“Finally we have a study guide to the Bible that is brief yet full of insight and meaning; thoughtful yet readable; and appropriate for all sorts of readers. While so many studies of the entire Bible are written in academic prose intended for the classroom, this one reads like a good novel. Doriani’s background as a teacher of literature is apparent and welcome. The Supplement, on how to understand Christ’s Lordship over all aspects of life, is worth the price of the book all by itself. Both the mature Christian and the newcomer to the Scriptures will learn from this book and find insights for living.”
--Paul R. Schaefer, D.Phil., Biblical Studies and Religion Department, Grove City College (PA) and author of The Spiritual Brotherhood: Cambridge Puritans and the Nature of Christian Piety
“Dr. Doriani offers a great contribution to help modern readers understand the coherence of the Bible’s message. Approaching the Bible as a literary work, a four-act play, enables her to trace the great themes of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation—creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Doriani excels in connecting these themes to life, using vivid illustrations designed to provoke robust group discussion. Sunday School classes, small groups, seeker groups—there is something for everyone here.”
--Rev. Anita Killibrew Herbert, D.Min., Pastor, Summerville Presbyterian Church, SC
“Dr. Doriani offers a great contribution to help modern readers understand the coherence of the Bible’s message. Approaching the Bible as a literary work, a four-act play, enables her to trace the great themes of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation—creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Doriani excels in connecting these themes to life, using vivid illustrations designed to provoke robust group discussion. Sunday School classes, small groups, seeker groups—there is something for everyone here.”
--Rev. Anita Killibrew Herbert, D.Min., Pastor, Summerville Presbyterian Church, SC
“In Making Sense of Scriptures, Beth Maclay Doriani offers a Bible study toolkit which is at once simple yet insightful. While it lends itself to small study groups, it can also serve individuals or couples.
“The study guide is written in a clear, straightforward, almost conversational style. It is short yet it covers all key topics in the Scripture-based story of salvation and God´s relation to His people. It provides, through a discovery learning approach, plenty of suggestions on how to conduct the study. This learning approach is evident in each of the twelve chapters of the book: posing questions for reflection and discussion and inviting readers to explore the appropriate biblical text related to the topic being presented.
“The text is spiritual as it leads the believer to a fresh encounter with biblical truths regarding the redemptive plans of God for humankind. Presenting God as creator and sustainer of the both the cosmos and humanity, it allows readers to discover truths through their own reading of the Scripture and also to bring the teaching home to real and current life situations. It is constantly inviting readers to apply the biblical topic to their daily lives and to their cultural milieu. While giving strong emphasis to the fundamental attributes of God as creator, sustainer, law-giver, judge and redeemer, it keeps turning to our own role as men and women as both the beneficiaries of God´s favor and participants and collaborators in bringing His redemptive plans for the world to fruition.
“The book is most helpful in making complex subject accessible to lay readers. Complex topics such as the nature of sin and the “kingdom of darkness,” the connection of the Messiah and the Son (descendant) of Eve and the meaning of God´s covenantal relation to humankind are generally found in exegetical treatises well beyond the understanding (and patience at times) of non-experts. The author explains Christian ideas in simple terms and guides us through reflection on scriptural passages. Readers are guided in constructing their own understanding of such topics. Throughout the twelve chapters of this handbook readers are invited to elaborate further, based on their own reflection on the biblical text and their own life experiences.
“The final section ‘Supplemental: Christ Lordship Overall’ is a fitting culmination explaining the meaning of life in Christ. This Bible study tool will no doubt be a blessing to churches and Christians seeking a better understanding of God´s Word and salvation plan.”
--Leonel A. Valdivia, Ph.D., Theological Education Board, Anglican Province of Chile, Santiago, Chile
"Beth Doriani’s Making Sense of the Scriptures is small in its number of pages, but it makes a large and important contribution to those who read and study it—individually or in groups. Its pages offer a reader-friendly and effective means for getting a better understanding of the Bible. The book speaks clearly, using easily understandable wording and practical examples. Dr. Doriani explains how the seemingly different parts and subjects in the Bible actually all fit and flow together, like a well-written play, within God’s Plan--from creation, humanity’s fall and the fallen world, deliverance through redemption, and to Christians’ glorious future. The brevity of the chapters and their challenging and thought-provoking questions make this book a good study guide that actually can encourage readers to delve into the Scriptures themselves. They then better can appreciate God’s Word as the pathway to growth and a fruitful life. I recommend this book highly."
--J. Thomas Whetstone, D. Phil., retired businessman, professor, and author
--J. Thomas Whetstone, D. Phil., retired businessman, professor, and author