The Living Word

The Living Word provides an introduction to the Sacred Scriptures and to the unfolding of salvation history, with a particular focus on Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of salvation history. Revelation, both Divine and natural, is explored, as are inspiration, interpretation, and exegesis. The second edition of our popular Living In Christ series offers updated navigation, organizing and synchronizing curriculum across both teacher guides and student books. The student books have shifted from a section-part-article structure to a unit-chapter-article structure where sections become units and a part is now a chapter.

Grounded in the Living Word responds to the disconnect between pastoral care and biblical interpretation in a unique and much-needed manner. In this cross-disciplinary conversation Denise Dombkowski Hopkins and Michael S. Koppel engage the intersections between biblical stories and human stories in order to assist care practitioners and Bible interpreters in the transformative work of healing pastors, communities, and ultimately, creation.

Reading a translation of any book is just not the same as reading it in its original language and is adequately stated in the phrase "lost in the translation." Whenever a text is translated from one language to another it loses some of its flavor and substance. The problem is compounded by the fact that a language is tied to the culture that uses that language. When the text is read by a culture different from the one it is written in, it loses its cultural context. A Biblical example of this can be found in the Hebrew word tsur which is translated as a rock - "He only is my rock and my salvation, he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved" (Psalm 62:2, KJV). What is a rock and how does it apply to God? To us it may mean solid, heavy or hard but the cultural meaning of the word tsur is a high place in the rocks where one runs to for refuge and defense, a place of salvation. "The Living Words" is an in-depth study into the Ancient Hebrew vocabulary and culture of the Bible replacing the flavor and substance that has been removed from us.

A provocative examination of the Bible in Christian tradition and contemporary culture

Timothy Ward offers an excellent, lucid exposition of the nature and function of Scripture, expressed in a form appropriate for the tweny-first century, grounded in the relevant scholarship, and standing firmily in line with the best of the theological traditions.

The bestselling author of The Lamb’s Supper continues his thoughtful exploration of the complex relationship between the Bible and the Catholic liturgy in a revelatory work that will appeal to all readers. Scott Hahn has inspired millions of readers with his perceptive and unique view of Catholic theology and worship, becoming one of the most looked-to contemporary authorities in these areas. In Letter and Spirit, Hahn extends the message he began in The Lamb’s Supper, offering far-reaching and profound insights into what the Bible teaches us about living the spiritual life. For both Christians and Jews, the texts of the Bible are not simply records of historical events. They are intended, through public recitations in churches and synagogues, to bring listeners and readers into the sweeping story of redemption as it unfolds in the Bible. Focusing on the Catholic Mass, Hahn describes how God’s Word is meant to open our eyes to the life-giving power of the sacraments, and how the liturgy brings about the “actualization” of the saving truths of Scripture. Letter and Spirit is a stunningly original contribution to the field of biblical studies and will help Hahn’s many loyal and enthusiastic readers understand the relationship between the Bible and the Mass in a deeper way.

How does your personal faith journey relate to the big picture of the Bible? Christians often encounter various Bible passages through unrelated readings, studies, and sermons, making it difficult to grasp the progression of Scripture as a whole. Living God's Word surveys the entire Bible through broad themes that trace the progression of God's redemptive plan, focusing on how each portion of Scripture fits into the overarching narrative. Once you see the Bible as a Great Story, you'll begin to see how your own life fits into what God has done and is doing in the world. Each section of Living God's Word deals with a section of Scripture and includes: Reading and listening preparation An explanation A summary Observations about theological significance Connections to the Great Story Written assignments for further study Living God's Word is ideal for introductory college courses, adult Sunday school classes, small groups, or anyone who wants to understand how their life fits into the story of the Bible, enabling them to live faithfully in deep and important ways.

**The Subcommittee on the Catechism, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has found this catechetical text, copyright 2011, to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. "I have to admit that I was hesitant about a complete change of curriculum to meet the bishops' framework, but the work Saint Mary's Press has done makes me confident that I can teach the new curriculum with enthusiasm and academic rigor. Thank you for the offerings of these student texts and teacher guides." -Mary Hansel Parlin, Cotter High School religion teacher The Bible: The Living Word of God provides an introduction to the Sacred Scriptures and to the unfolding of salvation history, with a particular focus on Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of salvation history. Revelation, both Divine and natural, is explored, as are inspiration, interpretation, and exegesis. The course guides the students in coming to know the people of salvation history, including the early leaders of Israel; the judges, kings, and the prophets; and the history of salvation as revealed in the New Testament. The students also learn about the role of the Scriptures in the life of faith for the individual as well as for the life of the Church

The Living Word is a collection of 366 daily readings that reflect on the power and impact of the Bible in history. It tells the story of the Bible across time-its challenges and triumphs, its dynamic power and preservation against all odds. The stories and insights in these collected readings will inform, inspire, and invite reflection. But most important, it will encourage readers to engage God's Word in new and interesting ways.