One of the most widely read, misinterpreted, and controversial books ever published, the Bible set forth the belief systems on which much of Western civilization has been built. As both a religious text and a work of literature, it has had a tremendous influence on Western culture and contains a richness that merits literary study. Bringing together a selection of the best criticism available, The Bible, Updated Edition breaks down the intricacies of the Bible and analyzes the ideas presented in clear, accessible language. The essays in this volume examine both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament.