Bible is the name given to several collections of writings held sacred by the Jewish and Christian religions. It is also known as the Holy Scriptures. Both religions regard the Bible as inspired by God. They base many of their beliefs and customs on the teachings found in the Bible. The Bible is the most widely distributed book in history. It has also been translated more times, and into more languages, than any other book.
The Jewish and Christian Bibles differ from each other in several ways. The Jewish Bible is commonly called the Hebrew Bible because most of it was written in Hebrew. It tells the story of Creation. It also contains information on pre-Israelite times and the history and religious life of ancient Israel from about 1300 B.C. to the 100's B.C. The Hebrew Bible, which Christians call the Old Testament, forms the first part of the Christian Bible. The second part of the Christian Bible, the New Testament, was written in Greek. It covers about 100 years, from the birth of Jesus Christ to about A.D. 125. Some Christian groups also include in the Old Testament additional originally Jewish writings that are not found in the Hebrew Bible. The individual writings collected in the Bible are known as books. The books that are officially accepted by any group as part of its Bible are called the canon.
Both the Jewish and the Christian Bibles view God as the supreme power behind the events they describe, though God's role may not always be apparent. The Bible does not define God or try to prove God's existence. Instead, it testifies to God's presence in history including, in the Christian Bible, the life of Jesus Christ and the development of the early church.
Scholars value the books of the Bible not only as important religious writings but also as great literary works. The Bible includes many forms of literature, such as letters, stories, history, laws, prophecies, prayers, songs, love poems, and epics. Its vivid, realistic tales of the struggles, failures, and triumphs of both great and ordinary people entertain as well as teach. Literary critics have praised its beautiful poetry and stirring calls to faith.
Readers have long differed over how to explain the meaning of the Bible. Some people believe that every event mentioned in the Bible actually happened exactly as the Bible says it did. Others feel that many events in the Bible must be read as symbols of religious belief.
