The Bible

Description

The Bible: A Global History by Bruce Gordon is a sweeping narrative that chronicles the remarkable journey of the Bible over more than two millennia. Gordon, a professor of ecclesiastical history at Yale Divinity School, delves into how this sacred text has been both shaped by and has shaped diverse cultures, languages, and historical contexts across the globe.

The book explores the Bible’s transformation from its early formation as a codex in the second century to its pivotal role during the Reformation, and its expansive reach into the Global South in contemporary times. Gordon highlights the Bible’s dual capacity to inspire both liberation and oppression, serving as a tool for colonialism while also being a source of hope in struggles for freedom. He illustrates its presence in varied settings—from desert monasteries and Chinese house churches to Byzantine cathedrals and Guatemalan villages—emphasizing its dynamic and evolving nature.