|
|
Learn the Bible Book Recommendations
by: Pastor David F. Reagan
This outline generally follows
that given by Cyril Barber in The Minister’s Library.
However, the recommendations and comments are my own and
various alterations are made to the outline.
I.
REFERENCE WORKS
A.
General Reference Works
1.
Encyclopedia Britannica
– This multi-volume encyclopedia is still the
best for serious, in-depth coverage of the wisdom of the world.
It can now be subscribed to on-line or purchased in electronic
format. However, some of the best articles for the Bible student
may be found in the older sets of the encyclopedia. Unless you
need up-to-date current events or the latest scientific
discoveries, you may want to purchase a used set.
2.
Cyclopedia of Biblical,
Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, 12 volumes,
edited by John McClintock and James Strong. First published from
1867-1887, it is the largest theological or biblical
encyclopedia written and published in America. It has 31,000
articles in over 10,000 pages. It is a massive Bible dictionary,
but includes much historical material up to the time it was
published. The entry on the “Valley of Baca” takes up 49 lines.
Nearby are articles on Azel Backus, Charles Backus, Isaac
Backus, and Francis Bacon. This encyclopedia may be difficult to
find, but it is a grand reference tool.
3.
New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia
of Religious Knowledge, 13 volumes,
edited by Samuel Macauley Jackson. First published in 1908. Not
as strong on Bible topics as the McClintock and Strong
Cyclopedia, but stronger than that reference in Bible and
Christian history. This also is a most helpful resource.
B.
Creation, Science, and the Bible;
Note: this area of study will change more quickly that other
areas related to Bible knowledge. The books recommended are some
that have been especially helpful.
1.
The Bible and Modern Science
by Henry M. Morris. This small book is an excellent laymen’s
introduction to the scientific accuracy of the Bible. It is now
dated, but I still recommend those who are not scientifically
minded to get an old copy of this book and begin here in your
appreciation of the Bible as a book of science.
2.
C.
Bible Encyclopedias and
Dictionaries
D.
Bible Concordances
E.
Bible Study
F.
Study Bibles
G.
History of the Bible
| |