Don't Know Much About the Bible

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Summary: Absolutely fascinating
Review: As a non-Christian who finds all Christian lore and history of extreme interest, I thought that this book was one of the most interesting I have ever read. As to those reviewers who complained that Davis obviously doesn't believe in the Bible, I say that this book is a guide to understanding and interpreting the actual words of and truth behind the Bible, not preaching its gospel. It's a book for the layperson. I, even though I have read most of the Bible, didn't know the history/geography of the Near and Middle east where the historical events of Biblical times occured or the ways the Bible has been translated and changed over time. It's incredibly informative and interesting, but if all you're looking for is a retelling of the Bible story, go buy a modern translation.

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Summary: Ask yourself: What are you trying to get out of this book?
Review: If you are of the literalist/fundamentalist mindset, you don't want to read "Don't Know Much About the Bible." It WILL violate your sensibilities. Go read the Bible instead.

If you are weak in faith, this may not be the best time to be reading "Don't Know Much About the Bible" either. It will do nothing for your soul or any crisis of faith you may be experiencing. Go read the Bible, talk to a minister, priest, friend, therapist, whatever.

IF you are either 1) A rationalist non-believer OR 2) A believer who is strong in faith, and want to learn more about the Bible, this book is for you! It is a brain-dump of Bible-knowledge... the ultimate in Bible trivia. If you've ever read a Kenneth C. Davis "Don't Know Much About..." book, you won't be dissapointed.

Note that Mr. Davis is of the liberal mindset (this is evident from Don't Know Much About the Bible, as well as Don't Know Much About History, and other writings), it isn't particularly instrusive. This should not be a problem for anyone who is resonably well-informed and/or strong in their beliefs.

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Summary: Still Dont Know Much About The Bible
Review: I hope that readers who are turned on by this book will be sufficiently titillated to make a serious study of the Bible. Then, perhaps, this book will serve some useful purpose. Otherwise, it is just entertaining to the uninformed and irritating to those who have already bothered to learn something about the Bible. One reviewer praised its absence of apologetics. Apparently, Davis feels no need for apologetics, but simply opts for sweeping pronouncements without bothering with footnotes or references to his sources. One example; declaring that ancient Hebrews practiced child sacrifice, so one need not be suprised at Abraham's willingness to offer his son as a sacrifice to God. Hebrews only engaged in child sacrifice when they had succumbed to the depraved religions of their neighbors or captors; those Hebrews who worshipped Abraham's Yahweh, the one true God, abhorred human sacrifice as an abomination.

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Summary: 'Don't Believe Much about the Bible' is a better title
Review: Having read Kenneth Davis' other works, I really looked forward to reading this book to get his insights on the Bible. What a disappointment! Don't Know Much Davis doesn't have a clue. I don't understand why he wrote this book, since he obviously doesn't believe in the Bible. My only thought is that he wants to discredit it. The only thing more discouraging is the positive reviews written by the secular audience that is obviously deceived if they think this is an authoritative account of the Bible. If you are a Christian don't waste your money on this book. The title 'Don't Know Much about the Bible' was truly divinely inspired.

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Summary: Don't Know Much About The Bible? Start Here.
Review: Kenneth C. Davis' breezy survey is aimed at a general reader interested in learning more about the Bible without necessarily accepting the predominant theological interpretations. Davis presents a neat summary of over 3,000 years of the history of the Near East, Israel and her people, the life and death of Jesus, and the early Christian church. This is not a scholarly work of Biblical criticism, and the more astute observations are taken from the work of more authoritative authors. In borrowing liberally from a diverse body of opinion, Davis manages to present generally balanced, informed views.

In this continuation of his "Don't Know Much" genre, Davis' pithy commentary sometimes suffers from an overreliance on pop culture analogies and his occasional aw-shuckisms. Nevertheless, in adopting an easy, accessible style, he manages to spark interest and add entertainment value to what could have been an exceedingly dull book.

Some will undoubtedly take issue with Davis' presentation of the controversies surrounding authorship of certain Biblical books, as well as his observations on the capricious, jealous, and sometimes violent God of the early Hebrew scriptures. Davis shows us how God apparently "matures" over the course of the Bible and speculates that God may have grown up alongside his most flawed creation, the human race.

Perhaps Davis himself draws particular inspiration from certain portions of the Bible. The book contains the NRSV version of Jesus' moving, deeply inspirational Sermon on the Mount, from the gospel of Matthew. The appendices contain The Ten Commandments, the Twenty-Third Psalm, and the Lord's Prayer. Each chapter contains several scriptural passages that accompany many of the key points in the text.

Smming up the book in his Afterword, Davis muses that it would be easy to dismiss the Bible as nothing more than a collection of myths and fairy tales that our ancestors conjured up to explain things they did not understand. He seems to come down, albeit rather ambivalently, on the side of faith.

This book, despite being over 500 pages, is a fairly quick read. The bibliography provides a good starting point for further study, as does the Bible itself. In all, this book delivers what it promises: after reading it, you will certainly know more, both the good and the bad, about the Bible.

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Summary: Don't Believe Much About the Bible
Review: I was very disappointed in this book. While I found his adding the historic backgroung, I felt that he did really believe this was written by men of God and did not find it really a book of God. I felt to him it is a book of legendary stories and could not have possibly happened as written. I do agree that some of the credited authors are probably wrong. Such as--how could Moses have written about his own death and burial. But these are minor things. He would have us to believe many of the events could not have possible happened as written. Much of the Bible is based on Faith and Faith alone. I still believe there were miracles that we have to accept on Faith. Historically it is very interesting and he did a lot of research to back these, but to me he never disproves that many of these stories were worked through the hand of God. But as most books about the Bible one must form their own opinion on their upbringing and their own heart and love of God. I believe wholly in the work of God. Many of the errors are man made and we have to accept them. But all in all it was very interesting and does make you stop and think and form your own opinion. I do recommend it to read to help you understand the history at the time of these events. I just have my doubts on how much Mr. Davis really believes about the Bible.

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Summary: For those both interested and intimidated by the bible ...
Review: Ever wanted to read the bible but just couldn't get past the style or the language? then this one is for you. An easy and accurate read on the bible written for everyone. This title might also prompt interest in the bible as it is written in an easy and worthwhile style. Many times questions are asked and answered. Reader friendly.

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Summary: a historical perspective on the Bible
Review: As a Christian and someone with great interest in history and literature I found this book extremely interesting. Like all great books, it makes you think. I didn't agree with everything that author said but I don't think that's necessary to enjoy the book. It will challenge more conventional thinking. It will point out some interesting facts you probably never realized. Not for serious Biblical scholars, better for people who want to get to know the Bible a little better.

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Summary: Even an Accursed Heathen (moi) finds it of Value
Review: In this commendable continuation of his "Don't Know Much About" series, Davis manages to appeal to a broad readership while remaining faithful to a degree of biblical criticism. Though it is apparent in a few passages that Davis wants to bring out the best in the Bible- when it comes to matters of genocide, infant sacrifice, subordination of women, child abuse, etc., for the most part he avoids apologetics, leaving the judgment to the reader in dealing with the difficulty. In general, while he seeks to derive timeless themes from the Bible, he acknowledges the work of many, often anonymous, human hands in the Bible's creation, and in so doing avoids making the Bible into a science textbook, or an unquestionable fountain of morality. And because he is freed from such solemn bibliolatry, Davis is able to make amusing quips in his quest to bring up the incongruent elements of the biblical narratives censored in Sunday school, while attempting to retain the nugget o' knowledge hidden therein. There are two or three places, where I spotted a factual slip-up, one having to do with his treatment of early Islam nearing the end (a outre statement about Hassan and Hussayn), and another in reference to the Gospels when he cites the possibility that it may have been a rich man entering heaven when a cable enters the eye of a needle rather than a camel (from another reading, there was a Jewish oral tradition from the Talmud which had a parallel statement, except with a different animal). But given that his work is not directed at specialists, and given the rather weak defense he gives at the end for believing in the God of the Bible (it's about the capital F- Faith! Eternal life sounds better than the rest egh? So you betta' believe it!), one shouldn't expect anything more than a distillation of the work of other authors, bound to have a few slip-ups due to unfamiliarity.

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Summary: Poor Choice for any Occasion
Review: Three of the most influential extra-Biblical books ever written are:

1. Loving God (Charles Colson). 2. The Body (Charles Colson). 3. Kingdoms in Conflict (Charles Colson).

These Bible commentaries provide immense knowledge, pleasure, and joy:

1. Thru the Bible (J. Vernon McGee)--Old and New Testament. 2. Bible Exposition Commentary (Warren Wiersbe)--New Testament. 3. New Unger Bible Dictionary (Merrill Unger)--Critical Dictionary. 4. Complete Biblical Library (World Library Press)--New Testament. 5. Christian in Complete Armour (William Gurnall)--Ephesians. 6. Barnes Notes on Revelation (Albert Barnes)--Revelation. 7. The Prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation (Uriah Smith). 8. Matthew Henry (Matthew Henry)--Old and New Testament.

Modern Biblical Scholars are expertly educated on:

1. Religious Doctrine. 2. Biblical Criticism. 3. Form Criticism. 4. Cultural Anthropology and Archaeology.

J. Vernon McGee and Warren Wiersbe in particular, are superbly educated scholars who give readers both a secular and religious overview of each book of the Bible (especially, J. Vernon McGee).

Don't Know Much About the Bible is a POOR choice for any occasion.