This beginner's guide to the Bible is based on the author's experience teaching the Bible for over 20 years. The persons and incidents in the Old Testament that you must know to understand God's revelation of himself and his will to the people of Israel (and to us) are highlighted. Readers will discover promises God made to his people (despite their faithlessness), fulfilling most of them in Christ Himself. Themes and events in the New Testament are seen in an important light - as reinforcements and enlargements of themes from the Old Testament. Written by an Episcopalian priest but the message is aimed at a broad audience by concentrating on the basics of the Christian faith. ENDORSEMENTS: Father Furrer has provided us with a true handbook - what the ancients called an Enchiridion - of the Christian faith. In the tradition of the apolo¬gists he has anticipated the questions, doubts and confusions which can and do arise in human minds on so many points of doctrine. This is a fine book which will serve well in both parish and private study. ~ Edward F. Duffy Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Fairfield, CT Adjunct Professor of NT Greek at Hartford SeminaryCanon Furrer has combined his pastoral and academic knowledge into a simple and practical book for the Christian and non-Christian reader in search of knowing what the Bible is all about and its relevance to the twenty-first century. I recommend it for all who desire to understand the Bible in histori¬cal, social and ethical contexts. ~The Rt. Rev. Josiah Idowu-Fearon, PhD Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kaduna, NigeriaIn a clear and straightforward style, Furrer lays out the major biblical themes, inserting commentary and scripture quotations so as never to stray far from the actual text. Each chapter ends with useful questions for reflection. This is a book you can give to someone looking for guidance with confidence that they will find the guidance they need. ~Rev. Christopher Webber Author of A Year with American Saints (and other books)ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The Rev. Canon Tom Furrer has served in parish ministry in the Epis-copal Diocese of Connecticut since 1986. He is currently the Rector of Trinity Church in Tariffville. He is also President of Kateri Medical Services, Inc., a non-profit corporation which funds and facilitates ba¬sic health care for residents of rural villages in Nigeria.All proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the ministry of providing simple, decent and affordable health care for the rural poor in Nigeria.