Introduction

“What is the Bible?” is a question that might seem almost insultingly simple. In reality, however, the answer is far more complex than any single reply and raises yet other, even more challenging, questions. Is the Bible the “Word of God”? Is it the most sacred book in the world? Is the Bible obsolete in today's world, or does it still provide relevant guidance and inspiration? Some people might say that, since they are Christians, it is the holy book that dictates how they live and what they believe. It is the source they turn to for answers about moral issues, perhaps supporting their conclusions by declaring “The Bible Says So!”

We will see that any one response to the seemingly simple question that is the focus of this introductory chapter really does not do justice to it. The Bible is a virtual library of books comprised of many literary types or genres written by many different authors who had diverse religious viewpoints, used various sources, and reflected diverse circumstances in different environments. Not only is the Bible regarded by Christians and Jews as a holy book, it has, in fact, also influenced the thought, literature, institutions, values, and mores of Western culture for many centuries. Yet, to understand the Bible insightfully is a daunting task. After spending my entire adult life dedicated to biblical study, at the age of 87 I remain amazed at its complexities and challenged by continuing unanswered questions and new insights.