Education, Criticism & Interpretation, Reference, Religion & Spirituality 

"Do You Understand What You Are Reading?" This book by Kenneth A. Pierce and Robert H. Miller is a Presbyterian Primer, one of a series of books written in non-academic style, specifically designed to reach new or previously unread Church members. It takes the time-honored principles of biblical interpretation and presents them in a way that is understandable and practical for the everyday Christian. Along the way, it tackles some tough passages of Scripture and sheds light on how to know the intended meaning and correct usage. Ken and Bob give insight into the language and culture of the Bible's writers, discuss the genre and context of the writings, and look at the impact of manuscript evidence and presuppositions on biblical interpretation. They offer suggestions on Bible versions and commentaries, as well as other study helps such as concordances and dictionaries. But most helpful are their common sense rules of observation, interpretation and application, applied to the various major divisions of Bible text: historical narrative, law, poetry, wisdom literature, the Prophets, the Gospels, the Epistles and the Revelation. The reader can gain confidence in his or her knowledge of the Scriptures simply from reading this book; and then, when the principles are applied through study, a newfound assurance and wonder will be the result. - from Amzon