This book provides the first complete guide for students to the present state of biblical studies.

Notes on contributors; Glossary; 1. Introduction John Barton; Part I. Lines of Approach: 2. Historical-critical approaches John Barton; 3. Literary readings of the Bible David Jasper; 4. The social world of the Bible Keith W. Whitelam; 5. Poststructuralist approaches: new historicism and postmodernism Robert P. Carroll; 6. Political readings of scripture Tim Gorringe; 7. Feminist interpretation Ann Loades; 8. Biblical studies and theoretical hermeneutics Anthony Thiselton; 9. The Bible and Christian theology Robert Morgan; 10. Biblical study and linguistics William Johnstone; 11. Aspects of the Jewish contribution to biblical interpretation Stefan C. Reif; 12. The Bible in literature and art Stephen Prickett; Part II. Biblical Books in Modern Interpretation: 13. The Pentateuch Joseph Blenkinsopp; 14. The historical books of the Old Testament Iain Provan; 15. The prophetic books Robert R. Wilson; 16. The poetic and wisdom books Robert Alter; 17. The synoptic Gospels and Acts of the Apostles: telling the Christian story Pheme Perkins; 18. John and the Johannine literature: the woman at the well John Ashton; 19. The Pauline letters James D. G. Dunn; 20. The non-Pauline letters Frances Young; 21. Apocalyptic literature James VanderKam; General Index; Index of biblical references.