The Bible

The influence of the Bible on Western culture is immeasurable. From religious and ethical to philosophical and artistic traditions, the Bible touches all of our lives. It has inspired the greatest artists, writers, and musicians the world has ever seen. Its impact can be seen in the artworks of Michelangelo, the music of Bach and Handel, and the poetry of Milton and Donne, among many others. The New Testament, composed of 27 books and written by the disciples of Christ or their contemporaries, starts with the four Gospels, which record the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. These stories are then told from the four different viewpoints of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The historical narrative continues with the book of acts, the 21 Epistles, a series of letters for the Apostles, and the book of Revelation, the only book devoted to predictive prophecy.