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A guide for true beginners should assume they can read---and nothing else! Offering the ideal start-from-square-one introduction for curious inquirers and baffled new believers, Lang answers fundamental questions such as "Why two testaments?" and "Why so many versions?" Give newcomers to God's Word a quick grasp of the Bible---and the eternal treasures within. 250 pages, softcover from Harvest.

From the author of the bestselling Complete Book of Bible Trivia (over 700,000 copies sold) comes this instant reference guide to God's Word. This is the perfect foundational book for anyone who wants to learn about the Bible, its books, and the wonderful treasures within.

Not everyone knows what the Bible is, why it was written, how chapter and verse numbers work, and why we even read it today. In this helpful guide, author Stephen J. Lang answers many key questions, including...

• What are the books in the Bible named for?
• Why are there two testaments?
• Why are there so many versions?
• What do the chapter and verse numbers mean?
• Is the Bible the only "holy" book?

This is an ideal resource for anyone who has never used the Bible before, as well as for new believers. It will give them a running start on getting to know the God who loves them, and understanding the written Word He has given them.

J. Stephen Lang is a bestselling author who has written more than 30 books, with more than 1.7 million copies sold--including The Complete Book of Bible Trivia and 1,001 Things You Always Wanted to Know About the Bible. He is a regular contributor to Discipleship Journal, Today’s Christian, and other magazines. Stephen holds degrees in religion and communication.

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Author: J. Stephen Lang
Located in: Seminole, FL
Submitted: August 30, 2007

    Tell us a little about yourself.  I'm a full-time author, have published 40 books (2 more on the way), have an MA in communications, BA in religion, write the Bible IQ column for every issue of Today's Christian magazine.

    What was your motivation behind this project?  I did an article on biblical literacy for a major magazine and discovered something rather shocking: not only are most non-churchgoers very ignorant about the Bible, but so are many regular churchgoers. I decided to do a 'Square One' book on the Bible, with the most basic and essential information as possible, even explaining what 'chapter and verse' means, why Bibles have footnotes, how to begin reading the Bible, how to pick a translation, etc.

    What do you hope folks will gain from this project?  I had several types of reader in mind: 1) the new Christian, 2) the seeker, 3) the Christian who needs a 'refresher' course in the basics of the Bible. All 3 groups will get the 'boot camp' course in studying the Bible, including a brief introduction to all its books, a glossary of important biblical terms, chapters on how to use the Bible in decision-making, prayer, etc. When you finished the book, you won't be an expert, but you will know The Basics, enough to set you on the right path for a lifetime enjoyment of the Book.

    How were you personally impacted by working on this project?  Going 'back to basics' is a great thing for any author, since it helps us realize what is really essential in matters of faith. Too often we 'religious professionals' get too involved in scholarly matters like what date certain books of the Bible were written, that sort of thing. The truth is, we ought to all concentrate on the key messages of the Bible, not the side issues. C. S. Lewis wrote a classic titled Mere Christianity. I like to think that I have written Mere Bible.

    Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists?  My years as a religious book editor gave me insights into thinking like a scholar while writing like a layman, and I write for the lay audience. My favorite authors are those who sound like an intelligent friend, not like a professor or minister.

    Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know:  I would be extremely pleased if this became THE book that churches and Bible study groups use to help train new Christians and to introduce seekers to the essentials of the Bible.

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