In his book, “What is the Bible?”, Rob Bell explores the nature and meaning of the Bible, and how it relates to our lives today. Bell is a well-known author and speaker, and his book is a thought-provoking exploration of one of the most important texts in Western civilization.
Chapter 1: The Bible and Our Lives
In the first chapter, Bell introduces the idea that the Bible is not just a collection of ancient stories, but a living, breathing text that speaks to us today. He argues that the Bible is a book about real people, in real situations, facing real challenges, and that it can help us navigate our own lives.
Chapter 2: The Story of the Bible
In this chapter, Bell outlines the basic narrative of the Bible, from the creation story in Genesis to the final pages of Revelation. He highlights the key themes and characters that run throughout the text, and shows how they are all connected.
Chapter 3: The Hebrew Bible
Bell spends a chapter exploring the first part of the Bible, the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. He discusses the historical context of the text, and how it reflects the experiences of the Jewish people. He also highlights some of the key themes and ideas that are found in this part of the Bible.
Chapter 4: The New Testament
In this chapter, Bell turns his attention to the New Testament, and the story of Jesus Christ. He discusses the historical context of the text, and how it reflects the experiences of the early Christian community. He also highlights some of the key themes and ideas that are found in this part of the Bible.
Chapter 5: The Bible and God
In this chapter, Bell explores the idea of God as portrayed in the Bible. He discusses the different images and ideas of God that are found throughout the text, and how they can help us understand our own relationship with the divine.
Chapter 6: The Bible and Jesus
In this chapter, Bell looks at the role of Jesus in the Bible. He discusses the different portrayals of Jesus found in the text, and how they can help us understand his life, teachings, and significance.
Chapter 7: The Bible and Us
In the final chapter, Bell brings the book back to the present day, and shows how the Bible can be a source of inspiration and guidance for our own lives. He discusses the different ways in which people have used the Bible throughout history, and how it can help us navigate our own challenges and struggles.
Conclusion
Overall, “What is the Bible?” is a thought-provoking exploration of one of the most important texts in Western civilization. Bell’s writing is clear and accessible, and he provides a wealth of information on the history, themes, and ideas found in the Bible. Whether you are a lifelong reader of the Bible or a complete novice, this book is sure to provide something of value.
Interested in reading the whole book?
Buy the book “What Is the Bible” on Amazon
