Holy Imagination: A Literary and Theological Introduction to the Whole Bible
Mar 2021 · Abingdon Press
Ebook
220
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About this ebook
Enter the conversation Scripture has been having all along.
Think of Scripture as a conversation. All those different voices throughout the Bible are talking with each other—and with you. When you listen to that whole conversation, you discover truths that are bigger than any single book or verse. This guide looks at the Bible through both literary and theological lenses, organizing sections by their style—whether that’s history, poetry, prophecy, gospel letters, or apocalyptic writing. We’ll explore what makes each type unique and what insights they offer.
Scripture doesn’t just happen to find us—it travels a long way to meet us right where we are. Like poetry, it asks us to pay attention. Poetry doesn’t always make sense at first glance, and it doesn’t promise easy answers. We have to look beyond the surface words to find the images, the sounds, the metaphors that carry real meaning. This kind of writing doesn’t just invite your imagination—it demands it.
Here’s the thing: we’ll never understand everything completely, but we can get close enough. Our imagination helps fill in the gaps where the language is sparse or stories feel incomplete. That’s why we keep coming back to the same passages with fresh eyes. The words stay the same, but we change. We bring new experiences and understanding each time. And that’s exactly why there are always new discoveries waiting for us.
Think of Scripture as a conversation. All those different voices throughout the Bible are talking with each other—and with you. When you listen to that whole conversation, you discover truths that are bigger than any single book or verse. This guide looks at the Bible through both literary and theological lenses, organizing sections by their style—whether that’s history, poetry, prophecy, gospel letters, or apocalyptic writing. We’ll explore what makes each type unique and what insights they offer.
Scripture doesn’t just happen to find us—it travels a long way to meet us right where we are. Like poetry, it asks us to pay attention. Poetry doesn’t always make sense at first glance, and it doesn’t promise easy answers. We have to look beyond the surface words to find the images, the sounds, the metaphors that carry real meaning. This kind of writing doesn’t just invite your imagination—it demands it.
Here’s the thing: we’ll never understand everything completely, but we can get close enough. Our imagination helps fill in the gaps where the language is sparse or stories feel incomplete. That’s why we keep coming back to the same passages with fresh eyes. The words stay the same, but we change. We bring new experiences and understanding each time. And that’s exactly why there are always new discoveries waiting for us.
Enter the conversation Scripture has been having all along.
Think of Scripture as a conversation. All those different voices throughout the Bible are talking with each other—and with you. When you listen to that whole conversation, you discover truths that are bigger than any single book or vers...
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About the author
Judy Fentress-Williams (AB Princeton; MDiv and PhD Yale) is Professor of Old Testament at Virginia Theological Seminary since 2002 and taught previously at Hartford Seminary. She is author of several publications, including the Abingdon Old Testament Commentary: Ruth.
Judy Fentress-Williams (AB Princeton; MDiv and PhD Yale) is Professor of Old Testament at Virginia Theological Seminary since 2002 and taught previously at Hartford Seminary. She is author of several publications, including the Abingdon Old Testament Commentary: Ruth.
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