The Bible

The Biblical heritage is generally recognized as vital to the development and guidance of Western Civilization as we know it. It is also recognized that it is in the interest of both believers and skeptics that the Bible be read with care. Among the things to be noticed is the status of the virtue of prudence in various circumstances described in the Bible. Particularly revealing in George Anastaplo's essays and appendices is what is shown about how intrinsically interesting the Biblical accounts are_accounts which not only offer guidance for everyday life but also instruction about the enduring questions that people everywhere have been asking for centuries. Thus, The Bible: Respectful Readings provides instruction for analyzing Biblical texts with care. It makes readers aware of both the questions addressed and the relevant evidence that should be assessed within The Bible. Winston Churchill counselled responsible thinkers today to address 'not only those . . . who enjoy the blessings and consolidation of revealed religion, but also . . . those who face the mystery of the human destiny alone.' In keeping with this spirit, Respectful Readings accommodates to the wide range of prospective students of the sacred texts of Western Civilization.

“The Bible: Respectful Readings makes readers aware of both the questions addressed and the relevant evidence that should be assessed within the Bible....'[Anastaplo] has reflected deeply both on the text of the Bible and on the relation of philosophy to revelation. The reader will be challeged, charmed, reassured and enlightened.'”

George Anastaplo brings some common sense questions and insightful comparisons drawn from classic Greek philosophic and literary works to bear on the most venerable Jewish and Christian text. The result is a set of fruitful inquiries and keen observations that the thoughtful and patient reader will find deeply rewarding. -- Jules Gleicher, Rockford College
Anastaplo sees things that other people just do not see. The detail that does not seem to fit becomes in his hands the key to understanding. Surely no other law professor could have written these explorations of the Bible. He has reflected deeply both on the text of the Bible and on the relation of philosophy to revelation. The reader will be challenged, charmed, reassured, and enlightened. -- Christopher Colmo, Dominican University
The Greek Star, October 23, 2008
Anastaplo's The Bible: Respectful Readings is a calm, eminently reasonable, and ingenious exploration of biblical thought, and what the Hebrew and Greek Bibles have to tell us about ourselves here and now as well as in the past. Interesting comparisons with Shakespeare, classical poetry, Machiavelli, American thinkers, and others never fail to be illuminating. The emphasis is on the Bible's moral focus: for example, the story of Cain and Abel 'points up how critical one's standing before God can be for the human being'; but God's questions, first to Adam and Eve, and then to Cain, 'were designed . . . to make . . . [them] face up to what they had done and what they had become.' -- Laurence Berns, St. John's College

George Anastaplo, author of numerous books, teaches at the University of Chicago, Loyola University, and Dominican University.

The Biblical heritage is generally recognized as vital to the development and guidance of Western Civilization as we know it. It is also recognized that it is in the interest of both believers and skeptics that the Bible be read with care. Among the things to be noticed is the status of the virtue of prudence in various circumstances described in the Bible. Particularly revealing in George Anastaplo's essays and appendices is what is shown about how intrinsically interesting the Biblical accounts are_accounts which not only offer guidance for everyday life but also instruction about the enduring questions that people everywhere have been asking for centuries. Thus, The Bible: Respectful Readings provides instruction for analyzing Biblical texts with care. It makes readers aware of both the questions addressed and the relevant evidence that should be assessed within The Bible. Winston Churchill counselled responsible thinkers today to address 'not only those . . . who enjoy the blessings and consolidation of revealed religion, but also . . . those who face the mystery of the human destiny alone.' In keeping with this spirit, Respectful Readings accommodates to the wide range of prospective students of the sacred texts of Western Civilization.

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