A comprehensive overview of contemporary New Testament scholarship, that explains how the Bible is and how it came to be. Coupled with notes of historical criticism, the biblical texts are described according to the formal art elements of form, line, color and texture. Other artistic terms such as perspective and focal point are used to characterize biblical passages, in order to unlock the complexity of the text. This is an introductory textbook for late high school or college students, and one that will also serve well in study groups. The art projects will be of great value for the teacher, while many thought-provoking questions will help the student to engage and understand the text. This book is a bridge between church and academy.