I agree with Newton3. ( )

The book is a short but fairly well written book on Bible study techniques.

My main complaint with the book is that many of his main sources are considered rather biased outside of the Southern Baptist community and have been known to be divisive and belittling of streams of Christianity outside of their own. So take the content of the book for a good overview, but do your research on sources he recommends. ( )

Excellent resource. Concise, helpful and accessible!

Following on from his book "40 Question about Interpreting the Bible," Robert Plummer gives us a great introduction on how to read and understanding the Bible.

All of the basics are covered that are normally included in books on biblical interpretation, explaining things like why understanding the Bible is important and . But part of what sets Plummers books apart from others is the succinct and engaging way he presents the material. This book is meant to be read by the everyday Christian. This intention is helped by the addition of reflection questions at the end of each chapter.

More than that, Plummer goes where some books fail to go by showing the role of the Holy Spirit in biblical interpretation. This is a helpful correction to some who so emphasize things like context and grammar that it becomes pure science. Plummer strikes a healthy balance here and emphasizes prayer as our starting point in reading the Bible.

This book would be great for personal reading or for a church's leadership to teach through in a class or small group.

*I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Understanding the Bible is as the subtitle explains: a guide to understanding Scripture. This is not a comprehensive work on hermeneutics but it provides enough information to cause the would-be Bible interpreter to observe caution as he approaches this task.
Plummer gives advice that does not always occur in more technical works. For example, he says that “it is essential for any faithful interpreter of the Bible to have read the entire Bible and to continue to read through the Bible regularly… How foolish it is for a minister of the gospel to seek faithfulness in expounding God’s Word while remaining ignorant of the contents of that revelation.” Another point that is well taken: “It is much harder work to prepare a faithful Bible study or sermon than to talk spontaneously about what he thinks people need to hear.”
I have taught courses in hermeneutics and Bible study. This brief book will become supplemental reading when I again teach similar courses.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Library Thing as part of their Early Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising ( )