According to a popular retreat master, one of the questions God will ask us at the judgment is... "How did you like my book?" As a Catholic, what do you think of the Bible? Do you feel drawn to the Bible, and yet somewhat intimidated by it? When you try to read the Bible, do you soon become discouraged by its many difficult passages, by page after page of strange names, by the stories that seem unrelated to your life today, or by the frequent portrayal of unfamiliar customs and practices? Perhaps the sheer sie of the book itself is overwhelming. This revised and expanded edition of A Catholic Guide to the Bible will help readers overcome such obstacles. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience as a priest and Catholic educator, author Father Oscar Lukefahr will take you by the hand and gently guide you through the Bible. For each of the seventy-three books in the Bible, Father Lukefahr offers pertinent historical background, information about the author and the literary style of the work, and a theological interpretation of selected passages based on the latest Scripture scholarship and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Following this "guided tour" through the pages of Scripture requires time and effort. But it will be well worth it. As Father Lukefahr writes, "Those who persevere will acquire the ability to understand any part of the Bible. As students of the piano must first learn to read notes in order to play beautiful music, so students of the Bible must learn the basics of biblical scholarship in order to read the Bible with ease and understanding." Once you understand the basics of biblical scholarship and know how to turn to the Bible as the Word of God, it will speak to you through its pages. With this book as your guide, the Bible can become a treasured companion, a friend on your journey through life. Now referenced to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.