One view of the Bible’s history

The Bible: A History Stephen M. Miller and Robert V. Huber. Good Books, 2004. 256 pages.

The back cover, inside flap and publisher’s notes all declare that The Bible: A History is “beautifully illustrated.” Indeed it is. All but 16 pages are printed in full colour, and the diverse photos and crisp design create pages that invite more than a quick read.

The book is divided into five sections, two of which cover how the Old and New Testament took shape, and three which detail how cultures and advances affected the Bible’s presentation while the Bible itself altered the world.

Inside are answers to questions that many Christians are hesitant to ask. It outlines how parts of the Bible progressed from oral tradition to written accounts to edited accounts. Textual criticism is covered in detail over 18 pages, including four that describe the authorship of the Pentateuch. While God’s inspiration is always affirmed, this section provides a more human view of authorship than many will be comfortable with, and has minimal discussion of more conservative views.

For example, a section titled “History with a Viewpoint” explains how the books of Samuel–Kings were altered into their present form after the exile. “The early version of the history had blamed bad kings for the troubles of the people, but there were no more kings. Consequently, an editor or group of editors reworked the history and brought it up to date. The changes show that it was not merely the kings who had done wrong, but the people as a whole.”

The book’s lively discussion of the Bible’s history after it was written is less controversial and more inspiring, although it is frequently critical (perhaps rightly) of the Catholic Church. Included are fascinating descriptions of making papyrus, parchment and pens; the art of manuscript illumination (decoration); and other aspects of document production before the printing press. Moving accounts are given of how the Bible changed lives and cultures, created written languages, and spurred technological advances.

While the book does not serve as a balanced overview of different perspectives on how we received the Bible, the authors are persuasive in outlining their view, and the text is always engaging.

And throughout, of course, it is beautifully illustrated.

Marshall Janzen lives in Regina and attends Parliament Community Church. He is webmaster for the Canadian MB Conference.