The Good Book: Reading the Bible With Mind and Heart

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Summary: The book description says it all
Review: "As an African American gay man, Gomes is interested in re-viewing the biblical passages on sexuality and race" Without even picking up this book, you can see where it is going. The Bible clearly speaks out against the homosexual lifestyle? Strike those passages. The Bible is God's word and ought to read as such, not reinterpreted to make us feel better about our sin. By the way, being named one of the best seven preachers by TIME magazine is like being named one of the best seven Republicans by MoveOn.org, it doesn't hold much authority. Read a decent translation of the Bible for yourself and see what God has to say to you.

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Summary: Very thought provoking
Review: A very insightful book that will definitely make you think. For those approaching this book from a very "fundamentalistic" viewpoint, it can be very insightful into a more liberal theology.

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Summary: All I Ever Needed to Know
Review: After lifelong Bible study, someone has finally explained the Bible to me. Thank you, Professor Gomes.

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Summary: It's how you read it.
Review: After reading the reviews of this book I was grateful to see few negative ones. However, one review angered me and causes me to enter my own opinion. <[e-mail]> states, "To interpret and renegotiate truths so as to make life comfortable to man now is a slap in the face of God." Perhaps this critic isn't aware of the many interpretations and justifications the bible is already being used for (homophobia, subservient women, etc.). It's almost the 21st century, are we going to stay the same degrading, racist, sexist, prejudiced world we've been because some people can justify that these beliefs are fine by quoting one verse (out of context) to their parish? I feel that Gomes was showing through his writing how we can make the bible fit our lifestyles, no matter what it may be.

Rating:
Summary: It's how you read it.
Review: After reading the reviews of this book I was grateful to see few negative ones. However, one review angered me and causes me to enter my own opinion. states, "To interpret and renegotiate truths so as to make life comfortable to man now is a slap in the face of God." Perhaps this critic isn't aware of the many interpretations and justifications the bible is already being used for (homophobia, subservient women, etc.). It's almost the 21st century, are we going to stay the same degrading, racist, sexist, prejudiced world we've been because some people can justify that these beliefs are fine by quoting one verse (out of context) to their parish? I feel that Gomes was showing through his writing how we can make the bible fit our lifestyles, no matter what it may be.

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Summary: Witty survey of Biblical takes on current hot topics
Review: An engaging and humerous walk for those people who want to know more (and feel they ought to) of what the Bible says about contemporary issues: race, anti-Semitism; women, and homosexuality. Since the author is a Baptist minister and chaplain to Harvard University, who has prayed at national Republican events, the status quo of liberal intellectual ivy-league enclaves is not going to be rocked even if the rationale for the book was the "coming-out" of the author at a rally in Harvard yard. Those who remain convinced of the authority of the Bible and who want "a place at the table" will find strategies of interpretation to confront suffering, joy, evil, temptation, wealth, science and even mystery. Easy to read and minimal footnotes.

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Summary: A pathetic and inaccurate interpretation of the Bible
Review: As a Christian, reading this book was so painful and made me so sick, that I couldn't finish it. Never have I read such a twisted explanation of the Scriptures. The author's aim is to rationalize the Bible to fit his "alternative" lifestyle, among other commandments God explicitly and clearly addresses in His Word. The Bible is the living Word of God, the same yesterday, today, and forever. Please pray for Peter Gomes and Harvard's Memorial Church in Cambridge, MA.

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Summary: An encouraging voice in a discouraging religious climate!
Review: As a former pastor and now professor of religion in the Bible-belt, I found Gomes' reflections to be heart-warming and encouraging. In a culture where the Bible is often used to support exclusion and condemnation, Gomes presents the biblical message of inclusion. In a religious climate where the Bible is frequently literalized and idolized, Gomes presents the Bible as a "living text," the spirit of which transcends human attempts to place truth in a box. I found his writing at once stimulating and familiar. It was familiar in at least two ways: 1) his message is consistent with the spirit of the Bible and 2) I repeatedly found myself thinking, "I wish I had said that!" Gomes' content and writing style are readily accessible to the general reader. This volume is a "must read" for anyone interested in interpreting the Bible in the contemporary context.

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Summary: A voice for the voiceless
Review: As amember of a multi-denominational federated, protestant Church I am overjoyed to be in a weekly study group focusing on Peter Gomes' The Good Book. Being in a diverse religious group there are individuals who have vocal doctrinal agendas that are expressed as ultimate truth. Many who do not share these views become silent in response to those individuals and their interpretations. Reverend Gomes has helped us to find our voice, and that voice is compassionate, concerned and inclusive. His fresh and loving perspectives on religious "hot topics" are enlightening and liberating and his humor and humility engage the reader in a personal way.As a result of studying this book I have been truly touched with grace, wisdom and the pure hope that we can come to realize that "Now we know only in part; Then we will know fully, even as we have been fully known. And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love." 1Corinthians 13:12-13

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Summary: Insightful, heartfelt, Holy Spirit inspired, compassionate
Review: As an Episcoplian and a Black woman , I am constantly searching for inspiration and insight into the Bible. The Good Book is indeed an experience. Although I did find it difficult in terms of some Biblical and historical references--it sent me to the dictionary--it also was thought provoking and inspirational for us all to look at the life of Christ and his message of compassion, mercy and love as a way to live our daily lives. It is a strong rebuke to the fundamental Christians who supported enslavement of Black Americans, condemn homosexuals and who feel that woman are inferior. My spiritual life has been enriched by Brother Gomes book-a must read.

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