The Oxford Guide to Ideas & Issues of the Bible gathers contributions from eminent scholars to explore how the Bible has shaped religious, ethical, artistic, and philosophical traditions. Featuring over two hundred alphabetically arranged entries, the guide illuminates central themes—ranging from grace, sin, and incarnation to marriage, suffering, and temptation.
Entries also examine the wider influence of biblical texts on law, medicine, social science, archaeology, and the arts. Thoughtful essays discuss thinkers such as Marx and Freud, trace the Bible’s role in Western literature from Cotton Mather to Saul Bellow, and reveal common expressions rooted in scripture.
Key Topics Explored
- Ethics and moral issues (adultery, divorce, abortion)
- Theological concepts (baptism, Holy Spirit, incarnation)
- Cultural impact (art, music, literature, everyday expressions)
- Intersections with law, medicine, and social science
Ideal for students, scholars, and curious readers, this comprehensive reference offers clear analysis and rich insights into the enduring cultural legacy of the Bible.