Review: Companion to the Old Testament: For the Interpreter Within Each of Us by Ted Leach

• File Size: 501 KB
• Print Length: 265 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: WestBowPress (July 23, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00EF3V3MW

Book Description

This book helps Christians understand how the Old Testament is “community property” shared by Jews, Christians and Muslims. It is a constructive resource for interfaith discussion, particularly for people of different faiths (or no faith) who are seeking to identify some shared principles of our common humanity.

Beginners to Bible study will enjoy the simple language in this useful introduction to the Old Testament. Long-time students of the Bible who want more than a literal approach to scripture will find refreshing interpretations for some of the more difficult passages. The author respects the historical context of the ancient biblical stories and encourages the reader to make practical application to today's world. This book helps Christians understand how the Old Testament is "community property" shared by Jews, Christians and Muslims. It is a constructive resource for interfaith discussion, particularly as people of different faiths (or no faith) seek to identify some shared principles of our common humanity. Abraham, revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims, can be a starting point for greater mutual understanding. The Jewish concept of Messiah can be a metaphor of hope for all people. Footnotes are included for those who "want to know more" about a given topic. "Questions for Reflection" at the end of each chapter facilitate group discussion. A concise index is provided. The book's introduction and ten chapters are suitable for a 10-12 week study.

About the Author

 Ted Leach served for 40 years as a United Methodist pastor. He approaches the Bible with intellectual honesty, great respect and a deep love. He has the heart of a teacher who enjoys seeing the Bible "come alive" as readers interpret and apply scripture to their daily lives.

My Review

 As much as we can relate more to the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus, it is important to understand the lessons and the wisdom of the Old Testament. The Old Testament provides Christian with hope for the future. Mr. Leach explains that the way you approach the bible will determine what you get out of the bible.   This new edition of Companion to the Old Testament by Ted Leach is easy to read and to understand.

In the first chapter he provides the following steps:

1. Respect the texts
2. Recognize our historical bias
3. Understand the historical contest of the biblical stories
4. Receive the Bible as community property
5. Find personal meaning in the biblical texts

Intrigued yet...you should be!

This book can which easily be used as a 10 week bible study as each chapter is followed by discussion questions. The chapters are broken down:

1. An Approach to the Bible
2. The Hebrew Bible
3. Seeds of Faith
4. Freedom and Responsibility
5. The Land of Canaan
6. Jerusalem
7. The Prophets
8. In the Shadow of Empires
9. Judaism
10. Messianic Hope

The book ends with a further reading list as well as the endnotes with all the references. I think this is a great book, well written and easy to read. It is a wonderful addition to my biblical reference library.