Perspective

Richard Elliot Friedman holds a doctorate degree in theology and is a professor of Jewish studies. He has participated in an archaeological dig at Jerusalem as well. This is the second edition of his book about who wrote the Bible, and in it he adds more about Jeremiah in Chapter 7.

Friedman writes for the average reader. His prose is lighter than most other academic authors, thus making his possibly startling conclusions about who wrote the Bible more accessible, and hopefully more acceptable, given that many people form their opinions on this in early life. The arguments that he builds leave room for other conclusions, although his is a voice of authority on the matter. He never resorts to authority alone while working out what he calls the puzzle.

With a nod toward those who consider the Bible to be sacred, Friedman approaches the Bible as the work of...