Short Review Extracts

O'Lynn...

Whoever edited this book deserves a substantial bonus for allowing the opening lines in the Introduction: “The Bible is a big book, but it is a cracking good read!  It is a mixture of history, literature, and theology” (p. xvii).  Each of us who has given her or his life to the teaching of Christian scripture should offer Bird a standing ovation and an “Amen and amen!” 

A significant departure from the recently-completed second edition of his tome on theology—nearly 1000 pages—this book comes in right at 200 pages, but in a compacted form.  In it, Bird unpacks seven questions that Christians (and non-Christians, Bird would attest) commonly ask: What are the different components of the Bible?  How did the Bible come into existence?  How does the Bible provide direction to Christians?  Who was the Bible written for?  Should we take the Bible literally?  What is the intent of the Bible?  Who is the Bible about?  

Each chapter is written with both scholarly acumen and pastoral compassion. 

Olds...

For years, I’ve longed for a text to use with high-schoolers to introduce them to the Bible. Even if you’ve read the Bible your whole life, or perhaps especially if you’ve read the Bible your whole life, there’s certain things that you should know that you probably don’t. Just things you’ve taken for granted:

• Where did the Bible come from?

• How was it translated?

• How do we know we got the right books?

• What makes for a good translation?

Seven Things I Wish Christians Knew About the Bible answers all those questions and more, engaging readers in a fun, informative, fast-paced, introductory overview to basic biblical studies.

Bird...  (the author)

Of course, there are other times, too, when professing Christians hear about my academic vocation in biblical studies—and they too can assail me with their favorite questions, theories, and pet peeves. I’ve heard it all:

• What do you think about the KJV?

• Are you for or against evolution?

• Do you take the Bible too literally or not literally enough?

• What do you think the Bible teaches about sex and sexuality?

• Do you believe in hard or soft inerrancy?

• Can we really trust the Bible?

• Can the Bible become an idol?

• Do I submit to Catholic teaching on Scripture, or do I believe in the sole authority of the individual—“soul competency”—to interpret the Bible?

The list goes on and on! I get treated like I’m either a walking Wikipedia of Bible answers, or I’m expected to provide the scholarly stamp of approval validating all of their eccentric and esoteric views of biblical interpretation.

When it comes to the Bible, I’ve learned that people of all faiths and none have real interest in the Bible. People know that when it comes to matters of religion, culture, literature, and history, the Bible is important.