"With comprehensive and timely scholarly discussions, The Oxford Guide to Ideas & Issues of the Bible offers more than 200 informative articles by 174 distinguished scholars that cover major biblical concepts and institutions from afterlife and immortality to circumcision, and contemporary issues from adultery and abortion to divorce and homosexuality." "Designed as a reference for a wide audience, including general readers, students, teachers, and clergy, the Guide provides illuminating and authoritative entries on the issues and ideas that appear in and stem from the Jewish and Christian scriptures. Delve into critical interpretations of such topics as incarnation, sin, grace, baptism, the second coming of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Sabbath. Uncover a new perspective on pivotal events such as the Exodus and the Flood and learn about the realities of the world surrounding these events, including its feasts and its animals and plants. Learn how the Bible was produced and about its influence in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions. Here, ancient manuscripts such as the Dead Sea Scrolls shed new light on our modern understanding of the Bible and its historical context, and computers and archaeology offer new, fascinating means of interpretation. Arranged alphabetically, the Guide contains a detailed index for ease of use as well as a table of abbreviations and transliterations." "The Guide is an essential reference, sure to become a reader's first place to turn for factual information and contemporary perspectives on the Bible. With entries written by an international team of modern scholars and providing an up-to-date discussion of biblical issues and traditions, the Guide is an indispensable addition to any family library as well as an authoritative volume for scholars and students."--BOOK JACKET.