Henry Wansbrough

Introducing the New Testament presents the complex and often challenging texts and history of the New Testament in a clear and informative manner. The book begins with a section that gives readers a clear idea of how to use it most effectively for study and personal research, followed by a chapter which outlines the various manuscript traditions and processes of transmission that resulted in the biblical texts we have before us today. With this groundwork complete, readers are then introduced to all the texts of the New Testament, and to major issues and debates such as the ‘Historical Jesus’ the ‘Synoptic Problem’ and current debates surrounding inspiration—how these texts can be seen in both a historical context and in the context of religious faith. The book features maps, chapter summaries, sample essay questions, chapter bibliographies and reading lists, and an annotated glossary of key terms.… (meer)

Leading Catholic biblical scholar Henry Wansbrough provides a pithy and readable commentary covering all the Sunday readings for years A, B and C. Wansbrough provides incisive commentary informed by his many years of teaching and praying scripture as a scholar and Benedictine monk of Ampleforth Abbey, and member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission. For each Sunday a short commentary on the three readings is given, together with questions and suggestions for personal reflection, and a section for families looking at the readings together. A section covering major feasts, especially those which at times take the place of the Sunday is presented at the back of the book.… (meer)

I like this Bible! Quite a lot of history/context/footnoting considering it's primarily devotional and not scholarly in orientation, and the language is elevated without being anachronistic or unclear. And, in keeping with the enlightened spirit of the mid-twentieth-century Church when it was produced, they use the name Yahweh rather than the LORD (this has since been rolled back at the behest of Pope Benedict XV). There's a lot to like here and it's a good go-to Bible for when you don't care to get into Robert Alter territory.… (meer)