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jamesmata's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fun listen, though a little hard to process as someone with very, very little knowledge of biblical stories etc going in. It was interesting and the author’s cadence is unique for an audiobook and engaging like a ted talk. Appreciated the refreshing perspective.
braddy7's review against another edition
4.0
Thought provoking. Although at times Rob Bell and I would come up with different conclusions, I have to say if there is one author I’ve read this year that I would love to have coffee with, this would be the guy. I’m intrigued by the way he sees and communicates about the world.
myra_c's review against another edition
5.0
As many before me have said, you love or hate this book. Yes, I acknowledge it is controversial and polarizing. That's what makes it fascinating.
First of all, it is a book that must be listened to, not read, in order to fully appreciate the writing style. Only when listened to (it is narrated by the author), do you get the inflection, humor and meaning that is part of Rob's unique writing style. I laughed out loud many times ("You didn't see that coming did you?"), and enjoyed his references to music throughout. There is so much to learn about the context of many of the passages that we have been taught (with many opposing views and versions). That is what I found most fascinating: what was happening at that time? What is the historical context? All of that leads us to many answers about why Christians take some things literally, other things figuratively, discarding what can't be explained. It's hard to work out if you don't take the time to learn about history.
First of all, it is a book that must be listened to, not read, in order to fully appreciate the writing style. Only when listened to (it is narrated by the author), do you get the inflection, humor and meaning that is part of Rob's unique writing style. I laughed out loud many times ("You didn't see that coming did you?"), and enjoyed his references to music throughout. There is so much to learn about the context of many of the passages that we have been taught (with many opposing views and versions). That is what I found most fascinating: what was happening at that time? What is the historical context? All of that leads us to many answers about why Christians take some things literally, other things figuratively, discarding what can't be explained. It's hard to work out if you don't take the time to learn about history.
violinknitter's review
4.0
Bell's books are usually much better than I expect them to be. I always expect them to be fluffy, and they really aren't. Geared to the casual reader, yes, but not necessarily dumbed down.
meghayes11's review against another edition
2.0
I had really high hopes for this!! Listened on audio and ended up getting a little bored :/ I usually love Rob Bell! I just felt like was very scattered and all over the place and didn't even listen to the last hour. I like his podcasts much better than his writing style.
1phelpsswoop's review against another edition
4.0
There's a LOT to like here. Bell's descriptions of how to literately read the Bible line up with my personal views and interests, so I had to actively work to keep my critical thinking goggles on. Weirdly, this book would at times be very intricate and thoughtful, but at other times it almost felt like a superficial sermon...but it's a good read overall!!
megancm's review against another edition
3.0
Really felt geared towards young people, which can be a tad annoying. But it's easy to read and he has a lot of good insight and knowledge on the subject. He does a good job of explaining some core concepts about the Bible and what it means on a whole.
nlwisz's review against another edition
3.0
This was...interesting. The jist is this: the Bible was written by humans, so although people claim it as the word of God, it’s from a human perspective so really everything’s open to interpretation. Also, I listened to the audiobook version and someone should have corrected the author on the proper pronunciation of “nuclear” (cringe!) And he seemed really excited about coining the Bible as a “library of books,” because he says it about a thousand times. Overall, this did have some good information but was just okay.
mrincredible's review against another edition
4.0
I always like Rob Bell's works. Sure, he has his fair share of critics, and can sometimes massage things to fit his point, but I love his ability to ask questions and communicate in a sincere way.
His book follows a good arc, and I like where it lands. Perhaps it's a product of our times, and I'd hesitate to label his understanding of what the Bible is to be the "correct" one, but a more inclusive, context-aware, and environmentally sensitive reading seems to be a good start. Definitely a book worth threading along with other biblical critique and more in-depth scholarship.
If you've ever had questions about the nature of the Bible, this book is a great place to start your journey from.
His book follows a good arc, and I like where it lands. Perhaps it's a product of our times, and I'd hesitate to label his understanding of what the Bible is to be the "correct" one, but a more inclusive, context-aware, and environmentally sensitive reading seems to be a good start. Definitely a book worth threading along with other biblical critique and more in-depth scholarship.
If you've ever had questions about the nature of the Bible, this book is a great place to start your journey from.