A review by sarahlreadseverything
A History of the Bible: The Book and Its Faiths by John Barton

4.0

So very very interesting. I learnt much about the history of the bible as a document in itself, and its interpretation through time (by both Judaism and Christianity). There are valuable corrections of some of the common misunderstandings about the bible (misunderstandings on behalf of both those that subscribe to one of the two aforementioned faiths and those who do not).

Aside from the general knowledge, the books central argument (at least as I see it) - that both Jews and Christians are prone to willfully misinterpreting the Bible and its history in order to make it better fit our modern faith, when this is really not necessary for the continued maintenance of that faith and our respect for the Bible's place in it - was well-reasoned and persuasive.