Global Perspectives on the Bible

Global Perspectives on the Bible is introduced perfectly in a short, yet concise preface of what readers should expect. Opening up the intro, the authors set the stage with their main concept—perspective. Since no two humans can ever be fully alike, the approaches made in this book are set through diverse religious viewpoints, ideas, and beliefs. The idea surrounding Global Perspectives on the Bible is to open the minds of readers of the extent differences and perceptions of the Bible.

The authors pinpoint three main ideas in regards to the format of the book. The first is the concept of an interactive triangle. For any text, a reader will come across his own perspective and the interpretations of other people. Whether or not he believes in the other explanations, it can open his worldview to other concepts. This is where the interactive triangle takes place. On one side we have the Bible itself, full of letters and parables written by different men. On the second side are the interpreters and their backgrounds. One might believe that the Bible is the living, true word of God, while another may think it a blasphemous text. It is through this that we make our way to the third side of the triangle—us; the readers themselves. With our own perspectives when reading an anthology, such as the Bible, mixed with the analyses of other writers, the dynamic interaction that takes place is so powerful. Our worldviews heighten, and our own insights develop. By the authors introducing the concept of an interactive triangle as a format for this book, we are able to have a clearer picture of how to move forward in studying Global Perspectives on the Bible.

The second idea given to the readers is the urge to seek out global perspectives. While this book does cover a wide range of views, it is pointed out that the variety is not a deep as it could be. There were many limitations when writing Global Perspectives on the Bible (such as having to be written