Opening the Scriptures: A Journey Through the Stories and Symbols of the Bible

David M. Kelly is a teaching assistant at Brock University in St.
Catharines.

George Johnston, Professor Emeritus in Religious Studies at McGill,
produced this volume in order to promote biblical studies for a wide
range of readers. In this, he has succeeded admirably.

While definitely not for advanced theologians and scholars, the book is
ideal for concerned laypersons and those about to embark on a
theological career. It provides highly readable commentaries on a
selection of books from the Old and New Testaments. Johnston’s
commentary on the Book of Revelation is particularly interesting and
theologically responsible. His greatest strength is that he explains how
to interpret and appreciate Scripture.

The book includes two excellent appendices (on the Bible as literature
and essential biblical symbols), a splendid select bibliography, and
extremely useful charts and timelines. In all, this is an excellent
introduction to biblical studies, especially for those with little prior
knowledge.