Bible Basics for Catholics (Expanded Edition)

“If you’re looking for the single best introduction to the Bible, this is it. Dr. Bergsma’s clarity, depth, and faithfulness make Bible Basics for Catholics an indispensable guide for anyone who wants to understand the story of scripture.”

“A gold standard for Catholic biblical instruction.”

“John Bergsma brings his biblical scholarship, pastoral heart, and gift for teaching together in this charming, easy-to-use overview of salvation history. Catechists, teachers, and pastoral ministers will find this an inestimable resource, both for their own reference and for shepherding those under their care. Perfect for use in religious education settings, small-group study, and as an undergraduate course text. Highly recommended.”

“As a homeschooling mom trying to pass on the beauty of our Catholic faith to my kids, I have been incredibly blessed by Bible Basics for Catholics. John Bergsma has a way of making scripture come alive—clear, engaging, and faithful to Church teaching. I love how he walks through the big story of salvation, from the Garden of Eden all the way to Jesus, in a way that’s easy to understand but never watered down. This expanded edition, with study questions and videos, makes it even easier to share with my family and our parish group. I’ve learned so much myself, and I know others will too.”

“You’re a Catholic. You would like to study the Bible, but you’re not sure where to start. You’d love to take a class, but you’re busy. Let award-winning teacher John Bergsma guide you through a high-energy and entertaining walk through the Bible, illustrated with his own charming drawings. This book is so fresh, engaging, and truly instructive that you will find yourself smiling as you read it, and you’ll be amazed at what you retain.”

“Even though this is a basic, nonintimidating overview of the Bible, John Bergsma is not afraid to deepen our appreciation of scripture by occasionally introducing some important technical terms and Hebrew and Greek words, always explaining them thoroughly and understandably.”

“We simply can’t say that studying the Old Testament is intimidating anymore, not when there is the work of John Bergsma to help us through the door. Bible Basics for Catholics is a wonderful guide to begin the journey, not only for the individual but also for the entire family. It seems like a simple presentation, but it is so packed with important fundamental elements of Sacred Scripture that you hardly realize that you’ve mastered the ‘heavy’ things. Instead, you come away more aware and deeply appreciative of the ‘family’ history we’ve been given.”

“It would be worth it to go back to college just to learn from a master teacher such as John Bergsma. Bergsma leads us by way of history and imagination to the Holy Land, and to times long past, and we meet the most fascinating people who ever lived: Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus. We can do all this because of Bergsma’s rare gifts. This book can change lives.”