This book was for a class of mine and I have to say that although it was a difficult class this book does help bring what the bible says from ancient times to modern times in a smart and thought out way. I like that it shows you how to take a verse that may not be relevant to modern times and then shows the scholar how to interpret the verse CORRECTLY so it applies to todays society and yet still holds on to the meaning of the verse. It also points out how to read the bible without interpreting it in a way that allows people to misuse the bible. By that I mean that there are some so called "Christian" groups that use verses in the bible to justify picketing soldiers funerals or to abuse their wives. This lesson shows us all how to see and read the bible CORRECTLY so that we can understand the verses without using them for our own agenda. I also bought the "cheat sheet" and I will carry that with me throughout the rest of my studies for a B.A. in Christian Ministries. Very handy. And buy the workbook! The worksheets are in there that you will most likely have as assignments. I bought the workbook and ended up making copies for other class members who did not buy the workbook. Its not that easy to copy the assignment worksheets from the back of the chapters in the text book. The workbook is better.