Why read the Bible? Gerd Theissen uses the wisdom gained fromdecades of teaching Bible instruction at a state university to addressquestions of the Bible's relevance in a postmodern, pluralisticsociety. He describes the core themes and enduring value of thebiblical legacy for anyone seeking to be a well-informed, self-aware, and responsible citizen, and he commends the contributions theBible can make to interreligious and secular conversation.