What is *What Are Biblical Values?* by John J. Collins about?

*What Are Biblical Values?* examines how biblical texts address modern ethical issues like gender roles, environmental stewardship, and social justice. John J. Collins analyzes contradictions and historical context within scripture, arguing against simplistic "biblical values" claims. The book emphasizes critical engagement with texts to navigate complex moral dilemmas, blending scholarly rigor with accessibility for general readers.

Who should read *What Are Biblical Values?*?

This book suits theologians, students of religious studies, and anyone exploring biblical ethics’ relevance to contemporary debates. It’s ideal for readers seeking a historically grounded analysis of scripture’s stance on issues like slavery, marriage, and violence, written by a leading Yale scholar.

Is *What Are Biblical Values?* worth reading?

Yes—readers praise Collins’ objective scholarship and ability to clarify complex biblical ethics. While some critique its depth on specific topics, the book’s analysis of textual contradictions and modern applicability makes it a thought-provoking resource for addressing today’s moral challenges.

How does *What Are Biblical Values?* interpret the Bible’s creation narratives?

Collins frames Genesis as establishing humanity’s responsibility to care for creation while acknowledging diverse interpretations. He links these narratives to environmental ethics and gender roles, showing how ancient frameworks inform modern debates about stewardship and equality.

What does *What Are Biblical Values?* say about gender roles in the Bible?

The book highlights conflicting biblical views on gender, noting passages affirming women’s dignity alongside patriarchal norms. Collins argues against oversimplification, showing how contextual analysis reveals progressive insights relevant to contemporary equality discussions.

How does the book address biblical views on social justice?

Collins identifies social justice as a central theme, citing prophetic critiques of oppression and calls to uplift marginalized groups. He connects these ancient principles to modern movements, urging ethical engagement with economic inequality and systemic injustice.

What does *What Are Biblical Values?* say about environmental ethics?

The book ties environmental responsibility to creation narratives and wisdom literature, arguing for biblically grounded stewardship. Collins critiques exploitative interpretations, advocating for ecological ethics aligned with scripture’s emphasis on creation care.

How does Collins analyze slavery in the Bible?

He contrasts biblical acceptance of slavery with liberation themes in Exodus and prophetic texts. The book underscores ethical tensions, showing how abolitionist movements later reinterpreted scripture to oppose slavery, demonstrating evolving moral applications.

성서의 가치란 무엇인가

주요 윤리적 쟁점에 대한 성경의 가르침

존 J. 콜린스

4.04(146 Reviews)

성서의 가치란 무엇인가 개요

콜린스는 학술적인 정밀함과 놀라운 통찰력을 바탕으로 "성경적 가치"에 대한 우리의 가정을 반박합니다. 옥스퍼드 대학의 존 바튼(John Barton)으로부터 "현명하고 통찰력 있다"는 찬사를 받은 이 도발적인 탐구는 왜 성경이 "마법 같은 해답지"가 아니라 훨씬 더 매혹적인 존재인지를 밝혀냅니다.

전달 방식을 선택하세요

한 권의 책, 다양한 듣기 방식.

성서의 가치란 무엇인가의 같은 아이디어를 담았습니다. 나에게 맞는 목소리, 깊이, 속도를 고르고 언제든 바꿔 보세요.

1장

When Biblical Values Collide with Modern Morality

What does the Bible actually say about the hot-button issues that dominate today's political discourse? When politicians and religious leaders invoke "biblical values," they often reduce complex scriptural traditions to simplistic positions on contentious topics like homosexuality and abortion. In his meticulously researched work, John J. Collins, a distinguished Yale professor of Old Testament criticism and interpretation, challenges these reductive readings by examining what the Bible truly affirms across a range of crucial ethical issues. The book has garnered acclaim from religious scholars across denominational lines for its intellectual honesty and nuanced approach. Collins doesn't merely catalog biblical positions-he invites readers into the centuries-long conversation that constitutes biblical ethics, showing how these ancient texts continue to shape modern moral discourse even as they sometimes contradict our contemporary values.

2장

The Challenge of Biblical Interpretation

The very notion of determining "what the Bible says" presents fundamental challenges. Texts don't speak for themselves but require interpreters to convey meaning. Our presuppositions inevitably influence interpretation, yet meaning isn't purely subjective either. The Bible's original languages and historical contexts impose linguistic and grammatical limits on valid interpretations. Meaning emerges through negotiation between author and reader-new perspectives are inevitable across generations, but valid interpretations must account for the words on the page without violating their grammar or ancient context. Those who appeal to what the Bible "says" often mask their interpretive responsibility behind claims of textual authority: "It's not I who say this, but the Bible." This "textual foundationalism" treats Scripture as a firm foundation for knowledge while obscuring the interpreter's role. Critics rightly note that historical interpretation of the Bible has supported unethical positions, as in nineteenth-century slavery debates where defenders correctly observed that neither Moses nor Jesus outlawed slavery. We must distinguish between determinate meaning and biblical authority. On issues like slavery, genocide, and patriarchy, biblical texts are clear but problematic from modern perspectives. Intellectual honesty requires acknowledging these contradictions rather than distorting texts to align with contemporary values. For meaningful interfaith dialogue, we must view biblical texts beyond our own traditions, examining what they meant in their original contexts. This historical focus provides distance through criteria not derived from modern faith commitments. The Bible isn't a coherent treatise but a collection of writings developed over a millennium, containing diverse and sometimes contradictory theologies. Deuteronomy differs from Leviticus, Job questions both, while Matthew and James diverge from Paul. We cannot extract a single coherent set of values from Scripture. As Shakespeare noted, "The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose." Biblical support alone doesn't establish a value's validity when other passages may undercut it.

들리는 모든 단어를 눈으로 확인하세요

성서의 가치란 무엇인가의 각 단어가 오디오에 맞춰 실시간으로 강조되어 편하게 따라 읽을 수 있습니다.

3장

Creation, Covenant, and Apocalypse: Biblical Frameworks

Before examining specific ethical issues, we must understand three conceptual frameworks that shape biblical ethics: creation, covenant, and eschatology. Each contains presuppositions about the world and human condition that differ significantly from modern perspectives. Creation provides the basic framework for biblical ethics, establishing humanity's nature and our relationship with the world. Biblical creation accounts aren't factual records but imaginative stories using ancient Near Eastern idioms. Genesis 1-2 offers two different accounts; poetic passages present creation as combat between God and chaos monsters; Proverbs portrays creation through divine wisdom. These diverse models warn against literal interpretation. Neither creationism nor attempts to harmonize Genesis with modern science are appropriate approaches. Genesis 1 presents an orderly world with humanity created in God's image, suggesting humans must be treated with dignity. Genesis 2-3 offers a different perspective where humans were created for agricultural work, never immortal but with a missed opportunity for immortality. The story explains human suffering through disobedience-the curses describing childbirth pain, subjection of women to husbands, and difficult agricultural labor reflect the ancient understanding of the human condition. Both creation accounts share the foundational principle that humans are created beings subject to a higher power-a view contrary to modern secular humanism. Most Old Testament laws appear within the specific context of the covenant between God and Israel, modeled on ancient Near Eastern vassal treaties. The covenant includes historical context (primarily the Exodus), stipulations for behavior, and consequences. Remarkably, like ancient treaties requiring vassals to "love" their overlord, Deuteronomy commands Israelites to "love the Lord your God"-not as emotion but as loyalty and obedience. The biblical worldview underwent radical transformation from its original this-worldly orientation to an apocalyptic perspective. Early biblical thought assumed earth's permanence, with human destiny fulfilled on earth and no afterlife judgment. This changed dramatically with apocalyptic literature emerging around the second century BCE. Daniel introduces resurrection and afterlife judgment, while later works speak of the world's end. The New Testament fully embraces apocalypticism, with Paul declaring "if for this life only we have hoped... we are of all men most to be pitied." This shift fundamentally changes biblical values-from seeking long life and descendants to pursuing eternal salvation.

4장

Life and Death: A Biblical Perspective

The Bible fundamentally conflicts with modern ethical frameworks by not using rights-based language. While modern discourse centers on human rights as inherent, universal, and equal, biblical discourse is theocentric, concerned with God's will rather than human entitlements. This contrast becomes especially evident when examining whether the Bible supports a "right to life." The Bible's ambivalence toward a "right to life" is shockingly revealed in Exodus 22:29-30, which commands firstborn sons be given to God, just like firstborn livestock. While this command was later modified to allow redemption, its existence demonstrates God's ultimate prerogative over life. The famous story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac shows no suggestion that Isaac had any right to life. Other biblical accounts, like Jephthah sacrificing his daughter after a vow, further undermine any notion of an inherent right to life. Genesis 9:5-6 affirms the sanctity of human life by referencing creation in God's image, yet paradoxically prescribes death for those who shed blood. The Hebrew Bible mandates capital punishment with alarming frequency-not just for murder, but for striking or cursing parents, being rebellious, adultery, working on the Sabbath, consulting mediums, and pagan worship. Though Jewish apologists like Philo boasted of this severity, evidence suggests these penalties weren't always applied. Remarkably, the Bible never directly addresses abortion, though evidence shows the practice existed in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. The closest reference is Exodus 21:22-25, which concerns accidental miscarriage during a fight, not intentional abortion. Jewish tradition in the Mishnah permitted abortion when the mother's life was endangered, considering the fetus a person only after birth began. Early Christian writings like the Didache and Epistle of Barnabas (2nd century CE) explicitly condemned abortion, with Tertullian declaring "to forbid birth is only quicker murder." Despite these later traditions, neither Testament explicitly prohibits or sanctions abortion, making it impossible to claim abortion as a central biblical concern.

성서의 가치란 무엇인가에서 더 많은 것을 얻으세요

매일 새로운 인사이트를 10만 개 이상의 레슨에서 만나보세요
단어가 강조되어 오디오와 실시간으로 동기화됩니다
내 라이브러리를 저장하고 모든 기기에서 이용하세요

5장

Gender, Sexuality, and Biblical Authority

Genesis 1:27 presents humanity created in God's image as both male and female-a remarkably progressive concept establishing that both sexes share equally in the divine image. However, the ambiguous use of the Hebrew term "adam" has contributed to androcentrism. While Genesis 1 establishes binary gender, it doesn't specify distinct social roles for men and women. The text doesn't define marriage exclusively as between one man and one woman, as later biblical narratives show many protagonists with multiple wives. The modern concept of homosexuality as an orientation or identity didn't exist in biblical times. The term "homosexuality" emerged only in the late 19th century, when same-sex attraction began to be viewed as an identity rather than merely acts. While Plato's Symposium offered early theories about different sexual orientations, such theorizing was entirely absent from biblical texts. The Hebrew Bible contains few references to same-sex relations. The story of Sodom involves attempted male rape of visitors rather than consensual relations, focusing primarily on violations of hospitality. Ezekiel 16:49 identifies Sodom's sin as pride and neglect of the poor, not sexual behavior. Sexual acts between males are explicitly condemned in only two verses: Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, both found in the Holiness Code. Scholars debate the precise meaning of the prohibition-whether it refers specifically to anal intercourse or encompasses multiple sexual activities. Notably, there is no corresponding prohibition against relations between women. The New Testament contains minimal discussion of same-sex relations. Jesus never addresses the subject in any Gospel. Paul provides the only explicit references, most notably in Romans 1:26-27, where he describes same-sex relations as "degrading passions" and "unnatural." His argument draws on Greco-Roman philosophical concepts of what is "natural" rather than Hebrew Bible precedents. The terms malakoi (literally "soft people") and arsenokoitai appear in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 as categories of people who "will not inherit the kingdom of God." These few explicit condemnations reflect Hellenistic Jewish cultural assumptions rather than a central biblical concern.

6장

Marriage, Family, and Gender Roles

The Genesis story of Adam and Eve has profoundly shaped perceptions of gender relations despite receiving little attention in the Hebrew Bible itself. Several elements establish male precedence: Adam's creation before Eve, her formation from his rib, and her creation as his "helpmate." The clearest subordination appears in Genesis 3:16, where God tells Eve "he shall rule over you" as part of humanity's punishment. This descriptive statement about human suffering became prescriptive in later tradition. Although Genesis portrays both Adam and Eve as responsible for disobedience, later texts like Ben Sira and 1 Timothy shifted blame primarily to Eve. The Hebrew Bible presents a spectrum of material regarding women's status. Women could not inherit unless there were no sons, and their religious vows could be nullified by fathers or husbands. Polygamy was accepted though increasingly rare after the exile. Adultery was defined as relations with another man's wife, with both parties liable to death. Divorce in the Hebrew Bible was a man's unquestioned right, with grounds described vaguely as "something objectionable." Women couldn't initiate divorce in biblical law, though evidence shows Jewish women could divorce in some communities. Only the prophet Malachi raised his voice against divorce, possibly based on Genesis 2:24's "one flesh" concept. Though the Hebrew Bible isn't consistently patriarchal in a technical sense, it maintains an androcentric worldview throughout. Women like Deborah appear as exceptional leaders, and Proverbs 31 praises the "capable wife," but women's roles remained tightly circumscribed by men. Ben Sira reveals this perspective clearly, describing daughters as "secret anxiety" and praising the "silent wife" as "a gift from the Lord." The New Testament presents a radical shift from the Hebrew Bible's family focus. With belief in the world's imminent end, Jesus rarely preaches about families, and when he does, his statements can be shocking: "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children... cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26). Jesus prioritizes discipleship over family obligations. He himself remained unmarried and acknowledged some might "make themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of God." While Jesus chose not to marry, he didn't reject marriage for others. His views on divorce appear in all three Synoptic Gospels and in Paul's writings. In Mark and Luke, Jesus takes a radical stance against divorce, citing Genesis to argue that "what God has joined together, let no one separate." Matthew allows an exception for unchastity, and Paul permits separation when an unbeliever wants to end the marriage.

들리는 모든 단어를 눈으로 확인하세요

성서의 가치란 무엇인가의 각 단어가 오디오에 맞춰 실시간으로 강조되어 편하게 따라 읽을 수 있습니다.

7장

Humanity and the Natural World

The Bible's role in shaping attitudes toward nature became central to debate after Lynn White Jr.'s 1967 article. White traced human exploitation of nature to Genesis 1:26-30, which grants humanity "dominion" over all creatures. Yet this mandate was given at creation's dawn when earth was uninhabited-intended for clearing wilderness to allow human flourishing, not exploitation through modern technology. Genesis places limits on human dominion: initially plants but not animals were given for food, and blood consumption was later restricted. The creation account ends with Sabbath rest, suggesting boundaries to human activity. The clearest indication of Israelite attitudes toward nature appears in land-use laws. Exodus 23:10-11 mandates letting fields lie fallow every seventh year so the poor and wild animals may eat-an extrapolation of the Sabbath rest. Leviticus 25 extends this concept, declaring the land belongs to the Lord, with people merely managing it on God's behalf. Deuteronomy adds further restraints: prohibiting destruction of fruit trees during sieges, requiring assistance for fallen animals, and protecting mother birds. Biblical authors never envision humanity subduing the entire earth. Wilderness and desert always exist on civilization's fringes, with reduction to wilderness seen as punishment for a land. Yet even destroyed lands provide habitat for creatures, as Isaiah 34 notes of Edom becoming home to jackals and owls. Prophetic visions imagine wilderness transformed-deserts blooming, predators living peacefully with prey-but this represents harmony rather than human dominion. Unlike the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament is written with the conviction that this world is passing away. Jesus doesn't directly address environmental treatment, but his teachings have implications. In the Sermon on the Mount, he notes God's care for birds and flowers, suggesting their intrinsic worth. His parables draw heavily from nature and agriculture, and his lifestyle modeled living in harmony with creation. Though some miracles demonstrate dominion over nature, Jesus primarily promotes a non-acquisitive lifestyle that counters the exploitative ethos of modern society.

8장

Slavery, Liberation, and Human Dignity

The story of Israel's liberation from Egyptian slavery offers a powerful paradigm that has inspired oppressed peoples throughout history. The Exodus narrative establishes empathy for the marginalized as a core biblical value. The Israelites are repeatedly urged to remember their experience in Egypt: "You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt." This memory should cultivate compassion toward aliens, treating them "as the citizen among you." Despite advocating empathy, the Bible never condemns slavery as an institution. Biblical law regulates rather than abolishes it. The Book of the Covenant begins with slave regulations modeled on Hammurabi's Code, though with longer servitude periods (six years rather than three). These laws favor slave owners-enslaved men who wish to remain with wives given during servitude must become permanent slaves. While Deuteronomy revises these laws to apply equally to male and female slaves and exhorts owners to provide for freed slaves, it still accepts the institution. Leviticus edges closer to prohibiting enslavement of fellow Israelites but explicitly permits enslaving foreigners permanently. Jesus frequently references slavery in parables without questioning its morality. He speaks of faithful and wicked slaves receiving appropriate rewards or punishments, and depicts slaves serving their masters as the natural order. While some parables might implicitly critique debt slavery's harshness, Jesus generally appeals for humane implementation rather than abolition of the system. Paul's baptismal formula in Galatians 3:28 declares "no longer slave or free," yet Paul doesn't abolish these distinctions in daily life. In 1 Corinthians 7, he tells slaves "do not be concerned" about their status, as they are spiritually free in Christ. When discussing Onesimus in Philemon, Paul subtly asks his owner to receive him as "more than a slave, a beloved brother" without explicitly demanding manumission. The later Pauline epistles prioritize social conformity over slave liberation. Colossians instructs slaves to "obey your earthly masters in everything" as service to Christ himself, while masters should treat slaves justly. These household codes reflect concern that Christianity not develop a reputation for encouraging social insubordination.

성서의 가치란 무엇인가에서 더 많은 것을 얻으세요

매일 새로운 인사이트를 10만 개 이상의 레슨에서 만나보세요
단어가 강조되어 오디오와 실시간으로 동기화됩니다
내 라이브러리를 저장하고 모든 기기에서 이용하세요

9장

Violence, Zeal, and Religious Identity

The biblical legitimation of violence directly contradicts Jesus's teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. While Jesus advocates turning the other cheek, the Hebrew Bible portrays Yahweh as "a man of war" who treads nations like grapes in a winepress. This contradiction between Jesus's nonviolent teachings and the Old Testament's acceptance of justified violence creates a tension that most Christians throughout history have not resolved. The conquest of Canaan represents the most troubling paradigm of biblical violence. Deuteronomy commands total slaughter of Canaan's inhabitants: "utterly destroy them... show them no mercy." Though scholarly consensus holds this conquest largely fictional, the moral problem remains-not that it happened, but that it was believed divinely commanded. This paradigm has justified colonial violence throughout history, from American settlers calling natives "this Amalek annoying Israel" to South African Boers and modern Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. While violence itself isn't a biblical value, it connects to the celebrated virtue of zeal. The paradigmatic zealot is Phinehas, who speared an Israelite man and his Midianite wife for their relationship, earning divine reward with "a covenant of eternal priesthood." This absolute devotion brooks no compromise-the same Hebrew word describes Yahweh as a "jealous God." Though Judeans typically lacked power to take vengeance on enemies, their prophetic and apocalyptic writings overflow with violent fantasies. Ezekiel conjures a fantastic enemy called Gog who will be defeated and devoured by birds of prey. The New Testament's Book of Revelation continues this tradition with even more relentless violence, depicting Rome as fallen Babylon and Christ as a rider with a sword, summoning birds to feast on the flesh of kings and captains. Despite occasional attempts to portray Jesus as a revolutionary, the evidence overwhelmingly shows his message was predominantly nonviolent. His refusal to defend himself when arrested speaks volumes, whether from principle or recognition of futility. The temple cleansing stands as an exceptional violent act, showing his respect for sacred space while demonstrating his violence aversion wasn't absolute when God's honor was at stake.

10장

Justice: The Bible's Central Value

Throughout the ancient Near East, kings were expected to uphold justice by protecting the vulnerable from oppression. The Hebrew Bible similarly portrays the ideal king as one who defends the poor, delivers the needy, and judges with righteousness-upholding the divine cosmic order where "righteousness and justice are the foundation of [God's] throne." The prophets-especially eighth-century figures like Isaiah, Amos, and Micah-delivered powerful critiques against social injustice that remain relevant today. Amos condemned dishonest business practices often hypocritically coupled with religious observance, where merchants "make the ephah small and the shekel great" while "trampling on the needy." The prophets weren't advocating equal wealth distribution but objecting to the poor being deprived of life necessities and degraded to subhuman conditions. For the Hebrew Bible, no value is more fundamental than social justice. The prophets repeatedly diminished the importance of ritual worship in comparison to justice. Micah famously asked what God requires, dismissing elaborate offerings in favor of "doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God." Similarly, Amos proclaimed God's rejection of festivals and offerings, demanding instead that "justice roll down like waters." The Hebrew Bible stands out in the ancient Near East for its extraordinary emphasis on justice. Unlike other ancient texts primarily concerned with landowners, biblical literature uniquely critiques monarchy itself. It also distinctively adds "the alien" to the traditional concern for widows and orphans. Commands like "love the alien as yourself" are grounded in Israel's own experience: "you were aliens in Egypt." In the late Second Temple period, the concept of justice evolved. The Hebrew word tsedaqah-previously paired with mishpat to denote "justice and righteousness"-came to mean simply "almsgiving." Books like Daniel, Ben Sira and Tobit emphasize individual charity as expressions of righteousness, with the belief that almsgiving would be rewarded by God.

들리는 모든 단어를 눈으로 확인하세요

성서의 가치란 무엇인가의 각 단어가 오디오에 맞춰 실시간으로 강조되어 편하게 따라 읽을 수 있습니다.

11장

The Tension Between This World and the Next

The New Testament introduces a tension between social justice and apocalyptic expectations. The apocalyptic perspective that pervades the New Testament seems to diminish the importance of earthly life, as Paul writes that "the present form of this world is passing away." This eschatological outlook has produced two traditions: postmillennialism, which encourages social reform to help bring about the millennium, and premillennialism, which sees little value in improving a world destined for destruction. Despite theological traditions dismissing social reform as useless before the apocalypse, Revelation actually echoes the prophets' outrage about social abuses. While not advancing social programs, it harshly criticizes Rome's economic dominance. The beast forces everyone to bear its mark "so that no one can buy or sell" without it-likely referring to the emperor's image on Roman coins. Rome appears as "the whore of Babylon," clothed in luxury while "the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxury." For Christians, Jesus's teachings establish fundamental values, though debate continues about how much his message was shaped by eschatological expectations. Luke gives prominence to social concerns, beginning with Mary's Magnificat which celebrates how God "has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly." Jesus announces his mission using Isaiah's prophecy about bringing "good news to the poor" and proclaiming "the year of the Lord's favor." The Beatitudes in Luke directly bless the materially poor and hungry, while Matthew's version spiritualizes these conditions. The "good news" Jesus preached wasn't that God hates the rich-Jesus loved even the rich young man who couldn't part with his wealth. Rather, Jesus taught an ethic of radical detachment from material possessions. He warned against greed, telling the parable of the rich man whose life ended just as he finished building larger barns. Jesus urged his followers not to worry about food or clothing, pointing to ravens and lilies as examples of God's providence. Jesus's teaching on renunciation addresses injustice more profoundly than the Hebrew prophets by targeting its root cause: greed. If people weren't intent on accumulating wealth and rising above others, injustice wouldn't exist. This approach is idealistic-human nature makes overcoming injustice through renouncing greed virtually impossible. The judgment scene in Matthew 25 makes salvation dependent on feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the imprisoned-actions that embody biblical values through practical care for the vulnerable.

12장

The Bible's Contested Legacy

The Bible requires interpretation-it doesn't "say" anything until interpreted. While interpretations are always contestable, objective understanding is possible, as there's little dispute about most passages' basic meanings. The real challenge comes from the Bible's internal diversity of positions. Jesus contradicts Mosaic law on retaliation and loving enemies, while Revelation's vengeful fantasy seems at odds with the Sermon on the Mount. We need criteria to assess biblical values rather than cherry-picking isolated verses. For Christians, Jesus provides this hierarchy: love of God and neighbor are the greatest commandments. The Hebrew Bible similarly prioritizes care for the vulnerable-widows, orphans, aliens-regardless of their work ethic or legal status. The most troubling aspect remains the Bible's endorsement of positions now considered reprehensible: slavery, genocidal conquest, and subordination of women. These contradict the Bible's own ideals of justice and neighbor-love. The Bible is "good in spots"-containing both exceptional ethical ideals and morally problematic passages. Its authority rests not on blanket acceptance but on principles that remain compelling on broader humanistic grounds. The Bible represents the deepest layer of Jewish and Christian tradition, shaping these faiths profoundly. While those within these traditions need not affirm everything in their scriptures, the Bible provides a context for thought and argument that shapes which questions we consider important. Far from being a systematic treatise, the Bible has the character of a running argument, juxtaposing different and often conflicting viewpoints. Criticism of received tradition is itself a biblical value, as is criticism of one's own society. The prophets provided blistering critiques of Israelite and Judean society, seeing devastation as divine punishment for injustice. The Bible remains a relevant resource on political and social issues if used judiciously, but interpreters remain responsible for what they take from it.

★★★★★

성서의 가치란 무엇인가 완독을 축하합니다

100만 명 이상의 학습자가 사랑합니다

“23일째 매일 사용하고 있어요. 이제 제 일상의 한 부분이 되었습니다.”

jayallen

성서의 가치란 무엇인가의 핵심 주제

scriptural interpretation
ancient near eastern context
ethical pluralism
textual foundationalism
biblical covenantalism

성서의 가치란 무엇인가의 명언

Texts don't speak for themselves but require interpreters.
Biblical support alone doesn't establish a value's validity.
Biblical creation accounts aren't factual records.
The Bible fundamentally conflicts with modern ethical frameworks.
To forbid birth is only quicker murder.

성서의 가치란 무엇인가의 등장인물

John J. CollinsAuthor and Yale professor of Old Testament
ShakespeareWriter quoted regarding the use of Scripture

저자 소개

예일 신학대학원의 구약학 비평 및 해석학 석좌 교수이자 고대 유대교 연구의 권위자인 존 J. 콜린스(John J. Collins)는 저서 『성서적 가치란 무엇인가?』(What Are Biblical Values?)에서 성서와 윤리의 교차점을 탐구합니다. 히브리 성서 연구, 묵시 문학, 사해 문서 분야의 전문성으로 명성이 높은 콜린스는 시카고 대학교와 노트르담 대학교에서의 교수 역임을 포함하여 수십 년간의 학문적 엄밀함을 바탕으로 분석의 기틀을 마련했습니다.

그의 저작은 성서학 연구와 현대의 윤리적 논쟁을 빈번하게 연결하며, 이는 전 세계 신학 교육에서 널리 사용되는 『유대교의 발명』(The Invention of Judaism)과 『히브리 성서 입문』(Introduction to the Hebrew Bible)과 같은 이전의 찬사받은 저서들에서도 입증된 바 있습니다.

앵커 예일 바이블(Anchor Yale Bible) 시리즈의 총괄 편집자이자 성서학회(Society of Biblical Literature)의 전임 회장으로서, 콜린스는 편집자적 권위와 획기적인 연구 역량을 결합해 왔습니다. 10여 개 언어로 번역된 그의 저서들은 유대인 정체성과 성서 해석에 관한 학술적 담론을 형성해 왔습니다. 『성서적 가치란 무엇인가?』는 고대 텍스트가 현대의 도덕적 틀에 어떻게 영향을 미치는지에 대한 그의 평생에 걸친 고찰을 요약하고 있으며, 역사적 학문과 시대를 초월한 윤리적 질문을 잇는 핵심적인 목소리로서 그의 명성을 공고히 합니다.

성서의 가치란 무엇인가 요약 다운로드

성서의 가치란 무엇인가 요약을 무료 PDF 또는 EPUB으로 받으세요. 인쇄하거나 오프라인에서 언제든 읽을 수 있습니다.

다른 사용자들도 좋아한 책

What Is the Bible?

Rob Bell

Biblical Critical Theory

Christopher Watkin

Jonathan Sacks

Simon Blackburn

Charles W. Colson

Mark Clark

Peter Kreeft

Charles W. Colson

이 책에 대한 FAQ

더 알아보기

학습 계획

Study the book of James in the bible

This study is essential for believers seeking to bridge the gap between theological knowledge and daily conduct. It is ideal for anyone wanting to transform their faith into action through practical biblical principles on relationships, speech, and endurance.

3 h 56 m•4 섹션

학습 계획

Bible, Quantum Physics & Theology Link

This plan bridges the perceived gap between ancient scripture and modern science, offering a unique interdisciplinary perspective on the nature of reality. It is ideal for theologians, science enthusiasts, and seekers curious about how quantum theory illuminates divine mystery.

5 h 25 m•4 섹션

학습 계획

Values that increase happiness

This learning plan synthesizes cutting-edge research on what truly drives human happiness, moving beyond quick-fix solutions to explore the deeper values and connections that create lasting well-being. Ideal for anyone seeking evidence-based approaches to improve life satisfaction, develop meaningful relationships, and align their daily choices with their core values.

3 h 18 m•4 섹션

학습 계획

The Great Biblical Pivot

This plan is essential for anyone seeking to understand how Judaism transformed from a temple-based cult into a resilient, global faith. It is ideal for history buffs, theology students, and those interested in how ancient cultures adapt to imperial pressure.

2 h•4 섹션

학습 계획

The Bible Recap Guide

This guide is essential for readers who feel stuck in a checklist mentality and want to see God's character more clearly in scripture. It is ideal for both new believers and long-time students looking to transform their daily reading into a meaningful spiritual discipline.

2 h•4 섹션

학습 계획

The Global Map of Scripture

This plan provides a vital cross-cultural perspective on how different traditions organize and interpret sacred texts. It is ideal for students of theology, history, or literature who want to move beyond a Western-centric view of the Bible.

3 h•4 섹션

학습 계획

Exodus: Between History and Myth

This plan bridges the gap between biblical tradition and historical reality, offering a critical look at one of humanity's most influential narratives. It is ideal for history buffs, theology students, and anyone interested in how ancient identities are constructed through storytelling and archaeology.

1 h 12 m•3 섹션

학습 계획

Religion and philosophy

This learning plan bridges the gap between ancient spiritual wisdom and modern analytical thought. It is ideal for curious minds seeking to understand the diverse ways humanity has defined morality, consciousness, and the ultimate meaning of life.

5 h 33 m•4 섹션

샌프란시스코에서 컬럼비아 대학교 동문들이 만들었습니다

LOVED BY

1,000,000+ curious minds.

4.7

avg rating

1M+ learners

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

웹에서 BeFreed가 어떻게 논의되고 있는지 더 보기

샌프란시스코에서 컬럼비아 대학교 동문들이 만들었습니다

LOVED BY

1,000,000+ curious minds.

4.7

avg rating

1M+ learners

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

웹에서 BeFreed가 어떻게 논의되고 있는지 더 보기

지금 바로 학습 여정을 시작하세요

6장

성서의 가치란 무엇인가

개요성서의 가치란 무엇인가 개요

한 권의 책, 다양한 듣기 방식.

When Biblical Values Collide with Modern Morality

The Challenge of Biblical Interpretation

들리는 모든 단어를 눈으로 확인하세요

Creation, Covenant, and Apocalypse: Biblical Frameworks

Life and Death: A Biblical Perspective

성서의 가치란 무엇인가에서 더 많은 것을 얻으세요

Gender, Sexuality, and Biblical Authority

Marriage, Family, and Gender Roles

들리는 모든 단어를 눈으로 확인하세요

Humanity and the Natural World

Slavery, Liberation, and Human Dignity

성서의 가치란 무엇인가에서 더 많은 것을 얻으세요

Violence, Zeal, and Religious Identity

Justice: The Bible's Central Value

들리는 모든 단어를 눈으로 확인하세요

The Tension Between This World and the Next

The Bible's Contested Legacy

성서의 가치란 무엇인가 완독을 축하합니다

성서의 가치란 무엇인가의 핵심 주제

성서의 가치란 무엇인가의 명언

성서의 가치란 무엇인가의 등장인물

저자 소개

성서의 가치란 무엇인가 요약 다운로드

다른 사용자들도 좋아한 책

이 책에 대한 FAQ

What is What Are Biblical Values? by John J. Collins about?

Who should read What Are Biblical Values??

Is What Are Biblical Values? worth reading?

How does What Are Biblical Values? interpret the Bible’s creation narratives?

더 알아보기

1,000,000+ curious minds.

1,000,000+ curious minds.

한 권의 책, 다양한 듣기 방식.

When Biblical Values Collide with Modern Morality

The Challenge of Biblical Interpretation

들리는 모든 단어를 눈으로 확인하세요

Creation, Covenant, and Apocalypse: Biblical Frameworks

Life and Death: A Biblical Perspective

성서의 가치란 무엇인가에서 더 많은 것을 얻으세요

Gender, Sexuality, and Biblical Authority

Marriage, Family, and Gender Roles

들리는 모든 단어를 눈으로 확인하세요

Humanity and the Natural World

Slavery, Liberation, and Human Dignity

성서의 가치란 무엇인가에서 더 많은 것을 얻으세요

Violence, Zeal, and Religious Identity

Justice: The Bible's Central Value

들리는 모든 단어를 눈으로 확인하세요

The Tension Between This World and the Next

The Bible's Contested Legacy

성서의 가치란 무엇인가 완독을 축하합니다

다른 사용자들도 좋아한 책

더 알아보기

성서의 가치란 무엇인가 개요