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Understanding the Old Testament Abridged 4th Edition

5 stars (Fleshes out the Bible) - No question the Old Testament is a great read, but face it, the original audience for this work is long dead and buried. Anderson's standard text on the world of the Old Testament is excellent in bringing the ancient world and the context for the collection that is the Old Testament to light. Reading the Bible without Anderson you get a story about some guy named Abram who took a walk one day and had some trouble with his new neighors. Reading it with Anderson, you get a deeper understanding of where Abraham came from, where he was headed, and how the belief of early Judahism developed through and in conflict with those of the neighboring Canaanites. The agrarian focused religion of the Canaanites get's it's own hearing as a people's attempt to make sense of the life around them. "Understanding the Old Testament" then provides this level of insight and background for all the other books of the Old Testament. How and why we now have the expression of the Jewish people's understanding of God gains more texuture and depth. 4 stars (Fascinating insights on ancient biblical events!) - An amazing, descriptive, objective, factual read about the beliefs, people and events that went on in ancient biblical times. Some great pictures too! I was captivated and fascinated! 3 stars (In depth survey following historico-critical methods) - Anderson uses easy to read sentences and aims his OT introduction at the lay person, but will be useful more to students and pastors because of the content. I was somewhat disappointed that he has nothing on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). R.K. Harrison's Intro to the OT is much more comprehensive, including discussion using both historico-critical methodology and conservative approaches, whereas Anderson assumes that the historico-critical method is the only way to go. Nevertheless, the information is readily accessible and easy to read, and illustrated well. ...
Prentice Hall :: Religion & General :: To 70 A D :: Religion - Biblical Studies :: Religion :: Old Testament Commentary :: O T :: O T :: Jews :: History of Biblical events :: History O :: Understanding the Old Testament (Abridged 4th Edition)

 

Lamb - The Gospel According to Biff- Christ-s Childhood Pal

5 stars (funny and intelligent- it hurts!!) - This is one of the funnier books I have read in a long time. My family kept coming in the room to see what I was laughing at. Someone gave me this book when I was really ill and the laughter was sorely needed. It served it's purpose. Even to the religious, I imagine it would be hard not to laugh. If you can't laugh at yourself... especially when someone is so intelligently poking fun at you? Then it's just a shame- because this book is too funny to be missed... it has been circulated through my family and friends and everyone has had a good laugh! 5 stars (Biff is THE MAN) - I laughed out loud until it hurt - and it felt great. I would never have left xtianity if the followers I encountered were full of the good humor Biff displays. For all of the laughs, there are also insights to be gainned here as to how to answer the obnoxiouly overused question of WWJD? 4 stars (Laugh out loud, wet your pants funny!!) - If you want to read a book that will make you laugh until you cry, read 'Lamb'. This the book that will make you laugh so hard, that others around you will think your crazy. The subject matter is irreverant, but meant in fun. I really don't think anyone would be offended. Biff, is the loveable idiot friend of Jesus. And what an idiot he is! I love that guy. ...
Harper Paperbacks :: Fiction & General :: Religious - General :: N T :: N T :: Jesus Christ :: History of Biblical events :: Historical - General :: Gospels :: Friends and associates :: Fi :: Lamb - The Gospel According to Biff- Christ-s Childhood Pal

 

Fallen

4 stars (They're Only Human, After All) - " Fallen ", Daivd Maine's newest work of fiction, illuminates the reader with a powerful and in-depth interpretation of the Bible's account of the first family. He thoroughly explores the psychology of the emotions that drove Adam, Eve, Cain, and Abel, revealing them for what they are, the basis for all humankind. He begins the novel at "the end" and slowly unravels the mysteries behind their motives as each chapter progresses toward "the beginning." This book satisfies the curiosity of anyone who has ever wondered "why" with regards to the story of the first family of dysfunction and the original fall from grace. 5 stars (" Fallen " as sacred as the religious text from which this story is adapted) - David Maine's narration of the story of Cain and Abel in his latest masterpiece, " Fallen ", is perhaps as precious as the age-old biblical tale from which he draws inspiration. Once again, Maine revamps the seemingly familiar religious text into an accessible, heart-warming and witty account of two brothers struggling to understand each other. Captured in varying first-hand narratives, Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel offer individual perspectives about the value of love, sin, and one's inherent responsibility to God ultimately shedding a whole new light upon the Garden of Eden and the aftermath that ensues. ...
St Martin-s Press :: Fiction & General :: Religious - Biblical :: O T :: O T :: History of Biblical events :: Genesis :: General :: Fiction - Religious :: Fiction - General :: Fiction :: Fal :: Fallen

 

The Red Tent

3 stars (Just okay for me) - I liked the idea of expanding on Dina's story. However, the content was sometimes a little to personal, at times gross, for me. I was also taken aback when I saw how much Diamante deviates from the actual text. This is not just an expansion of the story, but sometimes was outright false. A good story if not taken literally. 5 stars (Under a Wonderful Tent) - In terms of plot and charcter development, this book was wonderful. Based on charcters of the bible, the story explores the lives of the women in the bible which we never really got to know. Diamant has created a wonderful story about the women of biblical times, our fore-mothers Rebecca, Sarah, Rachel, and Leah, from Dinah's point of view. However, it is not any way offense to men. You need not be familiar with the bible to enjoy this book. If you are, you'll certainly recognize stories and characters from the old testament. Another work of fiction I might suggest that explores women and their stake in the Christian faith is John Mackowicz's The Last Martyr. With a similar theme, it portrays women in a positive light. 5 stars (A Terrrific Read) - This book is a story of Dinah, a character from the old testament that we know little about. It is the story of her life and her family in biblical times. There were things I didn't know about really, like the multiple wives and marrying close relatives. But it was in some ways very romantic, and sometimes heartbreaking. Dinah was a very strong woman. Also, I learned alot about what it was like for women when men were in charge of everything. But women were still a mystery to men, and what went on in the red tent was only for women to know. I really liked this book, it was hard for me to put it down once I started. ...
Picador :: Reading Group Guide :: Fiction & Religious :: Women in the Bible :: O T :: History of Biblical events :: Historical - General :: Genesis :: Fiction :: Dinah :: Bible :: :: The Red Tent