The chapters of this book are arranged in two groups. The first group is concerned with basic principles and with the international and interconfessional cooperation in biblical work. The second group presents some of the areas of practical experience that have been found effective. The opening chapter, by James Medica examines the fundamental approach for effective use of Scripture in the Christian life, from the experience of Italy during recent years as the whole pattern of Christian education has been reshaped. Prosper Grech examines the dominant trends in theology and their impact on biblical work ; Eugene Nida summarizes his own vast experience of directing effective work in translating the bible, and lays down the basic principles of it. Olivier Beguin, whose recent death was such an unexpected and widely felt loss, describes the services offered by the international Bible Societies ; and Walter Abbott recounts the developments in biblical work within the Roman Catholic Church, for which he himself has largely been responsible.
The second group opens with an examination by Placid Murray of the place of Scripture in the liturgy and the divine office, where there have recently been far-reaching revisions. Joseph Rhymer discuss effective ways in which school-teachers, who will have such responsibility for teaching about the Bible, can themselves be guided in the right use of Scripture. In a detailed description of a local Indian situation, of which he has had long experience, Jan Wijngaards shows the way in which the general principles of translation and exposition of the Bible can be applied effectively. Otto Knoch provides a blueprint for a national biblical organization, based on his own experience as director of the German one.