Teaching the History of the Bible as Book

Theological librarians are well equipped to offer sessions or even a mini-course on the evolution of the Bible as a material object. Even though the Bible is central to the studies of seminary or divinity students, and while regular church-goers’ interest in studying the Bible is high, this perspective on “how the Bible came to us” usually receives little attention. Almost all theological libraries, however, hold centuries-old artifacts, publications, and facsimiles that make teaching the history of the Bible as book not only possible, but interesting, fun, and perhaps even revelatory for all concerned.