For the Layman: A Survey of the Old Testament and

For the Layman: A Survey of the New Testament 

by Ken Levy

Great Expectations Book Company

For the Layman are survey courses of the Old and New Testaments that each consist of about six hours of lecture presented on four audio tapes plus a three-ring binder workbook with detailed outline worksheets, charts, a final exam, and answer key.

Courses can be used for individual or group study, although they lend themselves best to individual study since there are no discussion questions provided.

Ken Levy’s presentation is well organized and clearly presented. The Old Testament course stresses the continuity of the Old Testament. Levy introduces the study with historical background information covering such points as the contrast between the Hebrew scriptures and the Old Testament accepted by the early church. He ties together the various books of the Old Testament with a historical timeline and cross-references from studies of some of the books so that we can clearly see the relationships.

There are some blanks to fill in as you proceed through each study. Answers are at the back of the book. You should take time to read through each section of Scripture as it is studied, which means that the study will take much longer than the time spent listening to tapes and filling in the workbook. In fact, Levy encourages you to use the study to supplement your Scripture reading, not to replace it. If you use the study as a family, you should purchase extra binders for each person. This is an excellent foundational course that I would recommend for students in junior and senior high.

The New Testament course begins with a little review of the Old Testament background and intertestamental history. New Testament study is presented in sections: the life and ministry of Jesus, growth of the early church, Paul’s letters, letters by other writers, and prophecy. Levy does focus on a few doctrinal issues from a Protestant, non-denominational perspective, but generally he stays away from very much interpretation. The course is very nicely packaged and professionally presented.