Essential Bible Handbook: A Guide for Catholics

This is an excellent support book for the RCIA process. It is easy to use and covers a wide range of topics.

The Essential Bible Handbook is a wonderful tool for understanding the Bible from a Catholic Christian perspective. A discussion of Biblical interpretation is included as well as tips for useful Bible study methods. The origins and focus of each book of the Bible are discussed and a section on using the Bible in prayer is included. Catholics have a different relationship with the Sacred scriptures than their protestant brethren. This book is great for the Catholic seeking to know the Bible better or for the protestant wishing to understand how Catholics view the Bible and its place in Catholic Christianity.

Father Thomas Santa's Essential Bible Handbook offers expert guidance for Catholic Bible study activity. Father Santa, a popular author and teacher, reviews the history of the scriptures and the oral and literary traditions that underpin them. To facilitate study, he also provides helpful summaries of the major themes of each book of the Bible. He grounds the sacraments in scripture and provides citations. He offers helpful prayer techniques -- such as praying with scripture and praying with major biblical personalities --with suggestions on how to approach them. Other highlights include an eight day retreat plan and a beautiful scriptural rosary detailed with instructions in Chapter 9. The entire text is indexed to the Catechism of the Catholic Church by paragraph. Also, an extensive glossary is provided to help with further study. Father Santa's clear, straightforward style and easy expertise with this subject make this book very reader-friendly. It is a wonderful study guide!