Contemporary readers often struggle with the Pentateuch, finding it difficult to understand, if not outright boring or even offensive. In this accessible survey textbook, David J. H. Beldman and Michael J. Rhodes help students discover that the Pentateuch is an essential launching pad and starting point for encountering God and God's ways in the world. These texts are the "big bang" of the Bible: The entire universe of the scriptural story spins out and takes shape from these first explosive texts.
 
Beldman and Rhodes help students read these texts within their literary, historical, canonical, and theological contexts. Textboxes highlight the way the Pentateuch can spark the theological, ethical, and missional imaginations of contemporary readers, and substantial "Living the Text" sections at the close of each chapter explore how God's people might live differently in response. In addition to the main chapters exploring the specific books of the Pentateuch, shorter "How to Read" chapters explore some of the Pentateuch's trickier terrain, including
 
● "How to Read Biblical Law Today: Wise Guidance for Justice, Mercy, and Mission";
● "How to Read Torah's Rituals Today: Sacred Rites and Holy Habits"; and
● "How to Read Violent Texts Today: Wrestling Until We Receive a Blessing."
 
This textbook is grounded in the view that the Pentateuch should be read as Christian Scripture. Although the book covers critical issues such as authorship, background, and history, its primary focus is on the message and theology of the Pentateuch and the contribution these texts make to the Christian canon. Indeed, Beldman and Rhodes argue throughout that the Pentateuch opens up horizons for Christian readers on some of today's most pressing theological, ethical, and missional questions.
 
Reading Christian Scripture is a series of survey textbooks that cover the Old and New Testaments. Beautifully designed in full color with maps, sidebars, images, and illustrations to hold interest and aid learning, Reading the Pentateuch as Christian Scripture offers a faith-friendly introduction to students. Additional resources for instructors are available through textbook eSources.