbidding things attractive and palatable. Yet this no diluted Bible-made-easy book. 'God's Library' is grounded in the best insights of scholars about the historical character of Scripture, and in a depth understanding of its treasures for the life of faith. I used it in ministry with adults who were trying to get into the Bible for the first time; they confirmed my judgment about its excellence and accessibility. Now as part of the Theology Department at a Catholic university in the Pacific Northwest, I teach undergraduates who for the most part have read little and know less about the Bible. For the next semester I have ordered the new edition of 'God's Library' as a supplemental text, requiring it for those without previous exposure to the Bible, and recommending it to the rest. It will offer just the kind of quick, enjoyable, high quality first exposure needed by those ramping up to more serious study. Highly recommended.

When we were children, our Dad would take my brothers and sisters and me to the public library, where we would delight in discovering so many riches of knowledge and imagination. Sometimes, though, the really thick books with small print could be intimidating until we became more sophisticated readers. In his book, God's Library, Joe has not only recaptured that sense of fascination about the books of a library such as we find in the Bible, but he has also given his readers a helpful user's guide to make the books of Scripture accessible to the beginner. I highly recommend it.

I have recommend use of the God's Library to a number of groups looking for Bible Study and great dialogue around Scripture. We also recommend it to those newly received into the Church as adults. Groups and individuals can both benefit from this straight-forward, informative, faith-filled guide. It's a great gift and resource for those looking to grow deeper in faith who have not yet discovered the beauty of Scripture. It's especially helpful to those looking to become more adept at navigating through and praying with Scripture. Kate DeVries, Young Adult Ministry Office, Archdiocese of Chicago

This book is intended for those who have little or no previous experience in using the Bible, either for prayer or study. Mr. Paprocki makes no assumptions of the reader's knowledge of the Bible and so guides the novice from "square one" (breaking the Bible into two testaments, then into appropriate groupings of Pentateuch, Prohets, Gospels Letters etc.) to understanding abbreviations, footnotes, cross-references, commentaries, concordances. He then addresses Catholic understanding of Scripture in relation to historical fact versus inspired truth (using many examples from well-known Bible "stories") and finally discusses various forms of criticism used to assist us in properly interpreting Scripture and applying it's teachings to our lives today. Paprocki does all of this in easy-to-understand language, with great examples, and good humor. I highly recommend this little volume to those who have a desire to begin reading the Bible but have fears ("bibliaphobia") of not knowing how to begin or are afraid or incorrectly interpreting Scripture. As a catechist for RCIA I encounter people with all levels of experience with the Bible. I will not hesitate to recommend this book to those who are just beginning their journey with God's Word.