Download or read book A History of the Bible written by John Barton and published by Viking Adult. This book was released on 2019 with total page 642 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The idea of the Bible as "Holy Scripture," a non-negotiable authority straight from God, has prevailed in Western society for some time. And while it provides a firm foundation for centuries of Christian teaching, it denies the depth, variety, and richness of the text. Barton argues that the Bible is not a prescription to a complete, fixed religious system, but rather a product of a long and intriguing process which has inspired Judaism and Christianity, but still does not describe the whole of either religion. He argues that it must be read in its historical context-- from its beginnings in myth and folklore to its many interpretations throughout the centuries. -- adapted from jacket