A Contemporary Introduction to the Bible

“This introduction presents leading edge research in a highly accessible format… An outstanding revision.”

—MAGGIE ODELL, St Olaf College

“Carr and Conway have broken free from the typical introduction to the Bible by framing their readable prose around the key effect of empire(s) on the development of biblical traditions. While not ignoring fundamental issues such as authorship, genre, and dating, their unique approach tells a compelling story of crucial periods in canonical history. Students will find this book intellectually engaging and a pleasure to read. Instructors will be pleased to have a creative textbook as a partner in their teaching.”

—RICHARD S. ASCOUGH, Queen’s University, Canada

“As reliable as Carr and Conway are in their guidance to the Bible and to biblical scholarship, they are also not afraid to push at the cutting edge. Combine that fearlessness with a genuine concern for and knowledge of how students actually learn, and you’ve got a truly outstanding textbook.”

—TOD LINAFELT, Georgetown University

With A Contemporary Introduction to the Bible: Sacred Texts and Imperial Contexts, accomplished scholars and authors Colleen M. Conway and David M. Carr deliver a rigorous, accessible, and up-to-date introduction to the Bible. The textbook places the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and New Testament in the broader context of world history, with a special focus on the empires that influenced the Bible’s formation

The second edition of this groundbreaking textbook features the most up-to-date work in the field, seamlessly integrated into every chapter, a wealth of pedagogical features including study questions, bibliographies, timelines, and illustrations, and an unparalleled coverage of both fundamental topics and cutting-edge issues, resulting in a truly outstanding textbook.

Perfect for undergraduate and graduate students studying religion, history, sociology, and philosophy, A Contemporary Introduction to the Bible: Sacred Texts and Imperial Contexts, Second Edition will also earn a place in the libraries of religious scholars and researchers seeking a one-stop reference to the Bible in its ancient and modern context.

Explore a timely introduction to the formation of the Bible in its historical and modern contexts

In the newly revised Second Edition of A Contemporary Introduction to the Bible: Sacred Texts and Imperial Contexts, accomplished scholars and authors Colleen M. Conway and David M. Carr deliver a rigorous, accessible, and up-to-date introduction to the Bible. The textbook places the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and New Testament in the broader context of world history, with a special focus on the empires that influenced the Bible’s formation. Readers are introduced to the academic study of the Bible through a range of scholarly approaches.

Readers benefit from the inclusion of:

• A thorough introduction to the Bible in its ancient contexts, from the emergence of Israel’s earliest traditions to the writing and reshaping of the Bible amidst Assyrian Babylonian, Persian, Hellenistic and Roman empires.
• The most up-to-date work in the field, seamlessly integrated into every chapter
• A wealth of pedagogical features including study questions, bibliographies, timelines, and illustrations
• An unparalleled coverage of both fundamental topics and cutting-edge issues, resulting in a truly outstanding textbook.

Perfect for undergraduate and graduate students studying religion, history, sociology, and philosophy, A Contemporary Introduction to the Bible: Sacred Texts and Imperial Contexts, Second Edition will also earn a place in the libraries of religious scholars and researchers seeking a one-stop reference to the Bible in its ancient and modern context.