Study (Discovery) Guides

A Simple Approach To Discovering Truth

Page 6

 

Books to help you get more out of the Bible:

It appears that the average "Christian" bookstore stocks a few shelf feet of reference works but miles of "inspirational", or "feel good" books. This indicates, based on actual sales, that the majority of "Christians" would prefer to be entertained rather than educated.
The following books are neither fluff nor coffee table "vanity editions". They are for those who want factual answers to questions about God, man and the purpose of life.

It is often said that truth is stranger than fiction. This is certainly true in the sense that religious truth is far more rare than religious fiction.
If our purpose truly is to find truth, then most of the following will be found to be fascinating, inspirational and will leave us "feeling good".

 

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Abingdon Press, 1981

It lists alphabetically, every word in the KJV, allowing one to find every scripture in which a word is used. It gives the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek word and its meaning or meanings and it also cross references to related words used in scripture.

This is the fastest, most accurate way to find everything that is said about a particular "word" in scripture. Note that we said "word" and not "topic".
If you purchase only one Bible reference, choose this one. It is the dullest looking and yet the most valuable.

It is most effective when used in combination with Nave's Topical Bible.

Size: 8.5" x 11" x 2.5" , approx. 1700 pp., Used $6.35 and up, New, $12.00 and up at http://www.alibris.com/
as of Sept. 02. Information given as example only. This web site is not affiliated in any way with any commercial web site.

The "Blue Letter Bible" web site provides this resource on line at http://www.blueletterbible.org/
This can be faster than using the book but we have occasionally seen some problems, such as loading the results to a word other than what we requested or a failure to show all the results. Another advantage to the book is that we can see all the results at once rather than a few at a time.
The "Blue Letter" web site also offers other study references on line. There is no charge, no banners and no request for money. The sponsors are to be commended for this valuable and generous service to the public.
Another advantage to the book is that when electrical service is disrupted or the computer is otherwise not available, you can still easily research any subject in the Bible.

 

Nave's Topical Bible (*based on KJV)
Tyndale House Publishers

It lists, alphabetically, most of the "topics" found in the Bible (20,000 topics and subtopics). Under each topic heading, it lists all of the scriptures in which the topic is named and sorts them into subcategories.
Its main advantage over Strong's is that it also lists scriptures which pertain to each topic even if it is not named or is named by a different word. For instance, Strong's would show a single list of every scripture in which the word "faith" is used. Another word for "faith" is "belief" which is also expressed as "to believe". Using Strong's we can look up each word separately and sort out which scriptures apply to our topic or question. This would include: faith, faithful, faithfully, faithfulness, faithless, belief, believe, believed, believers, believest, believeth, and believing.

Using Nave's, we only have to look under one heading, "faith" which means that this is the fastest way to find nearly everything that is said about a particular "topic" in scripture. Note that we said "topic" and not "word".

It is most effective when used in combination with Strong's Exhaustive Concordance.

Size: 6" x 9" x 2", approx. 1600 pp. Used $6.95 and up. New $11.98 and up at http://www.alibris.com/
as of Sept. 02. Information given as example only. This web site is not affiliated in any way with any commercial web site.
*Note: Tyndale House Publishers also publishes Nave's Topical Living Bible using the text of The Living Bible, Paraphrased. This has limited usefulness when used with the KJV Bible because of the difference in the language used.

Nave's is available for use on line at http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/NavesTopicalBible/
and at http://bible.christiansunite.com/Naves_Topical_Bible/
It is also available at or through several other web sites. Some of these are sponsored by religious organizations and some are sponsored by "for-profit" organizations.

New Bible Dictionary
Edited by J.D. Douglas, Revision Edited by N. Hillyer
USA - Tyndale House Publishers, 1982
UK - Inter-Varsity Press 1982

". . . the best one-volume Bible dictionary available." An encyclopedic type of dictionary yet conveniently small. An abbreviated version of Tyndale's excellent three volume illustrated dictionary (see below). More than just a list of definitions, it gives history, culture, significance, various opinions and political aspects to more fully understand the subjects.

Size: 6: x 9" x 2", approx. 1326 pp. Used $6.25 to $18 at http://www.alibris.com/ and at http://dogbert.abebooks.com/
as of Sept. 02. Information given as example only. This web site is not affiliated in any way with any commercial web site.

The Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Vols 1-3
Edited by J.D. Douglas, Revision Edited by N. Hillyer
USA - Tyndale House Publishers 1980, 1988
UK - Inter-Varsity Press 1986
Aust. - Hodder and Stoughton 1980

"It is a magnificent and comprehensive Bible dictionary which will greatly increase your knowledge and understanding of God's Word." ". . . suited for people of all ages and backgrounds . . ." "Even for relaxed browsing . . . a wealth of fascinating information . . ."

This time the hyperbole is accurate. An encyclopedia styled dictionary with comprehensive entries (from several column inches to several pages). Lots of photos, maps and charts to aid understanding.

Size: 9" x 11" x 1.25", 3 vols., 1,728 pp. total. Used set $31.24 to $125, single vol. $9.50 to $29.95 at http://dogbert.abebooks.com/ as of Sept. 02. Information given as example only. This web site is not affiliated in any way with any commercial web site.


Some Bible dictionaries are available on line. We have not found the two shown above to be on line. However, Smith's Bible Dictionary was found at http://bible.crosswalk.com/Dictionaries/SmithsBibleDictionary/

New Webster's Dictionary, Encyclopedic Edition
Delair Pub., 1971

It is amazing how many English words we hear used (or misused) in one specific context and then we assume that we know what the word means, only to check a dictionary and discover that the word means something slightly or totally different. There are several reasons for this. The speaker or writer uses a word without understanding the meaning. The speaker or writer knowingly uses it in a "limited" or "qualified" but incorrect manner. Sometimes the speaker or writer deliberately misuses a word in order to support his argument.

This is the cheapest and easiest tool for discovering ignorance, deception or lying.
Next to the Bible, it is probably the most underrated book in the world.

Bulky but contains more comprehensive entries and is often cheaper (under $20 new, at some discount superstores) than the more attractive, thinner versions which have limited entries. Big enough that you will find many other uses for it around the house. Also contains a brief history of the English language.

Size: 8.5" x 11" x 4", approx. 2,100 pp. Used $11.95 to $65.00 at http://www.alibris.com/ or at http://dogbert.abebooks.com/ as of Sept. 02. Information given as example only. This web site is not affiliated in any way with any commercial web site.
[Any "unabridged" dictionary should be just as helpful.]

Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913) is available for use on line at http://www.bootlegbooks.com/Reference/Webster/Default.htm

The American Heritage Dictionary is available for use on line at http://www.bartleby.com/61/

Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, Vols 1-13
Edited by James Hastings, 1956

This work is worth every penny but many of us may not be able to spare the 40,000 or more pennies, so spend a few dollars on gas and go to the library, if for nothing else, just to skim through this work. Each volume offers more knowledge than a year's worth of seminary courses.

The print is small and the footnotes are tiny. The work is scholarly so you may want to have an unabridged dictionary handy, especially if you are not familiar with academic theological terminology.
Don't let this scare you away. You can still learn a lot here just by skim reading.

Size: 9.75" x 12" x 4", 750-900+ pp. per volume, Used set $400 to $900, single vol. $12.00 to $72.75 online at http://dogbert.abebooks.com/ as of Sept. 02. Information given as example only. This web site is not affiliated in any way with any commercial web site.

A Social and Religious History of the Jews, Vols 1-19
Salo W. Baron, Columbia U. Press, 1952-1983
Vol.1: Ancient Times; Vol.2: Christian era.

"The most authoritative modern study of the Jewish history." Easier to read than a novel, yet contains as much detail and information as any other scholarly work. The first two volumes of the 1952 edition parallel the Bible with most of the text devoted to the time from the captivity of Judah to the time of the apostles (ca. 450 BC to 100 AD). These two volumes are of great help in understanding Jewish culture, politics and religion from the time of the Prophets to the time of Christ. The events detailed in the Bible make more sense when one understands the political and cultural environment.

The whole set is worth reading. The first two volumes are well worth owning. The volumes are arranged chronologically. However, in later volumes, the author introduces aspects of Jewish history and gives background going back centuries. In other words, some early Jewish history is covered in volumes 3-8 and perhaps in even later volumes. For particular subjects check the index in the back of each volume.

Full (large) set, used $250 and up. Individual volumes, used, $10 and up at http://dogbert.abebooks.com/
as of Sept. 02. Full sets vary from 3 vols (early editions, ca. 1937) to 19 vols (latest editions, ca. 1950-1983). Information given as example only. This web site is not affiliated in any way with any commercial web site.

The Wall Chart of World History From Earliest Times to the Present
A Facsimile Edition
Barnes and Noble Books 1999 ISBN: 076070970X
Third Millennium Edition Press Limited

Barnes and Noble 1995 Edition ISBN: 0880292393
by Edward Hull

This is a chart that folds into an oversize book format, with attractive hardbound covers. The chart is about 15 feet long, but can be used in the space of an oversize book. In other words it looks like a book but opens into a 15 foot long chart, or it can be studied like a book, by viewing only two "pages" at a time.

This may sound confusing, but world history was never made so simple. From Adam and Eve to 1994 AD, all the major kingdoms of the world and all the rulers are laid out in parallel paths on a timeline grid.

This colorful chart is extremely helpful in visually illustrating exactly how the events of the Bible relate to the timeline of events of secular world history.

"The Wall Chart is based on an original Victorian wall chart published in 1890. It follows the entire history of mankind and shows what was happening concurrently right around the world with illustrations of many major events, discoveries and prominent people. While maintaining the Victorian design, the chart has been updated and extended so that the time stream continues . . . up until the present day. There are new maps, charts and lots of fascinating facts and figures. . . . on the reverse [side] . . is a vast store of charts and extra information on family trees [of rulers], and different nations' rulers and dynasties.

Size: approx: 12" x 17.5" x .5" (closed) Chart approx. 15' long. Used $49.95 at http://www.alibris.com/ as of Sept. 02. Information given as example only. This web site is not affiliated in any way with any commercial web site.
Originally available at Barnes and Noble Bookstores for $29 to $39.

Soncino Commentaries (Soncino Books of the Bible) Vol. 1-14
London, Soncino Press 1945-1982

Hebrew text of the Old Testament with English translation and commentary. Most commentaries are by Protestant authors. This work is by prominent Jewish scholars and offers historical background and historical "traditions" not found elsewhere. (Note: Christ condemned the Jews' ritual and doctrinal "traditions" not historical traditions.)

Size: 230 - 1067 pp. per vol. Used $10 to $31.50 per vol. at http://dogbert.abebooks.com/
New 14 vol. set $239 at http://www.jewishstore.com/ as of Sept. 02. Information given as example only. This web site is not affiliated in any way with any commercial web site.

Jamieson, Fausset and Brown (JFB)
"Commentary Practical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible"
Zondervan Publishing, 1962

Commentaries can sometimes be very helpful in understanding a scripture historically or culturally. They can also be helpful by referencing related scriptures.
But commentaries are just that, one person's comments or personal opinions on scripture. As such they are often of little or no value to the Bible student who has read, studied, prayed about, or meditated upon any particular scripture. This is because spiritual understanding comes to us from God, through his Holy Spirit, and not through the human reasoning of other men.
Most commentaries reflect the doctrinal opinions of the authors or publishers and as such, constitute "church literature" rather than an unbiased reference work.
We have found JFB to be the least offensive, and therefore most helpful, of all the commentaries we have examined.

JFB is available for use on line at
http://cf.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_author.cfm?AuthorID=7

Size: 7" x 9" x 2.5", single vol., Zondervan, 1962, 1,591 pp. excel. cond. found at Half-Priced Books for $14.95 (in 1995). Also by various other publishers in sets of 1 to 6 vols., used, $7.50 to 94.95 per set, at http://www.alibris.com/
or at http://dogbert.abebooks.com/ as of Oct. 02. Information given as example only. This web site is not affiliated in any way with any commercial web site.

 

Jewish Encyclopedia

There are hundreds if not thousands of works titled "Jewish Encyclopedia". What we are recommending is the very large, multi-volume, library-style reference works which are available for use in many public and university libraries.
There is a growing trend among "Christian" organizations to "spice up" their belief systems with Jewish cultural "traditions" and "symbolism". It appears that this is an attempt to make "Christianity" more meaningful by understanding its historical and cultural background within Judaism.
It also appears that some have become entertained by symbolism and ritualism to the point of distraction from the Gospel of Christ. We have known some who have followed this route to conversion into Judaism.

This work, especially editions published 1890 to 1945, is invaluable in researching the subjects of Sabbath, Holy Days, Calendar and Jewish culture at the time of Christ.

Jewish Encyclopedia, 12 vol. set by Singer, Isidore, Funk wagnalls (1912), used $809.95 at http://www.alibris.com/ as of Oct. 02.

Encyclopaedia Judaica, 17 vol. set, Jerusalem 1972, used $766.84
CD-ROM edition, $462.04 at http://dogbert.abebooks.com/ as of Oct. 02. Information given as example only. This web site is not affiliated in any way with any commercial web site.

Dictionaries of Theology
Various publishers

These are not Bible dictionaries, but rather dictionaries of theological terms used in religious debate, in scholarly works on theology and by those who want to sound like they know more about religion than they actually do.

The main problem with these terms is that they often mean different things to different individuals or groups and have meant different things in different periods of history. For instance the Catholic and Orthodox Churches use a number of identical terms but with very different and sometimes opposite meanings. This is also true for Catholic/Anglican/Episcopalian/Orthodox churches on the one hand and Protestant churches on the other. It is also true for "mainstream" Christianity versus non-mainstream, and liberal versus conservative within many groups.

Two things to keep in mind concerning theological terms: 1) the meaning often varies depending upon the speaker or writer; and 2) some of these terms are often used by some people as negative generalizations to "brand" those holding an opposing view, as "heretics".

One theological dictionary is on line at http://www.carm.org/dictionary.htm

Links to approximately 50 dictionaries of religions and religious terms were found at http://stommel.tamu.edu/~baum/hyperref.html#religion

Copyright M.H. and G.H. 2002 All rights reserved.

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