Books I Read in 2023, Vol. II

 

HOW (NOT) TO READ THE BIBLE: Making Sense of the Anti-Women, Anti-Science, Pro-Violence, Pro-Slavery and Other Crazy Sounding Parts of Scripture
Dan Kimball

For centuries, the Bible was called "the Good Book," a moral and religious text that guides us into a relationship with God and shows us the right way to live. Today, however, some people argue the Bible is outdated and harmful, with many Christians unaware of some of the odd and disturbing things the Bible says. Whether you are a Christian, a doubter, or someone exploring the Bible for the first time, Dan Kimball guides you step-by-step in how to make sense of these difficult and disturbing Bible passages. Filled with stories, visual illustrations, and memes reflecting popular cultural objections, [this book] is a lifeline for individuals who are confused or discouraged with questions about the Bible.

I read this book because it was the basis of the Valley Christian Church adult study group on Wednesday nights in January and February. Soooooooooooo glad I did! The book is easy to understand, yet doesn't just gloss over the real and sincere objections people have about some parts of the Bible that seem to say some objectionable things. Does it bother you when people say the Bible is in favor of slavery, but you don't know how to intelligently say that it isn't? This book can help. Do you love Jesus but have a hard time accepting that the earth is only a few thousand years old? This book shows us how Christianity and Science don't have to be in conflict. If you want to know why in the world the author would tell us to "never read a Bible verse," then read this book!

First line: Sitting on my desk is a printed email from a university student who, after growing up in a Christian family and being active in his church, is no longer a Christian.

Page 56/Line 5: We just need to remember that the whole storyline points to him.

Last line: May we love and cling to the Spirit-inspired Bible that Jesus so loved, that tells his story and the way to know him, that gives us his teachings and shows us how to grow, to be changed, and to become more like him until the day we are finally with him.