INTRODUCING THE CULTURAL CONTEXT OF THE OT ($19.95)

$17.95

"American Catholics should be encouraged to strive for a deeper understanding of their culture and their faith. But such an effort soon discovers that American culture and the culture of our biblical ancestors in the faith are quite different from each other. If the differences between these two cultures are not recognized and respected, the modern American Bible reader unwittingly transforms the persons of the Bible into Americans. Biblical characters begin to look, think, speak and behave like Americans. From this perspective, interpreting the Bible is easy because the English words, phrases and sentences we read in our translations are presumed to mean exactly what we understand by these same words.

"Our ancestors, however, spoke different languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and perhaps others) and lived in a different culture. To be considerate readers and show respect to our ancestors it would be helpful to understand that culture.

"This Bible-study program adopts such an approach as a complement to the many fine Bible programs, handbooks, and resources currently available. It will not try to repeat what can be easily found in other reliable sources, but will seek to understand the cultural context in which our ancestors lived.

"At the same time, the new challenge resulting from such a study will be the need for a redoubled effort to make appropriate applications to our lives. After all, we are Americans and not Mediterraneans. Our cultures are different. Their problems are not our problems; their solutions might not work for us. This is why the American bishops caution us against trying 'to find in the Bible all the direct answers for living.'

Bridging our different cultures is possible, but it requires serious study and skilled efforts. This program hopes to assist in every way it can.

"To know American culture well will make us better Americans. To understand the Mediterranian culture of our biblical ancestors in the faith will help us appreciate our Catholic identity.

This is a Bible study workbook for adults which concentrates on the Wisdom literature, especially Proverbs and Sirach, and guides readers through cross-cultural interpretation as it contrasts middle-class cultural values with those of the Mediterranean world.

"Hear the Word is an exciting new program for the study of the scriptures! This program is intended for the serious Bible student and will challenge the advanced learner. It guides the person to read the Bible directly and involves hands-on use of the Bible as one studies. The requirements of the program are Time, Commitment and Participation on the part of the learner. The program invites learners in -- simply, easily, and directly!" - Jean Marie Weber, Associate Director, Office for Schools and Child, Youth Ministries and President, National Conference of Diocesan Directors of Religious Education (NCDD).

"Finally, here is a study guide by a Catholic scholar and educator who understands both the Bible in its world and today's readers in theirs! How refreshing to see John J. Pilch explain so clearly the advances which scholars have made in understanding time, parenting, gender, family life, and social responsibility in the culture of the Bible. Biblical texts are well chosen; lesson plans are easy to follow; suggested applications for daily life are provocative. What a wonderful service he provides to all those who set aside quality time to study the Bible together" - Don C. Benjamin, Ph.D., Department of Religious Studies, Rice University.