Part 1 (1/2)
The Bible Period by Period.
by Josiah Blake Tidwell.
INTRODUCTORY NOTE:
Josiah Blake Tidwell states ”Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself (Lev. 19:18). It is the final word in all right relations to others.”
This statement in _The Bible Period by Period_, regarding the Laws of Moses, and echoed in the words of Jesus is the guiding principle by which Tidwell seems to have lived.
J. B. Tidwell was born in Alabama in 1870 to a modest family of farmers. He was educated at Alabama's Howard College (now Samford University), earned a Master's Degree from Baylor University in 1903, and did post-graduate studies through a correspondence program of the University of Chicago. He also received several honorary degrees.
Tidwell served as the Chairman of the Bible Department at Baylor University from 1910 until the time of his pa.s.sing in 1946. Among his writings are _The Bible, Book by Book_ (1914), _The Bible, Period by Period_ (1916), _Genesis: A Study of the Plan of Redemption_ (1924), and _John and His Five Books_ (1937).
This book, _The Bible Period by Period_ (1916) is a companion to Tidwell's _The Bible Book by Book_ (1914). Both are college level introductory courses in Christian studies. They are each organized in outline form with questions at the end of each chapter to guide the student in acquiring a comprehensive mastery of the material.
In preparing ”The Bible Period by Period” in e-book format, the outline styles were edited for sake of e-text consistency and proofreading. Certain geographical place names were edited for consistent spelling. The rest of the text remains faithful to the original. For any errors in transcription, I sincerely apologize as the words of the author could hardly be improved upon.
Fredric Lozo Mathis, Texas April 2005
Author's Preface.
The author believes that the Bible is the word of G.o.d and that it is the inspired revelation of G.o.d's will to men and of the plan which he has provided for their redemption. He believes that it contains instructions which alone furnish the basis of wise and worthy conduct both for individuals and for nations. He, therefore, believes that all men should avail themselves of every possible opportunity to acquaint themselves with its teachings and that all Christians should be faithful and even aggressive in their efforts to teach its truths.
Moreover, several years of teaching the Bible to a mult.i.tude of students has convinced the writer that what is needed most is a study of the Bible itself rather than things about it. Having this in mind this little volume presents only a small amount of introductory discussion. It offers instead a large number of topics for study and discussion. By following the suggestions for study which they offer the student may gain a working knowledge of the contents of Biblical history.
It is suggested that these outlines will furnish a basis of work for college and academy Bible cla.s.ses. It is also hoped that it may be adopted for study in many Sunday School cla.s.ses. If it shall be studied in the Sunday Schools according to instructions which the author will furnish, it will be granted college entrance credit in Baylor University. Women's societies will find it well suited to their Bible study work.
The aim has been to make a companion book to the author's ”The Bible Book by Book.” The twenty one periods selected are only one of the many ways in which Bible history may be divided and lays no claim to superiority. If this volume shall prove as helpful as the sale of its companion book would indicate that it has been, the work incident to its preparation will be amply repaid.
J. B. Tidwell.
Waco, Texas. 1916.
Introduction
(Pastor Geo. W. Truett.)
In offering to the public this little book ”The Bible Period By Period,” Dr. Tidwell is making another contribution to the cause of Bible study. He has already published ”Some Introductory Bible Studies”, ”An Outline for the Study of the Life of Christ”, and ”The Bible Book By Book.”
All of these have been well received. The last named formed a part of a definite plan for the study of the sacred Scripture which is carried forward in this volume.
The fact that the first edition of ”The Bible Book By Book” has practically all been sold before the end of the second year since its publication, is sufficient proof of its popularity and of its value to Bible students. It has been adopted for study in a number of colleges and academies and is in use as a text book in a number of women's societies and Sunday School cla.s.ses.
The author, as teacher of Bible in Baylor University, has tried out the studies he offers and has had a splendid opportunity to select what has proven valuable. He teaches a larger number of young preachers than any similar instructor in the whole of the Southland, and also many Sunday School Teachers and other Christian workers. He can, therefore, offer the best.
Dr. Tidwell accepts, without question, the inspiration and authoritativeness of the Bible as the Word of G.o.d. He believes in directing the student in the study of the Bible itself rather than having him study about it. His hooks are, therefore, more in the nature of outlines or guides than of discussions. He gives the pupil a clue to the study and says only enough to create a zest for truth such as will lead to a thorough investigation of the subject in hand.