Introducing the New Testament

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View books by John W. Drane.

for Liberals only - Rated
A liberal view of scripture that may offend many Evangelicals. I threw my copy in the bin.

Perfect! - Rated
This book by John Drane just the perfect Introduction to the New Testament going.

It is a good read and so is suitable for someone who wants a general introduction to the world that Jesus lived in and the early results of his life. Whilst the books simplicity makes it best for A-Level's it is also helpful for the undergraduate student.

Indispensable (and twice as thick as 'Introducing the OT'!) - Rated
In contrast to the next reviewer down, I find `Introducing the New Testament' invaluable to my studies (I'm just finishing the first year of a degree course with the London School of Theology). John Drane's easy-going style even when dealing with sometimes complex theological issues, coupled with the wonderfully user-friendly book layout (see my review of Drane's `Introducing the Old Testament') make this an excellent title. There is more than enough scholarly information here to begin serious NT studying while still being easily accessible enough for more casual Bible study.

I have been fortunate in being able to compare this revised edition with the previous edition: there has been a small but significant "sharpening up" of the text and the above mentioned layout has changed (and improved) greatly, and there is also (at least one) completely new Special Article - `The gospels as Graeco-Roman biography' (P168). It's surprising how much difference - and how greatly positive that difference is - between first and revised editions of this book.

As I said in my review of `Introducing the OT', this title should be considered mandatory to anyone even vaguely interested in Christian or biblical things.

Great for A-Level, forget it for University - Rated
I bought this book in my first year of my undergraduate studies in Theology, and although its very pretty, some great pictures and diagrams, it really lacks some scholarly emphasis and material. Having said that, thats what it is designed to do.

It is excellent in unfolding some of the issues, but as the title suggests, it really is an introduction. Some of the illustrations used to feel more reminiscent of a school book, so its really no good for university or serious bible study, but recommended for A-Level or beginners in the topic.

A fantastic resource. - Rated
This book provides a clear, easy to read account of the New Testament. The author gives a substantial overview of the social-political-religious context of the writing of the NT which is not bogged down in scholarly language. As an A-level Theology teacher, I needed a book not only to enhance my own background reading, but also one which I could recommend to my students as being accessible and interesting to read; this book fits that criteria.