Out of Context - by Richard L Schultz (Paperback)

About the Book

Veteran professor of biblical studies offers a unique approach to help readers avoid common interpretation pitfalls in order to understand and apply Scripture.

Book Synopsis

Although 92% of American households own at least one Bible, their use of the Bible varies significantly. Only 59% of Americans read the Bible at least occasionally, and an even smaller percentage go beyond merely reading the Bible and actually study it. It is no wonder that even those who say they read the Scriptures often don't understand them.

Veteran Bible professor Richard L. Schultz believes the misinterpretation and misapplication of biblical texts amounts to a crisis of "interpretive malpractice." In Out of Context he seeks to explain how biblical interpretation goes wrong and how to get it right. He introduces readers to the important concepts of context, word meaning, genre, and the differences between the world of the Bible and our own. Readers who delve into the fascinating world of biblical interpretation found in this book will find their Scripture reading enhanced and be enlightened by Schultz's powerful and ultimately positive message.

From the Back Cover

Are you guilty of interpretive malpractice? Here's how to prevent it from happening again.

Although 92 percent of American households own at least one Bible, only 59 percent read it occasionally, and an even smaller percentage actually study it. It is no wonder that even those of us who value the Scriptures often don't understand them!

In Out of Context, veteran Bible professor Richard L. Schultz uses contemporary examples of "interpretive malpractice" to explain how biblical interpretation can go wrong--and how to get it right. He introduces you to the important concepts of context, word meaning, and genre and the differences between the world of the Bible and our own. With the expert help in interpreting and applying Scripture shared in this book, you'll find your Bible reading more rewarding than ever before.

About the Author

Richard L. Schultz (PhD, Yale University) is the Blanchard Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College. He is the coauthor of How to Understand Your Bible and is a regular contributor to scholarly journals and theological and biblical reference works.