Scan barcode
A review by brneely
The Bible Tells Me So: Why Defending Scripture Has Made Us Unable to Read It by Peter Enns
funny
informative
fast-paced
3.5
I really quite enjoyed this biblical analysis by Peter Enns, but I'm not totally won over. Enn effectively lays out his core argument: that the Bible was written by ancient people, in ancient contexts, and we can only understand the text by reading it within those contexts (rather than deny or obscure them). His discussions of how the Old Testament reflects Israelite narratives of its past and present, and of the contradictions between the Gospels, are both truly fascinating and encourage a deeper reading of the Bible than has ever been presented in my church setting back home.
At the same time, however, some of his arguments stray away from Biblical analysis into somewhat empty discussions of God/Jesus being *bigger* than something. Often, Enns' best points are in the middle of his argument, and his final charge is lacking.
More importantly, and what will really define whether a reader enjoys or despises this book (beyond tolerance of the notion of Biblical errancy) is Enns' voice. The book is written in an informal, conversational, humorous tone, with lots of jokes and irreverent comments throughout. I didn't love this style, but I didn't have a problem with it, and I did genuinely laugh at a few jokes throughout. Those who are used to the denser, drier language of biblical criticism may have a hard time with this, but it makes it far more accessible to people like my mom or brother. I'll accept that tradeoff.
Overall, a good book I'd recommend to my dad, Abby, and my friend Greg. I would not recommend this to biblical traditionalists or many of the people I went to church with growing up.
At the same time, however, some of his arguments stray away from Biblical analysis into somewhat empty discussions of God/Jesus being *bigger* than something. Often, Enns' best points are in the middle of his argument, and his final charge is lacking.
More importantly, and what will really define whether a reader enjoys or despises this book (beyond tolerance of the notion of Biblical errancy) is Enns' voice. The book is written in an informal, conversational, humorous tone, with lots of jokes and irreverent comments throughout. I didn't love this style, but I didn't have a problem with it, and I did genuinely laugh at a few jokes throughout. Those who are used to the denser, drier language of biblical criticism may have a hard time with this, but it makes it far more accessible to people like my mom or brother. I'll accept that tradeoff.
Overall, a good book I'd recommend to my dad, Abby, and my friend Greg. I would not recommend this to biblical traditionalists or many of the people I went to church with growing up.