Generally considered the leading pre-Islamic dialect of Coptic, Sahidic is an important language for Orientalists. Perhaps because of its body of original, non-translated material, Sahidic is the Coptic dialect most commonly studied outside of ecclesiastical settings. Sahidic, however, is also used as a language of translation, as in this booklet containing the biblical book of Job in that dialect. Unparalleled as a source for beginners in Coptic, this small portion of the Bible presents a familiar starting point. Coptic scholars will also find this resource worth their time as an historical example of the language and its study. Known also as Thebaic, this form of Coptic was used for translating major portions of the Bible. Since it was used by the church as well, this tract will be of interest to biblical scholars as well.

Deissmann was a scholar well known for his work with the Greek of the New Testament. In this little volume he considers the Hellenization of Semitic monotheism. Primarily concerned with the changes after Alexander’s conquest, the book is a brief exploration of Greek religion in the aftermath of conquest. Semitic monotheism was, according to Deissmann, a new concept for the Greek world. Hellenistic outlooks had long been influenced by classical viewpoints. Into this cultural milieu the Judaic concept of monotheism made immediate inroads. This influence is explored primarily in linguistic form, including considerations of the Septuagint. Both Hellenists and Semitic scholars will find material of interest here. Observations made by Deissmann influenced later thought in this field. Stretching across disciplines, this study will interest cultural historians as well. Share the sense of discovery with this useful booklet.

In the days when many Americans were first becoming aware of the larger religious world, Sailer introduced them to Islam. Reaching for an understanding of how the two religions relate, he begins this study with an introduction to the Muslim world. Sailer approaches the subject with a respect for Islam and its believers. Aiming to prepare missionaries for Muslim regions, he writes for a general readership. Understanding, he believes, begins with an overview of Muslim life and the character and influences on Islam. Designed as a short adult course on the subject, this booklet has instructions for the leader of an adult group on the topic. Interested in the impact of Christianity on Islam, Sailer explores what churches might do. Taken all together, this little booklet spells out a plan of action for what the author saw as a missionary opportunity.

From one of the leading scholars of Islam in the last century comes this exploration of Christianity and Islam. Right from the beginning Becker notes that there are different points of view on the subject. Examining the nature of the subject and the historical connections between the religions, he turns to the meeting of the two faiths. Emerging outlooks at the time demonstrated just how much these religions affected each other. Those interested in the history of western religions will find this a refreshing resource. Also useful to students, this informative booklet is a welcome find.

Among the many issues that plague Christian sensibilities, perhaps none is as stressful as the virgin birth. Since the advent of higher criticism the concept itself the concept had grown increasing untenable to the point that an anonymous cleric decided to take action in this booklet. Scientific study of the Bible had revealed that what had appeared to have been predictions were often mistranslations, and many were shaken by such revelations. Succinct and irenic, this treatment will be appreciated by Christians who are still concerned over the implications that serious biblical study raises.

Ghattas Maqdisi Elias, “Malphono Denho,” was perhaps the greatest Syriac poet of the twentieth century and a major figure in the Syriac literary revival which took place then. This book collects together a number of Maqdisi’s writings, including poems, a series of letters written to Abrohom Nouro, selected Syriac and Arabic essays, as well as the Maqdisi’s last interview (conducted in English).

One of the issues consistently plaguing New Testament scholars is the date of the Gospel of John. No consensus exists on this thorny dilemma. Looking at the world around the Bible, extrabiblical testimony often provides evidence for such questions. Insights drawn from Irenaeus are used by Lewis to help shed light on the topic. Noting the extent to which Irenaeus bears on the fourth Gospel, Lewis discusses the potential authors of John that could have been known by Irenaeus. Ending with modern conclusions to the issue, Lewis provides a useful summary of state of Irenaeus studies around the beginning of the twentieth century.

Designed as a primer for Catholic children, this booklet became an historic fixture in American Catholic literature. Dividing the Bible into episodes easily understood by children, the author, Bishop Gilmour, explained in easy language, the Roman Catholic understanding of these stories. Wonderfully illustrated with classic woodcuts, this beguiling book also undertook to introduce the general overlay of church history to young readers.

This classic account of the missionary life of James Hannington has delighted generations of readers. Written by an enthusiastic exponent of the mission field, this account has stood the test of time to become a recognized icon of the genre. The first Anglican Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa, Hannington was reared in a not untypical English setting, eventually being schooled at Oxford. His remarkable accomplishments and savage martyrdom are narrated with poignancy and empathy. A moving account of a man willing to risk all for his convictions, this missionary story appeals to popular readers and those interested in the European presence in Africa.

In this theological exposition on the concept of the Logos in the writings of Philo of Alexandria, Réville offers a probing piece of research. Beginning with the historical milieu of Philo’s time, he moves on to his main focus, playing out what the doctrine of the Logos is. Theologians who wish to know turn-of-the-century ideas concerning the Logos will find this irresistible reading.