How do Christians understand the Bible to be the authoritative and inerrant word of God? What is the meaning of inspiration? How can the Bible and science both be true? How did the Bible come to be? Why are there four Gospels? Why are there so many translations or versions of the Bible? These and other issues relating to the formation and essence of the Scripture are addressed in this primer for new Christians and seekers. Included also is some reference material on the contents of the Bible.