A Little Book for New Bible Scholars: Why and How to Study the Bible (Little Books) by E. Randolph Richards

A Little Book for New Bible Scholars: Why and How to Study the Bible (Little Books) Reviews

• 
  Jason

  One of the best books I’ve read in a long time and exactly what I needed
• 
  Clayton Hashley

  A short and helpful book with some good thoughts leading into a study of biblical hermeneutics. Some quotes I liked:
  “A man who has lived in many places is not likely to be deceived by the local errors of his native village. The scholar has lived in many times, and is, therefore in some degree immune from the great cataract of nonsense that pours from the press and the microphone of his own age.”
  “ I have tested scripture in pursuit of the truth, and it has always faithfully led me back to the reliability of the Bible - even if sometimes it leads me away from some previously held interpretation.”
• 
  W. Joe

  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this little book and finished it in a day. The ideas in this book are simple but of paramount importance for those who are beginning to study the bible academically. Almost all the points made in the book have been mentioned and well summarised in articles freely available online. Hence, the main value and strength of this book are found in the numerous personal stories and anecdotes shared by the authors which I found all to be heart-warming, convicting and often humorous! Finally, I truly appreciate the tone of the book as well. I can sense the authors' spirit of gentleness and loving counsel as I read through the book. I definitely came away feeling encouraged and inspired to be a better student of the bible and to better live it out in my life and ministry!
• 
  John Kight

  The world of biblical studies is both strange and dangerous at times. Many enter into the field with very different aspirations and dreams than when they leave. This can be due to a lack of guidance going into Seminary or a lack of mentorship exiting. A Little Book for New Bible Scholars by E. Randolph Richards and Joseph R. Dodson is an excellent volume that offers seasoned advice and insight from two capable biblical scholars.
  
  E. Randolph Richards is dean and professor of biblical studies in the School of Ministry at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Richards received his Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is the author and coauthor of several books, including Paul Behaving Badly and Paul and First-Century Letter Writing. Joseph R. Dodson is associate professor of biblical studies at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Dodson received his Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen and is the author of The “Powers” of Personification.
  
  A Little Book for New Bible Scholars is a primer of sorts to the world of biblical studies. Richards and Dodson point readers towards the necessity of falling in love with the study of the Bible, and yet they don't shy away from the dangers that linger for those who “study” too much. Richards and Dodson also do an excellent job displaying the need for humility that accompanies the field of biblical studies. Richards and Dodson wittingly write, “the field of biblical studies reminds me that I am always only sometimes right” (p. 24). The authors encourage readers towards doing the difficult work of good exegesis because it is here that the life-giving message of the Scriptures comes alive—both personally and professionally (p. 52). Lastly, Richards and Dodson speak to the importance of communicating correctly for your audience, humility, and endurance.
  
  There is much to be praised about this volume. First, despite its small size, Richard and Dodson have packed it full of useful nuggets of wisdom. As a biblical studies major who holds three degrees in the field, I greatly admired the tone of the book and the manner in which Richards and Dodson spoke of the academic field to which we have devoted our lives. Second, while this book is targeted towards beginners, it is also an excellent and appropriate reminder for those seasoned in the field or even those who simply love to read and study the Bible. Lastly, I found the chapter “Biblical Studies is an Equal Opportunity Vocation” to be both refreshing and necessary. This inclusion is vital to the health and wellbeing of both the Church and the field of biblical studies. I commend them for the inclusion of this chapter and echo their encouragement for “female, black, Hispanic, and non-Western scholars to step up and do the hard work of biblical studies” (p. 79).
  
  There are few books that I would classify as essential reads for those entering into Seminary with an eye towards biblical studies, but A Little Book for New Bible Scholars by E. Randolph Richards and Joseph R. Dodson is certainly one of them. This is a delightful volume that will encourage and equip you for the road ahead. Richards and Dodson have done a tremendous job and I would gladly recommend it to incoming students and friends in the future!
• 
  Dougald

  This book is written to provide advice to students who are seeking a degree (or to study) in the area of biblical studies. It is part of a series that IVP Academic has been publishing recently. Many of the books in this series are very helpful. This one was a little disappointing when you compare it to Kelly Kapic's "A Little Book for New Theologians."
  
  So, let's start off with the features that were not necessarily helpful. First, it was a little vague as to who the audience was. Was this written to undergraduate, seminary students, future pastors, or those seeking Ph.D.s in the area of biblical studies? At times, the advice that was given could have been strengthened had the reader known who was being addressed.
  
  Second, it was vague in several spots. Certain sections of the book would have benefitted from some declarative statements or transitions that would have helped the reader piece together how, for example, we go from encouraging strong exegesis and then switch to a discussion concerning how to avoid fads. While these sections were not helpful, the point was a little muddied and appeared to be random. This may have also been contributed to by the very conversational style of this book which opted to tell stories to get a point across rather than say it. With that said, it may have been personal preference on my part.
  
  As far as the overall content of the book goes, the book is helpful to hand to a new seminary student. It encourages a love of biblical studies, humility in our approach, and provides helpful advice for anyone who wants to preach/teach/study the Bible.
  
  In short, while it is a helpful book, I am not sure it would be the first I would hand anyone who is interested in biblical studies.
• 
  Ethan

  An exhortation to Biblical scholarship and the exercise thereof.
  
  The first couple of chapters of this book read less as a "little book for new Bible scholars" as much as "an appeal for Bible students to enter higher education to become Bible scholars," focusing on why it is important to study the text in depth and how learning more about the Biblical contexts and cultures can not only enhance Biblical interpretation and thus exposition but also keeps the student from engaging in various fallacies and falling for plausible sounding yet erroneous readings. On account of this the book would be of some value to the person who fancies him or herself a strong Bible student but could use the training and honing which can come from pursuing a more serious curriculum of study...but would such a one know this book is for them as well based on the title?
  
  The last half of the book is more aligned with the title: warning students against allowing their knowledge to give them a bigger head, an (obligatory) exhortation for greater diversity and inclusivity in Biblical studies departments, and exhortation toward perseverance and faithfulness in study.
  
  The book would have value for the potential Bible scholar or young Bible student who may be considering higher education, should consider higher education, or is beginning their pursuit of higher education.
  
  **--galley received as part of an early review program
• 
  Chuck

  Richards and Dodson provide a book of encouragement to be Bible Scholars. The book is an apologetic for why advanced Biblical studies is helpful and needed for today's church (especially pastoral leadership). Filled with personal anecdotes, the authors offer helpful insight into misunderstood (misinterpreted) texts as examples of why deeper scholarship is needed.
  
  I was hoping for a book to offer as a reader for young believers. It wasn't that (not their problem, my misunderstanding of what was in the book). It could be used to encourage young leaders to deeper educational endeavors and provides illustrations for helping people see why good Bible scholarship is needed today.
• 
  Joanne

  a must read for the Bible graduate student
  
  I had just finished reading Thielecke’s book for young theologians, then turned to this book next. I’m so glad I did. There are great quotes from such well-known scholars as Lynn Cohick and Mark Strauss, and excellent counsel is given on every page. I found I was highlighting in page after page of thoughts I want to remember and mull over.
  
  Easy to read, and given in such a slim volume, you definitely have time to pick up this book. Like me, I think you will find it both profitable and beneficial to your growth as a student of Scripture and a follower of Jesus.
• 
  Adrian

  Excellence reminder to study and serving
  
  Excellence reminder of pursuing God than just Truth, danger of feeding the mind without guiding the heart. Wish the authors can share more about other scholars and their works.
• 
  Robert Coleman

  Useful for undergraduates who are considering but uncertain about a future in biblical studies.
• 
  Tim

  Quick and easy reading but extremely profound for all followers of Jesus. Very good points made with humorous and entertaining stories.
• 
  David Ames

  A book about why to study about the Bible, not necessarily how to.
  
  Authors provide convincing reasons to dig deeper into the study of God’s word. Brief yet clear and helpful little book.
• 
  Robert Durough, Jr.

  Inspired by Helmut Thielicke’s popular publication from 1962, A Little Exercise for Young Theologians, IVP Academic (of InterVarsity Press) has been putting out lengthier books—still quick reads—in it’s A Little Book for New [X]: Why and How to Study [Y] series. Thielicke’s work is so well done in that it shouldn’t be surprising to find it being quoted in these new books. So, what’s the point in trying to replace? I’m not sure that’s necessarily the intent, though some schools and classes may decide to go that route with their book requirements and recommendations.
  
  The latest addition to the series, A Little Book for New Bible Scholars: Why and How to Study the Bible by E. Randolph Richards and Joseph R. Dodson, is certainly not a replacement to Thielicke’s, but it is a welcome and helpful addition. Its helpful and encouraging contributions are often through narratives likely much more palatable and an easier introductory pull into the field for millennials than perhaps Thielicke’s language may be. It is also, as the title suggests, more specific to biblical studies than theology, a distinction students will (should) eventually learn. My only major criticism is on the awkward and uncomfortably forced chapter on equality wherein the authors encourage “female, black, Hispanic, and non-Western scholars to step up and do the hard work of biblical studies” (79). To be fair, it is a sincere and grace-filled attempt at inclusivity. As stated by one of the authors, “Sometimes white male scholars like me can be a jerk. (I may even have stated some things in this chapter in insensitive ways—forgive me.)” (87) That said, I would still recommend the book anyone interested in or considering academic Bible study.
  
  Note: I have not yet read Kelly M. Kapic’s A Little Book for New Theologians: Why and How to Study Theology (2012), thus I am unable to speak to how his approach may or may not be different from Thielicke’s and what may or may not be gained from reading it in conjunction with others in this series.
  
  *I received a temporary, unpublished digital copy for review from IVP Academic via NetGalley.