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mskelley88's review
4.0
I love the author’s voice. It is humorous while informative. He explains biblical history in a way that is understandable but not patronizing. I found his interpretation compelling and fascinating even if I don’t 100% agree with it.
lisagray68's review
4.0
Recently the book "The Sin of Certainty" by this same author was recommended to me, but as this is his earlier book, and a little bit of biography about his faith journey, I decided to read it first. At first, the Christian reader might be a bit nervous; his postulation being that maybe you do not have to take everything about the Bible literally. However, this isn't an argument to discredit the Bible as it normally is. It's an argument to use to OVERCOME some of the problematic issues that people have with the Bible, such as an Old Testament violent God; the disconnect between the Bible and science, and so forth. Peter Enns suggests that the Old Testament is written by tribal people who were storytellers, and that God loves stories and uses them to convey His story. Instead of this being a bad thing, God allows the telling of stories to be used because stories are more powerful than non-fiction books of rules - every author and movie maker knows that. Whatever you think of his suggestion, it's an interesting and powerful read; one that would be so helpful to those that have turned away from faith because they can't square some of the things that trouble them about the Bible.
theamazingfencer's review against another edition
informative
fast-paced
3.0
This book is so frustrating to me. The entire thesis is that the Bible is a book of it's and therefore we shouldn't follow it as an instruction manual for current daily life. Which is an alright argument but it doesn't deal with the atrocities that occurred then, it just says that that was how people at that time understood God.
kstep1805's review
3.0
Very interesting look into the history of the Bible, how it was written, the meaning to the ancients who wrote it, and why a literal reading is inappropriate. Compared to Rob Bell’s writing, this felt more dry and less contemplative. But together, these pastors are helping me create a more true faith that doesn’t depend on the Bible being fact but rather the Bible being true.
kalliegrace's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
Excellent framing of the Bible in historical context for those deconstructing from literalist, evangelical, Bible=God paradigms. I have read the entire Bible as a fully indoctrinated teen, and attempted to read it again a few years ago. I immediately got stuck trying to reconcile the loving Christ with the genocidal, ruthless, hateful god of the Old Testament. This book is incredibly helpful for framing the biblical stories we know in their historical context, though still leaves lots to puzzle over.
thenschultz's review
4.0
This is a great little book but it's left me with a number of questions. In many way it's an introduction to the topic and the author glosses through highly controversial areas lightly. Its premise hangs on a view that is encouraging and hopeful but accepting it will require more than this book is able to deliver. It's an excellent companion piece to Enns "Inspiration and Incarnation" and the two should be read together to get a full sense of Enns' theology. In the dedication area of the book Enns makes a note that the book is dedicated to people who need to think out loud and I believe this book is much of that. It will serve as part of my journey and I am thankful for that as I continue to learn and take in my evolving faith.
thecasualbooknerd's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.75
Highly informative. Enns’ intelligent wit and humour make this challenging topic a joy to read.
quentin_r's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Finally found a book that helps me to develop a healthier approach to reading the Bible than the black and white, militant approach with which I was raised. Stays reverent of God and the Bible, without needing to defend genocide, slavery, sexism, etc., seen in the Bible. A much more thoughtful, accurate way of reading the Bible than the literalism that can be so pervasive. And very funny! I listened to the audiobook, and Joe Barrett nails the reading. 100% recommend. I wish I had found this book when I was 17 and being slowly ousted by my church community.
tksimmons02's review against another edition
5.0
So.much.information
This one is a challenging read. It is sometimes difficult to follow because not only does the author tend to wander a bit, but it’s also a complex subject matter. I’ve never had The Bible explained to me in historical context. It is fascinating, and reassuring. This “new earth” garbage is just that - garbage. The Bible wasn’t written by scientists of historians. It was written by men to relay their own faith journeys, and to encourage us in ours. Great read. Well worth the effort.
This one is a challenging read. It is sometimes difficult to follow because not only does the author tend to wander a bit, but it’s also a complex subject matter. I’ve never had The Bible explained to me in historical context. It is fascinating, and reassuring. This “new earth” garbage is just that - garbage. The Bible wasn’t written by scientists of historians. It was written by men to relay their own faith journeys, and to encourage us in ours. Great read. Well worth the effort.
libbyon's review
4.0
Great book reframing the Bible from what we have accepted in modern Western culture. Gets a little bogged down in the middle, but overall it's very interesting and good humor. Great wrap up at the end.