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Summary: CHANGE YOUR PARADIGM ABOUT THE WORLD'S GREATEST BOOK
Review: As a bible student, I always appreciate a new perspective about the world's greatest book. Kenneth C. Davis's work lets us all understand some vital points of this book. I will not mention them to you, but you will browse some of these in the other reviews. You will learn some interesting points such as - Who was the first people? Why are their two accounts of Adam and Eve? You will definitely enjoy these fine points he makes. This is among the best books ever written about the bible without getting into heavy doctrine.
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Summary: A book that tells how the Bible really fits in History!
Review: Mr. Davis does an excellent job of telling how the Bible fits into History. So many times I have had questions about who really wrote the Bible, and how much of it fits into what we know from History. Most people just say "God wrote it". It is the perfect book for people who like to know the facts and don't just blindly follow a religion. Mr. Davis is sensitive to all religions in his book and I feel I could recommend this book to anyone of any religion. It is very interesting , funny, and enlightening. I hope to see more books by this talented teacher. Maybe about the History of Western Civilization.
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Summary: excellent read
Review: While many people seem to think this book was meant to sway you to a certain view point on the Bible, I think they have forgotten Mr. Davis' position: he is a historian taking a factual look at what the Bible says. If archeology and various other sources have proven that a certain event happened and then the Bible says something else happened...well, it makes you wonder. If you are interested in learning more about the book, then this is a good place to start. An easy read, entertaining, and worth it's price. It definately encouraged me to look a little deeper into what people believe and what is true.
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Summary: An honest and enlightened review
Review: Davis's book is a great overview and an honest look at an ancient way of life. The people in biblical times just as we do now created a coping mechanism to alliviate fear and confusion. Davis cuts through to the human qualities of the bible. The emotionally negative reviewers of this book still live in fear and intolerance.
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Summary: Good Introduction to the "Good Book", But Falls Short
Review: Although I thoroughly enjoy the "Don't Know Much About..." series by Kenneth Davis, his latest installment, "DKMA the Bible" falls short in its attempt to explain the historical aspect -- and in some cases contradictions -- of the most influential book in the world. Davis raises many good points, especially in the section on the Old Testament, but fails to deliver on several occasions. For example, he never really discusses the extended lifespans of the Patriarchs, especially Methuselah; nor does he explain the words "Sheol" and "Gehenna", two different words and concepts for hell; lastly, you would think that the Psalm verse "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" would appear as one of the most famous quotes in the Psalms section (not to mention appropriate to the book!). The biggest disservice is in the section on the book of Revelation -- it's glossed over so quickly, you would think that Davis wishes to avoid any kind of controversy regarding interpretation of this 'prophetic' book. Finally, he implies answering questions that are sometimes never truly addressed. However, I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to explore the Bible; Davis' historical contexts and breakdown of books like the four Gospels is wonderful. But don't expect miracles!
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Summary: The Bible from an ATHEIST'S point of view
Review: This is an ultra-liberal politically correct attempt to discredit the Bible and its teachings. The author has no credentials to write such a book, and it shows. Since when does a book on history or geography make one a theologist? All he does is tout his own biased views and attempt to ridicule and tear down that which Christians and Jews believe.I would definitely recommend avoiding this book. Unless you are a liberal or an atheist and want to "feel good" about your lack of belief in God.
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Summary: A Good Try, But This Book Falls Short
Review: The author has a good grasp of the English language, but I think this kind of book will impress the less studied. I found that this book stoops to controversy far too often in an attempt to keep the reader interested. Omissions (One example: His coverage of the Gnostic Gospels from Nag Hammadi- He mentions the kissing between Jesus & Mary, but the author failed to mention that the Gospel of Thomas is anti-feminist & that gospel quotes Jesus as saying that women are not worthy of life... unless they are made male. This statement was out of step with any other quotation attributed to Jesus. That was one good reason why this document was excluded from Canon. It was viewed as inaccurate) are understandable to a certain degree, but his choice of material is not always balanced. I think too much attention has been given to Biblical skepticism, while at the same time failing to provide a balanced counterpoint. Believe me, the arguments are there... if you want a balanced point of view, which is absent in much of this book. There are many other topics to cover, which is too much for this limited forum. This book will impress the kind of people that dabble in the Bible as well as other spiritual texts (Judeo-Christian or otherwise), without going in depth or even be truly balanced. If this is the kind of reader you are, then this book is for you. Jack of all trades & master of none? I would not make this book the centerpiece of Biblical study, but a small part of the many textbooks on the subject. The subject of Judeo-Christian theology is truly vast and the truth is out there, not in this book.
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Summary: Everyone can learn from this book
Review: Ken Davis does a great job with a very complex subject. He manages to keep it interesting, as if telling a story, without making an moral judgements. I believe that novices and religious scholars alike will benefit from this book. I got a copy for our parish priest.
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Summary: A very balanced look at the Bible
Review: It's telling that some of the reviewers of this book feel that Davis is condemning the Bible and other reviewers feel that he has a sympathetic view towards the Bible. That's because this is not a religious book per se. It isn't written with the aim to present a particular view. Instead, this is simply a fairly balanced look at what the Bible actually says. What the reader wishes to believe is a decision left to the reader. This attempt at being an objective view of the scriptures is unique amongst most books on religious matters, which often have a particular point of view. Kenneth Davis writes well, and the book is an easy read. Certainly much easier to wade through than the Bible. So if you've not familiar with the Bible, this would serve as a good starting point. You can then go to the Bible on the points that are of greatest interest. My only real complaints with the book are that 1) the book doesn't always give specific verse numbers with its presentations, making the reader do a little unnecessary work in tracking down the passage. And 2) it doesn't go into enough detail on some of the more interesting topics. Perhaps it could have been divided into a version for each testament. I'd give it 4 1/2 stars were that choice available.
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Summary: Don't know as much as I thought I did...
Review: I found this fascinating. I've read the Bible many times in my life and always took it for granted, on faith. This book didn't take away from my faith, in fact at the conclusion of the book the author points out how long God/the Bible has survived whereas other religions have gone by the wayside. The book does make you think, and it made me want to reread it and I find myself saying "yea, oh, yea I read that too!"
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