alisarae's review against another edition
5.0
"When we ask God about God, God shows us Jesus. When we ask Jesus about God, Jesus tells us a story."
RHE takes a look at the different literary genres in the Bible and how reading the works for what they are can open up new depths of nuance in what the Bible should and can mean for Christians. Different than how many evangelicals are taught, the Bible was never intended to be an end-all-be-all proof text to provide a slick answer for whatever the political hot topic du jour is. As RHE points out, even hardliner FF Bruce said that Paul would be rolling over in his grave if he knew how his letters are being applied as Torah.
RHE herself is a great storyteller, weaving together retellings of Biblical vignettes with episodes from her own life, quotes from theologians, and pop culture references. She also read the audio for this book, so her voice was another layer of goodness. While the information was not new to me (I've been reading "dangerous" theology books for a while now), her packaging is light and entertaining and I didn't think it was a waste to listen anyways. Quite the contrary, I am glad I finally took the time to read an RHE book. While I was listening, I felt repeatedly sad that the Christian community lost such a wonderful, grace-filled voice. Truly much about life and God remains a mystery, with Biblical authors scratching their heads alongside us.
RHE takes a look at the different literary genres in the Bible and how reading the works for what they are can open up new depths of nuance in what the Bible should and can mean for Christians. Different than how many evangelicals are taught, the Bible was never intended to be an end-all-be-all proof text to provide a slick answer for whatever the political hot topic du jour is. As RHE points out, even hardliner FF Bruce said that Paul would be rolling over in his grave if he knew how his letters are being applied as Torah.
RHE herself is a great storyteller, weaving together retellings of Biblical vignettes with episodes from her own life, quotes from theologians, and pop culture references. She also read the audio for this book, so her voice was another layer of goodness. While the information was not new to me (I've been reading "dangerous" theology books for a while now), her packaging is light and entertaining and I didn't think it was a waste to listen anyways. Quite the contrary, I am glad I finally took the time to read an RHE book. While I was listening, I felt repeatedly sad that the Christian community lost such a wonderful, grace-filled voice. Truly much about life and God remains a mystery, with Biblical authors scratching their heads alongside us.
allisonh59's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
whitneydziurawiec's review against another edition
3.0
I really appreciated Evans' memoir-like book about her relationship with the Bible and how it's morphed in her lifetime. Though I by no means agree with every conclusion she reaches (why do I always feel the need to give this disclaimer when reviewing more liberal authors??) I truly respect her willingness to wrestle with God through every last question. Evans confidently walks where many are too scared to tread. After reading through her many questions and doubts, one is almost amazed that her love of the Bible still remains - which I see as a testament to God's faithfulness to her. More conservative readers may find this "too far gone" to enjoy at all. I definitely recommend to those who are struggling with the Bible's "skeletons" and more "problematic" aspects, and those frustrated with how it's been weaponized in the past - I really think it will salvage some hope in it for you.
RIP Rachel, I would have loved to watch your spiritual journey continue from afar.
RIP Rachel, I would have loved to watch your spiritual journey continue from afar.
dkk's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderfully difficult, challenging and freeing. Does the Bible really mean what we've been taught? You decide but I encourage you to read this book with an open heart and open mind.
jvos's review against another edition
5.0
Again, listening to this book in Rachel's voice only added to the text. I so enjoyed diving in and giving deep thought to the Bible and it's stories.
clutzmom's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
RHE shows us how to take scripture seriously without taking it literally. By highlighting the different genres scripture fills, she helps us understand what we can get from different parts of scripture.
20sidedbi's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
jcombs3085's review against another edition
5.0
Reading this book for a second time, exactly a year apart, was even better than the first. Rachel takes the complicated and sometimes frustrating Biblical narratives and reminds you that they are stories just like we tell our kids. She doesn’t simply abs dumb them down, she brings new light to them that leaves you reminded of the Bible stories you first loved as a kid.
I highly recommend this book to anyone - struggling with faith or not.
I highly recommend this book to anyone - struggling with faith or not.