An Unbeliever's Guide to the Bible: Including the Apocrypha - Hardcover

Scrase, Leslie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1852001461 ISBN 13: 9781852001469

Publisher: United Writers Publications Ltd, 2010

Synopsis

With this book Leslie Scrase thoughtfully explains to readers exactly how the writing of the Bible was compiled over the two thousand years that it came into existence, he expands on what it means to the various different religions and, perhaps most importantly to the unbeliever, he uncovers those parts which are beautifully written and meaningful to humanity in general.

The author himself grew up in a Methodist family, attended a Methodist theological college, which was part of the London University, and then served as a minister for about 20 years. He had a few years as a presbyter of the Church of South India and was also Principal of the Medak Bible School whilst there. At this time he would read the Old Testament once every three years and the New Testament every year, giving him a deep knowledge of the text. He has also included within this guide the Apocrypha, the part of the Bible less read by Protestant Christians, because it contains passages of great thoughtfulness and beauty.

Over a period of time Leslie Scrase's views began to move away from Christianity, and the final realisation that he no longer had any religious beliefs lifted a great weight from his shoulders. Now he is able to take a dispassionate look at the Bible, consider it in context with both history and the many various religions which take inspiration from it, explain to unbelievers what it means to believers, and also extract those parts which have appeal and value to all mankind today without the need for religious ideology.

About this title

About the Author

Following his early childhood, which included attending a Methodist boarding school as an evacuee during the war years, the author spent his National Service in the Royal Navy. As mentioned in the main details about this book, he then attended theological college which led to his time in India. Amongst his writings during this period were works on the Eucharist (the sacrament of the Holy Communion) and the nature and meaning of priesthood, with Leslie coming down firmly on the Biblical and Protestant side of the `priesthood of all believers'.

It was in India that his pilgrimage away from Christianity began, although another 12 years would pass before `that great weight' was finally lifted from him. Since then he has written Humanism in the Ancient World; a book of Conversations between an atheist and a Christian on Mathew's Gospel and a series of short essays called Letting off Steam. He has also written autobiographical fiction, ordinary fiction, stories for adults and children, and three books of poetry.

Edition details

• Publisher: United Writers Publications Ltd
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1852001461
• ISBN 13: 9781852001469
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256