Douglas A. Jacoby

There have been many books created with the goal of introducing people to the Bible. Hermeneutical guides, Bible handbooks, "Cliff's Notes", and excerpts from various books of the Bible. Sometimes the attempt to introduce a newbie to the Bible results in an enormous and unwieldy reference book, while other times the end result is a neutered book that fails to capture the beauty and power of the world's greatest book. Douglas A. Jacoby has given us what may be the best designed and most user-friendly yet faithful and in-depth introduction to the Bible. "A Quick Overview of the Bible: Understanding How All the Pieces Fit Together" looks to be an amazing little book which will fill a needed role. And it comes complete with an online resource for how to use it in small groups and SS classes too.
The book hits on many of the questions people have today, such as why the God of the OT is so mean, and if there really is a unity to Scripture. At the same time, it covers basic facts, names, places, geography and the sorts of things a handbook would cover. Then again, the book introduces the reader to each genre of Scripture covering most of the Biblical books as well. A historical storyline is provided too, which helps situate the books and the overall message of Scripture. Themes and theological development are highlighted, and Scriptural allusions are as well.
The book stays practical but informative, it comes at Scripture from a believing standpoint, yet is careful to not be overly sectarian. It is the sort of tool that almost any Bible teacher could pick up and use as a starting point for an overview class, filling in any perceived gaps or clarifying any different emphases with their own perspective. The format of the book includes pictures, maps, charts and graphs as well as a clearly outlined presentation. And the discussion is succinct and clear above all, which helps keep the work limited to around 250 pages with a very readable font.
This book excites me, and I'm happy to have been able to review it. I hope it will be a help to many in the church, both those who want to read Scripture but need guidance, and those who want a refresher on seeing how all the disparate parts of Scripture fit together into a single and compelling story.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Harvest House Publishers. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.… (més)

NCLA Review: The author of this work, Douglas A. Jacoby, claims to be a "freelance Bible teacher and consultant." I must confess, I have no idea what that is. My guess is that in claiming to be "freelance," Jacoby wants to establish his bona fides as being "objective” (i.e., free from any denominational bias). However, when it comes to the Bible, any attempt to provide answers as to what it means comes with an agenda. It is the author's failure to acknowledge that agenda which is his undoing. According to Jacoby, the questions addressed in this work were submitted to him by "real people" throughout the world. Granted. That still does not make these questions "mine" as the title suggests; it only makes them "someone's." There are times the answers Jacoby provides are solid and helpful. At other times, they are puerile and confusing. Most often they say nothing at all new. So… should you purchase this book? I think not. Rating: 1 —WS… (més)