Unlocking the Bible

About the Book

Unlocking the Bible is essentially a lay-person’s guide to biblical interpretation. Its thesis is that understanding the text requires a prior understanding of critical technique. With this in view, the book examines historical, literary and cultural issues which are essential for an appreciation of the Bible today, and suggests that a consideration of the authors’ primary aims is key to an accurate exegesis of the text. Unlocking the Bible, although intended for general consumption, should be of particular interest to evangelical Christians whose approach to the Bible can often be ad hoc or arbitrary.

About the Author

Stephen Smith has worked in the field of biblical and religious studies for over 35 years. He holds a PhD in Biblical Studies from Sheffield University, and an MA in Philosophy and Religion from Heythrop College, London. His previous publications include A Lion with Wings: A Narrative-Critical Approach to Mark’s Gospel (Sheffield Academic Press, 1196), and several articles in Biblical Studies journals, including New Testament Studies, Novum Testamentum, Vetus Testamentum, Biblica, and Expository Times. He currently lives in Sheffield.