The Bible in American Life

The Bible in American Life

Author: Philip Goff

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2017-03-01

Total Pages: 455

ISBN-13: 0190468947

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There is a paradox in American Christianity. According to Gallup, nearly eight in ten Americans regard the Bible as either the literal word of God or inspired by God. At the same time, surveys have revealed gaps in these same Americans' biblical literacy. These discrepancies reveal the complex relationship between American Christians and Holy Writ, a subject that is widely acknowledged but rarely investigated. The Bible in American Life is a sustained, collaborative reflection on the ways Americans use the Bible in their personal lives. It also considers how other influences, including religious communities and the Internet, shape individuals' comprehension of scripture. Employing both quantitative methods (the General Social Survey and the National Congregations Study) and qualitative research (historical studies for context), The Bible in American Life provides an unprecedented perspective on the Bible's role outside of worship, in the lived religion of a broad cross-section of Americans both now and in the past. The Bible has been central to Christian practice, and has functioned as a cultural touchstone From the broadest scale imaginable, national survey data about all Americans, down to the smallest details, such as the portrayal of Noah and his ark in children's Bibles, this book offers insight and illumination from scholars across the intellectual spectrum. It will be useful and informative for scholars seeking to understand changes in American Christianity as well as clergy seeking more effective ways to preach and teach about scripture in a changing environment.


Bible Journaling Made Simple

Bible Journaling Made Simple

Author: Sandy Allnock

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2018-10-17

Total Pages: 511

ISBN-13: 1440353360

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Draw closer to God and creatively unlock more of the Good Book! Your relationship with God is unique. Shouldn't your Bible reflect and celebrate that bond? In this introduction to Bible journaling, you'll discover meaningful ways to combine art, heart and scripture--from backgrounds to hand-lettered verses to beautiful full-page drawings. No expensive supplies or artistic skills are required...only a desire to honor and enhance your spiritual life. To guide your creative worship experience, this book provides: • Prompts to engage you with the text, then visually interpret Scripture in words and pictures • Basic techniques for working with colored pencils, watercolor pencils and watercolor paints • 21 step-by-step tutorials for drawing trees, flowers, skies, mountains, maps, water, light and other popular themes • Tons of inspirational page samples and suggested verses to illustrate • Downloadable icons and technique videos available on the author's website Whether you're new to Bible journaling or looking for fresh ideas, this book will lead you on a rewarding spiritual journey. Success is not measured in the complexity or polish of the art, but in a deeper, more personal connection with God. "Our lives are busy, and we leave a trail of things-we-should-remember on the ground behind us. Instead, scoop them up and journal them. Preserve the lessons vital to our growth as Christians." ~page 12


Children’s Bibles in America

Children’s Bibles in America

Author: Russell W. Dalton

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2015-11-19

Total Pages: 317

ISBN-13: 0567660168

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Children's Bibles have been among the most popular and influential types of religious publications in the United States, providing many Americans with their first formative experiences of the Bible and its stories. In Children's Bibles in America, Russell W. Dalton explores the variety of ways in which children's Bibles have adapted, illustrated, and retold Bible stories for children throughout U.S. history. This reception history of the story of Noah as it appears in children's Bibles provides striking examples of the multivalence and malleability of biblical texts, and offers intriguing snapshots of American culture and American religion in their most basic forms. Dalton demonstrates the ways in which children's Bibles reflect and reveal America's diverse and changing beliefs about God, childhood, morality, and what must be passed on to the next generation. Dalton uses the popular story of Noah's ark as a case study, exploring how it has been adapted and appropriated to serve in a variety of social agendas. Throughout America's history, the image of God in children's Bible adaptations of the story of Noah has ranged from that of a powerful, angry God who might destroy children at any time to that of a friendly God who will always keep children safe. At the same time, Noah has been lifted up as a model of virtues ranging from hard work and humble obedience to patience and positive thinking. Dalton explores these uses of the story of Noah and more as he engages the fields of biblical studies, the history of religion in America, religious education, childhood studies, and children's literature.


Abused, Obscure, or Misused Scripture

Abused, Obscure, or Misused Scripture

Author: Steven Paul

Publisher: iUniverse

Published: 2015-11-17

Total Pages: 187

ISBN-13: 1491775300

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Paul looks to Illuminate basic faith, tradition and practice, offering direction to those who may feel dizzy in a world where cultural, political and religious landscapes seem to be changing by the minute. Paul covers such hot button topics as divorce, homosexuality, and abortion . . .[also] the Trinity . . .good and bad angels, the Sabbath, . . .tattooing and piercing . . . The author has an informal, conversational style that makes primarily for easy reading. Blueink Review Also discussed are the great stories of Adam and Eve, Noahs Ark, The Red Sea, the Feeding of 5000. How do these stories and lessons apply to todays society? Can the Bible really teach modern-day individuals about abortion, immorality, sexual indiscretion, and political progress? Can it still guide us to become better people, better parents, and better citizens? In Abused, Obscure, or Misused Scripture, these questions and more are answered through an engaging and diligent investigation and study into some of the most commonly misunderstood and misinterpreted Bible passages. From its ancient stories to its lessons of morality and character, a detailed and faithful analysis of these scriptures reveals how Gods Wordin any time and for any placemaintains a deep and abiding relevance. By guiding readers through the Word with careful attention to the language and different translations and versions of the Bible, author Steven Paul helps fellow believers both better understand and embrace fully the underlying meanings and applications of the sometimes exciting, sometimes confounding, but always inspiring scriptures.


The Illustrated Bible Story by Story

The Illustrated Bible Story by Story

Author: DK

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2024-02-27

Total Pages: 514

ISBN-13: 0593841611

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The greatest story ever told is explored and explained in unprecedented detail inside this spectacular illustrated family Bible. This indispensable best-selling Bible incorporates the history of the book, the Old Testament, the New Testament, and a special section on Biblical people and places. The stories are retold by experts from all denominations, resulting in an absorbing volume designed to educate and entertain readers, young and old. Key figures are also introduced, from Adam and Abraham to Peter and Paul, while important sites, such as Jericho, Jerusalem, and Mount Sinai, are depicted alongside photographs and specially commissioned maps to truly set the scene. All the most important episodes are brought to life with beautiful illustrations, works of art, historical artifacts, and pull-out quotations. The Illustrated Bible takes an innovative and inspiring visual approach to this classic book, resulting in the only reference you'll ever need for the whole family.


The 52 Greatest Stories of the Bible

The 52 Greatest Stories of the Bible

Author: Kenneth Boa

Publisher: Baker Books

Published: 2008-09-02

Total Pages: 368

ISBN-13: 1441223681

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Classic Weekly Devotional through Some of the Bible's Most Fascinating Stories How well do everyday Christians know the stories that have shaped their faith? More than just a collection of significant and entertaining stories, The 52 Greatest Stories of the Bible impresses upon readers the beautiful interconnectedness of the varied narratives we find in the Bible. It: · connects the dots, demonstrating how each individual story is really one chapter in the larger story · shows how Jesus, especially his death and resurrection, is the point of the story, even when the Son of God is not a key player · helps readers build a biblical worldview that answers the ultimate questions of life Readers will gain a better grasp of the whole story of Scripture and, most importantly, why these stories are the ones God chose to preserve for us through the writers of the Bible.