The Bible

The Biblical heritage is generally recognized as vital to the development and guidance of Western Civilization as we know it. It is also recognized that it is in the interest of both believers and skeptics that the Bible be read with care. Among the things to be noticed is the status of the virtue of prudence in various circumstances described in the Bible. Particularly revealing in George Anastaplo''s essays and appendices is what is shown about how intrinsically interesting the Biblical accounts are_accounts which not only offer guidance for everyday life but also instruction about the enduring questions that people everywhere have been asking for centuries. Thus, The Bible: Respectful Readings provides instruction for analyzing Biblical texts with care. It makes readers aware of both the questions addressed and the relevant evidence that should be assessed within The Bible. Winston Churchill counselled responsible thinkers today to address ''not only those . . . who enjoy the blessings and consolidation of revealed religion, but also . . . those who face the mystery of the human destiny alone.'' In keeping with this spirit, Respectful Readings accommodates to the wide range of prospective students of the sacred texts of Western Civilization.